Reporting from cnet and digitaltrends, Apple will launch WatchOS 9, the next major software upgrade for the Apple Watch, will bring many new ways to track your health. Apple previewed the update Monday during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference, where it showcased new fitness features for runners, better sleep tracking, an app to track medication, and a new watch face.
The announcement demonstrates Apple's focus on health and wellness as a key selling point for the Apple Watch. The new sleep tracking and walk metrics will help Apple close the gap in capabilities between its smartwatches and rival devices from companies like Fitbit, Samsung, Garmin, and Oura. The update will debut in the fall for Apple Watch Series 4 and up. The developer preview is available soon, while the public beta will launch next month.
With WatchOS 9, Apple Watch will gain new metrics meant to help runners better understand their performance and reduce the risk of injury. These include vertical oscillation, stride length and ground contact time. The new workout view will let you see more information at a glance, such as segments, splits, and elevations.
Heart rate zones will give you deeper insight into your workout intensity on WatchOS 9. And new multi-sport training options will allow triathletes to easily switch between running, cycling, and swimming tracking. Apple also added a custom workout option, which allows interval training that includes rest.
Which Apple watch series will get the watchOS 9 update? Check compatibility below
The Apple Watch Series 3, which debuted alongside the iPhone 7 in 2017, didn't qualify this year. So, if you're planning to upgrade to watchOS 9, you'll need an Apple Watch Series 4 or later. This includes the Apple Watch SE, released alongside the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020.
However, even when a new Apple Watch model comes out each year, Apple keeps the Series 3 as an affordable version, ensuring that it will continue to run the latest watchOS releases, even if it doesn't support features like Series 4 ECG, Series 5 always-on display, or sensors. blood oxygen Series 6.
However, the slower chip and lower storage capacity of the Apple Watch Series 3 proved to be a challenge even for watchOS 7, and older Apple Watch models have been on our "don't buy" list for a while. It's only a matter of time before Apple gives in and unplugs it instead of trying to install another watchOS update to its aging wearable.
Although Apple is still selling the Apple Watch Series 3, rumors of its death have been circulating. WatchOS 9 hasn't been released yet, but it's fair to say that when it comes out with this year's Apple Watch in the Fall, the Series 3 will finally launch. It went well. Apple hasn't sold another Apple Watch model for more than two years, but the Series 3 has been on the market for five.
The update will bring 4 new watch faces and support for six new keyboard languages. The new watch faces are called Lunar, Playtime, Metropolitan, and Astronomy. Other features include less intrusive notifications when Apple Watch is in use, new Quick Actions for answering a call or taking a photo with a double pinch gesture, and a redesigned dock that prioritizes the app in use.
WatchOS 9 will bring several improvements to atrial fibrillation detection. Apple Watch will now be able to provide more context with a new feature called AFib history, which tracks frequency and other trends related to heart conditions.
The new Medication app is coming to WatchOS 9. This app is meant to make it easier to take medication and set regular reminders to take certain medications and vitamins, even without an Apple Watch. You can add a medication by scanning the label or manually typing the name. The app will also display information about drug interactions.
Apple is also improving its sleep analysis by bringing Sleep Stages to its smartwatches. As the name implies, Sleep Stages will tell you how much time you spent in REM, core, and deep sleep. Fitness trackers from Fitbit, Samsung, and other companies have previously offered this feature, so this addition will speed up the Apple Watch.
