WWDC's big keynote is happening tonight (or this morning, depending on where you are in the world) at 10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 6pm BST. But it looks like a few sneaky secrets have been revealed already, from Apple itself.
Developer Khaos Tian has been keeping any eye on the App Store manifest, and has spotted references to new app bundle identifiers, suggesting potential new apps. One new entry is ‘com.apple.Mind’, which suggests that Apple may be expanding its health and wellness offerings, possibly with some sort of mindfulness app for the Apple Watch (see our best mindfulness apps for more options, or the best Apple Watch deals if you don't already have the wearable).
Looks like someone deployed the new profile for App Store too early? Want to guess what “https://t.co/nhhpJFmZbJ.Mind” is on watchOS? pic.twitter.com/BarzoJtovqJune 5, 2021
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The Breathe app – which does what it says on the tin and encourages you to breathe for 60 seconds – already exists for the Watch, but this seems like a different offering.
It's no secret that Apple is dipping its toe in the world of mindfulness. It has already said it is introducing Background Sounds like the sea, rain and stream sounds to help "users focus, stay calm or rest". If these sounds are integrated into this new Mind app, or an updated Breathe app, then that could be good news for those who want their tech to help their mental state.
And relax.... (Image credit: Apple/Future Owns)
In other news, it also looks as if a Tips and a Contacts app could be coming in WatchOS 8, judging by new entries 'com.apple.NanoTips' and 'com.apple.NanoContacts' ('Nano' is usually used as the name for Apple Watch apps). Tips and Contacts already exist on the iPhone, but having them as separate apps for the Watch could make it even more independent from the iPhone.
The good news is there's not long to wait to find out. You can watch the live stream of WWDC 2021 below:
Rosie Hilder is Creative Bloq's Deputy Editor. After beginning her career in journalism in Argentina – where she worked as Deputy Editor of Time Out Buenos Aires – she moved back to the UK and joined Future Plc in 2016. Since then, she's worked as Operations Editor on magazines including Computer Arts, 3D World and Paint & Draw and Mac|Life. In 2018, she joined Creative Bloq, where she now assists with the daily management of the site, including growing the site's reach, getting involved in events, such as judging the Brand Impact Awards, and helping make sure our content serves the reader as best it can.
