Apple Watch's Theater Mode dims the display, mutes sound, disables raise-to-wake and blocks visual notifications, requiring a screen tap or button press to wake it. Unlike Do Not Disturb, it keeps haptic vibrations active so wearers still feel notifications arrive. Users enable it by tapping the side button to open Control Center and selecting the comedy-tragedy mask icon, and must manually turn it off since there's no automatic timer or event-based shutoff.
Apple has released a new release candidate build (24S118) of watchOS 27.2 for developers and public beta testers, replacing the earlier RC build 24S5101f issued days before. The change comes ahead of Apple's broader 27.2 software rollout, expected early next week alongside iOS, iPadOS and tvOS updates.
Starting October 23, Orangetheory Fitness members can pay a one-time $99 fee to connect their personal Apple Watch directly to the gym's proprietary performance-tracking system, called OTconnect for Apple Watch. The feature displays real-time calories burned, heart rate, heart rate zones and Splat Points on the wrist during class, with fuller data available afterward in the OTF app and via email. The fee also includes up to two free months of Apple Music and Apple Fitness+.
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 includes an orange action button near the speaker grille that lets users trigger a single assigned command instantly, bypassing menus other Apple Watch models require. The button can also activate an emergency siren to help attract attention in dangerous situations, and it supports a range of assignable commands that pair with new automation features in watchOS 27 and iOS 27.
A review of Apple Watch usage explains that watchOS manages background processes and system caches largely on its own, unlike the periodic reboots recommended for other devices. Apple recommends a restart mainly when storage is too full for a software update, and users can manually clear cached web data through Settings. Hands-on testing found some Apple Watches ran for years without a manual restart and showed no notable performance decline, since watchOS reboots already occur with each software update.
A reviewer testing Hatch's contactless Sleep Clock compared its sleep duration and stage readings against an Apple Watch Series 12 and Oura Ring 5, finding duration estimates mostly aligned but sleep-stage data more variable. The device requires precise placement 2 to 4 feet from the sleeper with a clear line of sight, and it only tracks the person closest to it, unlike dual-sleeper systems such as Eight Sleep.
Military.com reported that Air Force veteran David Aladejobi received an Apple Watch notification suggesting possible sleep apnea, which he initially dismissed. After reflecting on his snoring and headaches, he shared the alert with his doctor, leading to a sleep lab referral and a formal sleep apnea diagnosis requiring a CPAP machine.
A tech reviewer testing Apple Watch Series 12 alongside Apple's redesigned Health app says the software lacks a feature found on WHOOP: measuring a 'day' from sleep cycle to sleep cycle rather than the standard midnight-to-midnight clock. The new Health app, which includes features like Readiness and Health Age, briefly appeared in an iOS 27.2 beta before being pulled, with Apple saying it will return in a later beta ahead of a full release this year.
Apple has introduced HomeView, a $299 smart display resembling an oversized Apple Watch mounted on a HomePod Mini base. The device is designed to sit permanently in one spot in the home, staying powered on and unlocked, and supports switching between multiple household users' accounts for controlling Apple Home devices, calendars and music.
A review of AppleCare+ costs for the Apple Watch SE finds that three years of coverage runs just under $90, rising to $159 with one accidental damage claim and $209 with a theft or loss claim. Out-of-warranty repairs on the SE 3 cost $99 for a battery and $199 for other damage on the GPS model, or $229 for cellular models, with no theft option available without coverage.
Amazon is offering steep discounts on M5 Pro MacBook Pro configurations, including $600 off a 2TB 14-inch model and $500 off a 16-inch 24GB model. Both deals bring prices below Apple's pre-price-hike list prices from June. Other current deals include AirPods Pro 3 at $50 off, AirPods Max 2 at $120 off, the M6 Mac mini near $150 off, and a $199 clearance price on a Black Titanium Apple Watch Ultra 3.
A review piece assesses whether the Apple Watch Series 10, released in 2024, still makes sense to purchase in 2026. It notes the watch has already received three major watchOS updates and compares its chip to the newer S11 found in the Series 12, which reportedly doubles RAM to 4GB and improves sensor accuracy.
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