Instead, they can just raise their wrist and talk into the watch in order to speak with Apple's digital assistant. Shortcuts for Siri are also coming to Apple Watch, which allows users to set custom Siri commands that will appear on their watch. They can also customize the way buttons appear in the Apple Watch's Control Center. Apple said more third-party apps are coming to the Apple Watch. Now, third party apps can play background audio, which means users can sync their audio books, playlists and guided meditations to their Apple Watch, and they'll play continuously in the background.

The Apple Watch is about to get another big tune-up, and it won't surprise you to hear that the focus is on fitness. Apple has unveiled watchOS 5, and there's a slew of updates for more competitive types. There's now automatic workout detection -- not a new feature on smartwatches, but helpful if you've ever forgotten to tap your watch before starting a run. You'll also have week-long competitions with friends, hiking and yoga workouts, a rolling mile pace and cadence (steps per minute) tracking. Siri sees some important improvements as well.

Why do you need to say Siri when you've already got your Apple Watch hovering right in front of your face? Soon, you won't have to . WatchOS 5 will drop the need for you to vocally summon Siri, instead, as soon as your raise your device up, it'll start listening to your requests, questions and messaging apps. It'll also stop those awkward Siri requests that seem to raise your phone, watch, iPad and HomePod in one single, horrific instant. Follow all the latest news from WWDC 2018 here!

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) will host its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) next week, beginning with a big keynote speech at 10 a.m. This event, a five-day conference at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California, focuses on developers and the changes in Apple's software that will affect their work. Apple's other big annual event typically occurs in September and focuses on the unveiling of new iPhones and Apple Watches. Often Apple executives also take time during WWDC to update people on certain new services and products outside of smartphones and smartwatches. For example, last year Apple unveiled its HomePod smart speaker, the iPad Pro 10.5, updates to the MacBook line, updates to the iMac line, and an all-new iMac Pro.