Why watchOS 2’s Release Makes Apple Watch a Timely Buy

With watchOS 2 available to customers as of Sept. 21, after a five-day delay, the company’s software-hardware combination is now a complete package.

One of the best reasons to get an Apple Watch now is that its latest operating system, watchOS 2, is now running on the device. With watchOS 2, users will find more customization options for watch faces, as well as a nightstand mode that allows the smartwatch to double as an alarm clock. Perhaps most importantly, Apple has untethered the Apple Watch from iPhone by adding native app support. It’s a great update.

One of the most convenient ways to pay for products is through mobile wallets. Realizing that, Apple customers have increasingly turned to Apple Pay to make purchases. What’s nice about the Apple Watch is that it fully supports Apple Pay, so users can make purchases from the device. Anyone who’s already using Apple Pay on iPhone might find a lot to like on Apple Watch.

Apple made the smart move of hitting all price points with Apple Watch. Whether it’s the cheap Apple Watch Sport customers want or the gold Edition version on the high end, Apple Watch has all of the pricing bases covered. Apple Watch Sport, for instance, starts at $349, while the highest-end edition is available for $17,000. Several models are available between those two price points.

Although there are several fitness trackers on the market that do a great job of analyzing a person’s health and wellness, Apple Watch may just do it better. The chief reason for that is that Apple has opened up the wearable to work with third-party developers looking to use its features to analyze health. So, in addition to already-capable health apps, in the coming months, users should expect many more fitness-related programs to make their way to the smartwatch. That is good news for fitness fanatics.

Apple has made several new watch bands available, allowing folks to customize the look and feel of the company’s smartwatch more than ever. At its special press event on Sept. 9, Apple said that it has partnered with high-end designer Hermes for new bands. The company has also offered some new styles of its own watchbands.

When Apple Watch launched, there was a general sense that it was for early adopters, or other “geeky” individuals, who couldn’t get enough of Apple products. But over time, Apple has found its way into the fashion business with Apple Watch. The device has been on the cover of Vogue magazine and has become a fashion statement. Anyone looking for a stylish add-on to their wardrobe may find something to like in Apple Watch.

Although there are several competitors on the market, including Pebble Time and Microsoft Band, Apple Watch is already the top-selling smartwatch in the space, and there are no signs of it slowing down. Competition for the smartwatch business is weak, to say the least. And it’s hard to recommend that consumers buy any other device than Apple’s.

When Apple Watch first launched, it was criticized for odd bugs, including an inability to adequately read a person’s heart rate. The device also suffered from software bugs that caused, according to some users, random crashes of built-in apps and sluggish performance. While the problems were not widespread, they were a bit damaging to Apple Watch sales, according to analysts. Since then, Apple has addressed those troubles and is now in much better shape to provide a nice experience to customers.

People hoping to get a better handle on their personal health will find a lot to like in Apple Watch, now that the iPhone maker has opened its platform to the enterprise. Indeed, several major health care providers are looking at the Apple Watch SDK to determine how to use it for everything from diabetes monitoring to heart examinations. Those suffering from certain health issues may find Apple Watch to (literally) be a life saver.

If you’ve been waiting to get an Apple Watch because of apps, it’s time to reconsider. Now that watchOS 2 is available to owners, application developers are ready and willing to bring far more programs to the wearable. That will mean more interesting Apple Watch experiences and a greater likelihood of customers getting what they want out of the device. Apps are critical to Apple Watch’s success, and they’re only growing in numbers as time goes on.