In addition to announcing iOS 16, Apple just revealed the latest version of its smartwatch software, watchOS 9, and the improvements that are coming to the Apple Watch this year.
Similarly to the new iPhone lock screen, the Apple Watch will be getting customisable watch faces that you can set up to show you the most useful information at a glance. It’s also getting new performance metrics to provide more in-depth workout insights, updates to the Workout app, a medication tracker and more.
Here are some of the highlights watchOS 9 is bringing to Apple Watch.
New Watch Faces
WatchOS 9 will add four new faces: Astronomy, which shows a continuously updating 3D model of the Earth, moon and solar system; Playtime, a bright and interactive design; Lunar, depicting the relationship between the Gregorian and lunar calendars; and Metropolitan, a classic watch face that changes as you turn the Digital Crown.
For anyone who’d prefer to have a photo as their watch face, the Portraits face has been improved to showcase depth effects on photos of cats, dogs and even landscapes.
Workout App Updates
Tracking your fitness will soon be even easier when the Workout app is updated with new training experiences and richer metrics for measuring performance. Custom Workouts is a new feature that creates a structured workout for you with in-built work and rest intervals. And it will be even easier to see the information you need in the middle of an intense workout, because you’ll be able to rotate between workout views with the Digital Crown in watchOS 9.
The Workout app will also introduce Heart Rate Zones to monitor the intensity of your workouts, and new alerts will help you stay on target for heart rate, pace, power and cadence.
New Running Metrics
WatchOS 9 will be an even more powerful tool for runners by measuring your stride length, ground contact time and vertical oscillation. Your stats will be recorded in the Fitness app summary and the Health app, giving you an insight into your running performance over time.
You’ll also be able to race against your best or last time, and get alerts during your run to let you know when you’re ahead, falling behind or going off route.
Track Your Medications
If you struggle to take your meds at the same time every day, the new Medications app will help you stay on top of your medications, vitamins and supplements. The app will let you create a list of what to take and when, and send you reminders when it’s time. It also shows you information on each medication sourced from Elsevier, a leading publisher of health and science information.
Improved Sleep Tracking
The Sleep app will soon be able to detect when you’re in REM, Core or Deep sleep and show you detailed information on your heart and respiratory rate throughout the night.
The watchOS 9 release date is scheduled for Spring 2022 and you can sign up for the public beta to be one of the people to experience the new Apple Watch features.
