New Mindfulness App

Five years ago, Apple unveiled a new Breathe app in watchOS 3 as an effort to help users focus on a commonly neglected aspect of their fitness: relaxing and unwinding by stepping back from your work and stress and taking a few deep breaths.

The Breathe app has generally remained unchanged in the years since, although Lynch notes that it’s been growing in popularity, no doubt as the world gets more stressful. Hence, in watchOS 8, Apple will be expanding it into a new “Mindfulness” app.

By the looks of it, on one side the Mindfulness app will include the same features as Breathe, but it will add a new “Reflect” mode to help prompt users to be mindful and meditate in a whole new way.

When using the Reflect feature, the Apple Watch will prompt you to think about certain things, such as “something you love to do and why it brings you joy,” and then display a gentle animation to help you focus and take your mind off whatever is stressing you out at the moment. As Lynch explains, these regular mindful moments will lead to an increase in positive emotions and well-being.