Because many of Apple’s devices are essentially software-dependent touch screens, the company’s World Developers Conference is when we can really see all the new features and functionality coming to its hardware, including the Apple Watch and the new watchOS 9.
Many of the software updates coming to Apple’s popular wearable are designed to take better advantage of the larger screens introduced in recent models, but also include enhancements to Apple’s already impressive health and fitness tracking capabilities. Watch.
Clock dials that make better use of larger screens
Screenshot: Apple
The most obvious reason to upgrade to the latest version of watchOS year after year is the introduction of new watch dials to give new life to your wearable, as they can still only come from Apple itself. For watchOS 9, there are four new clock dials en route. These have been redesigned to better fill the larger screen of the device, including an astronomy face, a lunar calendar face, and one that promises to celebrate the typography of the dials of the clock and even allows users to adjust the size. of the sources interactively simply by turning the digital crown.
Improved training metrics for runners
Screenshot: Apple
It didn’t take long for Apple to realize that fitness tracking would be the bread and butter of the Apple Watch, even if it was the killer wearables app since its first debut. For watchOS 9, the Apple Watch will use its accelerometer and gyroscope to track a runner’s shape, stride length, and ground contact time, and introduces the ability to specify zones. of heart rate, as well as distance and time intervals, with vibrant haptic feedback. and voice alerts let users know they’ve reached a goal and need to change things.
The Apple Watch Fitness app, which has long been available exclusively on mobile devices, is also finally coming to iOS and the iPhone, taking advantage of the smartphone’s motion detection technology to track metrics and performance (as long as an athlete carries or carries the device on their person).
More detailed sleep monitoring
Screenshot: Apple
With watchOS 8, users were offered the option to choose to wear their device at night to keep track of their sleep frequency during sleep and monitor whether the average night’s sleep increased or decreased week by week. With watchOS 9, the Apple Watch has the added ability to detect and measure different stages of sleep, such as REM, core, deep sleep, and even when someone is awake.
Reminders and drug alerts for bad drug interactions
Screenshot: Apple
If there was any doubt that Apple was all about treating the Apple Watch as a legitimate medical device, watchOS 9 will also introduce drug tracking. Users can physically scan the label of a medicine bottle with their iPhone’s camera, and it will be added and tracked through the iPhone Health app, with the Apple Watch providing reminders when taking medication (including registration when you do) and possible conflicts. among different types of medications you may be currently taking. You can also share medication information with your loved ones.
Updating as more information arrives.