iOS 18’s Weather App Gets a Makeover: Enhanced ‘Feels Like’ Temperature and Convenient Location Tracking
Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 update is poised to bring several exciting new features and improvements, and the Weather app is getting a much-needed upgrade. While Apple showcased various features during the WWDC 2024 unveiling, recent reports suggest that there’s more in store for the Weather app. 9to5Mac has discovered two new features that are likely to enhance user experience and make it easier to stay informed about the weather.
iOS 18 Weather app improvements
More Prominent ‘Feels Like’ Temperature
One of the key changes is the spotlight on "Feels Like" temperature. This metric, which reflects how hot or cold the weather truly feels considering factors like humidity and wind, will now be displayed more prominently in the Weather app. Instead of requiring users to scroll down to find it, the "Feels Like" temperature will have a dedicated spot underneath the actual air temperature, ensuring users can easily see both values at a glance.
Streamlined Location Tracking
The second improvement focuses on simplifying location management. iOS 18 will enable the Weather app to harness the power of your Contacts list, automatically pulling your home and work address information. These locations will then be seamlessly added to the app’s list of tracked weather spots. This means that you’ll no longer need to manually add these crucial locations, providing a more streamlined and convenient experience for users.
The Importance of ‘Feels Like’ Temperature
While the actual air temperature is a vital piece of information, "Feels Like" temperature is just as important, if not more, for users. The heat index and wind chill, which are incorporated into the "Feels Like" calculation, can have a significant impact on how our bodies experience the weather. Knowing the "Feels Like" temperature can help you dress appropriately, protect yourself from potential heat exhaustion or hypothermia, and make informed decisions about outdoor activities.
How ‘Feels Like’ Temperature Works
The "Feels Like" temperature takes into account several factors, including:
- Air temperature: The actual temperature recorded by a weather station.
- Relative humidity: How much moisture is present in the air. Higher humidity makes the air feel warmer because it traps heat.
- Wind speed: Wind can make the air feel colder by transferring heat away from our bodies. The stronger the wind, the colder the "Feels Like" temperature.
- Air pressure: While not as impactful as humidity and wind, air pressure can also have a small impact on how the temperature feels.
Example Scenarios: Understanding the Difference
Here are a few examples to illustrate how "Feels Like" temperature can differ from the actual air temperature:
- Hot and Humid Day: The actual air temperature might be 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but with high humidity, the "Feels Like" temperature could be 100 degrees Fahrenheit or even higher. This means that it would feel like 100 degrees Fahrenheit, even though the thermometer is reading 90 degrees.
- Cold and Windy Day: The air temperature might be 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but with strong winds, the "Feels Like" could drop to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It would feel like 20 degrees even though the actual temperature is 30 degrees.
Integrating with Contacts for Seamless Location Management
The integration with Contacts addresses a key pain point for users who frequently check the weather at home and work. Previously, users would need to manually add these locations to their Weather app, which could be tedious and time-consuming. By leveraging your existing Contacts information, iOS 18 streamlines this process, ensuring that users can quickly and easily access weather updates for the locations they visit most often.
Enhancing the Weather App Experience
These new features are a significant step forward for the Weather app in iOS 18. By making "Feels Like" temperature more prominent and streamlining location tracking, Apple is making it easier for users to stay informed about the weather and plan their days accordingly. These subtle yet impactful changes position the Weather app to become a more user-friendly and essential part of the iOS experience.
Conclusion
The enhancements to the Weather app in iOS 18 demonstrate Apple’s commitment to providing users with a comprehensive and intuitive experience. By incorporating more prominent "Feels Like" temperature and simplified location management, Apple is making it easier for users to stay informed and comfortable, regardless of the conditions. As iOS 18 rolls out, users can eagerly look forward to these updates and an enhanced Weather app experience.
