At WWDC 2024, Apple unveiled a range of updates that caught the attention of tech enthusiasts. While Apple Intelligence stole the spotlight, it was a smaller, less-heralded feature that really resonated with many.
The debut of the Calculator app for iPad sparked the most excitement ahead of the AI advancements, surprising the crowd with its equation-solving capabilities. Sometimes, even the most anticipated features can take a backseat to delayed gratification.
However, for me, the most thrilling announcement during the watchOS segment was something I’ve been advocating for years. This request was born out of personal health challenges, having battled COVID four times.
The ability to pause activity rings may seem minor, but for those who obsess over fitness goals to an unhealthy extent, it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re sidelined by illness, on a long flight, or desperately shaking your wrist at 9 p.m. to close your rings, you can now pause progress directly from your Apple Watch or the connected iPhone app.
This feature offers flexibility in pausing: you can suspend your goals for a single day, specific days of the week, or entire months. While your metrics are still tracked, failing to meet your ring goals during this time won’t break your streak.
WatchOS 11 also introduces enhanced ring customization, allowing you to set different daily goals. For instance, if you designate Sundays as recovery days from marathon training, you can lower your exercise goal specifically for that day.
Most importantly, I’m relieved that I won’t have to struggle to meet my exercise targets if I contract COVID for the fifth time.