Today, just six weeks after Apple Watch went on sale, Apple introduced watchOS 2, due for release this fall. The next version of Apple’s smartwatch operating system brings several new features to Apple Watch, including a faster apps, new watch faces, new communications options, third-party Complications, and improved security.

Here is a look at some of the new features in watchOS 2 for Apple Watch:

New watch faces

Users will have three new watch face options: Time-lapse lets users display a selection of dazzling time-lapse videos shot over 24 hours in iconic locations around the world; Photo lets users display a single photo from the Photos app; and Photo Album shows a different image from Favorites, or other albums, every time a user looks at the watch.

Information from third-party apps can be displayed as Complications in watchOS 2, for example, a user can see flight details from United right on the watch face.

A new feature, called Time Travel, lets users see past and future events by turning the Digital Crown. For example, users can see a weather forecast for an upcoming date, check their schedule, or catch up on news they missed.

Native Apple Watch SDK for faster, more powerful apps

With watchOS 2, developers get access to a native SDK to create apps that run directly on Apple Watch, instead of on the connected iPhone. This means apps can load faster and perform better.

App developers will be able to access and use Apple Watch features such as the Taptic Engine, Digital Crown, accelerometer, heart rate sensor, speaker, and microphone when designing apps.

The developer preview for watchOS 2 is available today.

Communication

Users will be able to add friends directly through the Friends screen and use multiple colors in Digital Touch drawings.

In Mail, users can reply to email directly from their Apple Watch and Phone will feature FaceTime Audio calls and improved audio quality for regular calls.

Other improvements include native third-party Health and Fitness apps and the ability to use Siri to start workouts.

Maps on Apple Watch will bring mass transit information, including step-by-step directions via Siri.

Siri on Apple Watch will also allow users to control HomeKit-enabled smart home accessories.

Activation Lock

Activation Lock, first introduced in iOS 7, will allow a user to remote wipe their Apple Watch if it is lost or stolen. Apple describes the feature as follows:

watchOS 2 includes Activation Lock, a new security feature. Activating your watch requires your iCloud Apple ID and password, so in the event that your Apple Watch is lost or stolen, your information remains safe.

Image via apple.com