This story is part of WWDC 2022, CNET’s full coverage of and about Apple’s annual developer conference.
WatchOS 9, the next major software update for Apple Watch, will bring many new ways to keep track of your health. Apple previewed the update on Monday during its annual global developer conference, where it showcased new fitness features for runners, better sleep tracking, a drug tracking app, and new watch dials.
The ad shows Apple’s focus on health and fitness as key selling points for the Apple Watch. New sleep tracking and performance metrics should help Apple close the capacity gap between its smartwatches and rival devices from companies such as Fitbit, Samsung, Garmin and Oura. The update will debut in the fall for the Apple Watch Series 4 and above. A developer preview is available immediately, while a public beta will be released next month.
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With WatchOS 9, the Apple Watch will provide new metrics designed to help runners better understand their performance and reduce the risk of injury. These include vertical swing, stride length, and ground contact time. A new workout view will allow you to see more information at a glance, such as segments, divisions, and elevation.
Heart rate zones will give you a deeper insight into the intensity of your workout on WatchOS 9. And a new multi-sport training option will allow triathletes to easily switch between running, biking and swimming. Apple is also adding a custom exercise option that allows for interval training that incorporates rest.
Apple is also improving its sleep analysis by bringing Sleep Stages to its smartwatches. As its name suggests, Sleep Stages will tell you how much time you have spent in REM, core and deep sleep. Fitbit trackers from Fitbit, Samsung and other companies have previously offered this feature, so this addition should extend the Apple Watch.
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WatchOS 9 will provide some improvements in the detection of atrial fibrillation. The Apple Watch will now be able to provide more context with a new feature called AFib History, which tracks the frequency and other trends related to heart disease.
A new medication app arrives on WatchOS 9. The app is designed to make it easier to register medications and set periodic reminders to take specific medications and vitamins, even without an Apple Watch. You can add drugs by scanning a label or typing the name manually. The app will also display information about drug interactions.
The update will provide four new clock dials and support for six new keyboard languages. The new areas of the clock are called Lunar, Playtime, Metropolitan and Astronomy. Other features include less distracting notifications when the Apple Watch is in use, new quick actions to answer calls, or take a photo with a double-tap gesture, and a redesigned base that prioritizes currently used apps.
New software updates for major Apple products are often the centerpiece of WWDC. Apple is using its inaugural conference as an opportunity to generate excitement for new features and updates before the software arrives later this year. While most of the conference is held virtually this year, Apple hosted a special event for developers and students on Monday at its Apple Park campus.
Apple has maintained its leading position in the smartwatch industry. Apple accounted for 36.1% of smart watch shipments in the first quarter of 2022, up 35.9% from the same period last year, according to Counterpoint Research. Apple accounted for 28.9% of basic shipments of watches and smart watches in the first quarter of 2022, according to a report by research firm Canalys.
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To learn more about Apple’s top WWDC announcements, see everything we’ve learned about iOS 16 and MacOS Ventura.