iOS 14.3 and watchOS 7.2, the latest version of Apple’s iPhone and Apple Watch operating systems, are now available in Canada.
Although iOS 14.3 includes the expected stability improvements, Apple’s watchOS 7.2 update is a bit more interesting. The update adds a new ‘Cardio Fitness’ feature to the Apple Watch that measures VO2 max, or the maximum oxygen your body can consume during exercise.
This measurement is done over time, and the Apple Watch and iPhone then send notifications to users about changes in the maximum VO2 level.
Cardio Fitness information is available through the Apple Activity app on the Apple Watch and the Health app on the iPhone. You can review your Cardio Fitness information compared to other people in the same age group with different categories such as “high”, “above average”, “below average” or “low”.
Along with the new features above, ‘Family Settings’ is now also available on the Apple Watch with Bell.
With Family Settings, a parent’s iPhone can manage a child’s ability to connect with family and friends, make phone calls, send messages, and block activity through “School Hours” mode and more. The feature is also designed to help older adults use the Apple Watch, including remote access to features like “SOS Emergency,” “Fall Detection,” and an oversized watch face with a larger text size.
It’s worth noting that family settings require the other user to be included in your iCloud family plan, an Apple ID, and to be using a cellular version.
Regarding prices, Family configuration costs $ 10 CAD and requires setting up an additional line. It’s unclear when other Canadian carriers will offer the feature. Family Setup will likely eventually reach additional carriers, similar to the launch of the Apple Watch’s LTE connectivity.
The other major new feature included in this update is Apple Fitness +, the tech giant’s fitness subscription service that costs $ 12.99 per month or $ 99 per year.
iOS 14.3 and watchOS 7.2 haven’t made it to my iPhone 12 Pro Max and Apple Watch Series 6 yet, but it should be at the end of the day.
