Apple today unveiled its next watchOS 9 update at WWDC. The new update includes improvements to the clock dials, training application, sleep stages, a first-of-its-kind AFib history, and medication tracking.
watchOS 9 includes four new watch dials. These include Lunar, Playtime, Metropolitan and Astronomy. watchOS 9 also includes updates to existing watch dials; Portraits face now highlights the depth effect of photos with cats, dogs, and landscapes, while some of the classic clock dials like Modular, Modular Compact, and X-Large now include customizable background colors and gradients.
WatchOS 9 Watch Beads
The Workout app has been updated to show more information and metrics. Adding custom workouts allows you to create a structured workout with custom work and rest intervals. New alerts can also be added, such as rhythm, power, heart rate, and cadence.
For triathletes, the Workout app now supports a new type of multi-sport workout that automatically switches between any sequence of swimming, cycling, and running workouts, using motion sensors to recognize movement patterns.
For runners, watchOS 9 now shows additional running metrics, such as stride length, ground contact time, and vertical swing, to help you improve your running. Those who run on frequently used routes can now compete against their best or last previous result. A new rhythm mode tells you the pace you need for a selected distance and time target.
Apple has improved sleep tracking with the introduction of sleep stages. The Apple Watch can now provide a breakdown of REM, Core, and Deep sleep into the app.
WatchOS 9 then provides the history of AFib for those diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The Apple Watch can now track your heart rate for AFib and show how often your heart rate shows signs of AFib. Users will receive weekly notifications and a detailed history in the Health app. You can download a PDF to share with your doctors.
Finally, watchOS 9 also adds medications, which allow you to manage and keep track of your medications and supplements, with schedules and reminders. In the U.S., you will also receive alerts if there are possible critical interactions with medications that have been added to the Health app.
Other new features include kickboard detection and SWOLF scoring for swimmers, support for the Home app in family settings, new quick actions, Apple Watch Mirroring to control the clock using iPhone support features, and notifications redesigned.
watchOS 9 will be available on compatible Apple Watch models later this year.
Font