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We gathered the watchOS 9 supported devices, release date, new features, and more in this article. Although the watchOS 9 news did not provide any information about when the new Apple Watch will be released or other future Apple Watch wearable hardware details, there is something to be said for improved software. The Apple Watch’s great every year because of watchOS, one of its main supporting pillars.
There will be a beta for smartwatches, as well as some minor changes to the UI. It’s expected that watchOS 9 will become publicly available in the fall, but until then, here’s everything you need to know about watchOS 9 features and betas, as well as supported devices and what it all means for Apple Watch 8.
watchOS 9 supported devices
As for watchOS 9-supported gadgets, Apple threw us a curveball. At the very least, we knew that the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE would be able to use watchOS 9. But the Apple Watch 3, which is still available new from Apple, isn’t eligible for an update.
Otherwise, watchOS 9 will be available for the Apple Watch 4, Apple Watch 5, and Apple Watch 6. And as usual, watchOS 9 will be free to download. Software upgrades from Apple are not charged for.
watchOS 9 release date
There is currently no release date for watchOS 9. Apple typically releases new versions of watchOS in the fall, around the same time it unveils its next smartwatch.
Before the final version of watchOS 9 is released, betas will most likely be available to developers and public testers. The developer version was launched on June 6th, while the general public version will come out in July. For comparison, watchOS 8’s first public beta debuted on July 1st, 2021.
watchOS 9 new watch faces
There are four new watch faces in watchOS 9, which is a lot for one update. The Lunar face, for example, now includes the ability to follow the Islamic calendar.
The third set of faces includes a childlike, animated digital clock by artist Joy Fulton, as well as the Metropolitan watch face, which has a typeface that spreads and several color options.
More complications are being added to watches, as well as the option to pin favorite applications. The Portrait face now recognizes canines and cats.
watchOS 9 running and other workout features
The Apple Watch is proving to be a compelling alternative to the finest running watches. With more features for tracking your running and development, there are more ways to keep track of your activity. Stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time will now appear in an improved live workout interface.
Heart rate zones are a new indicator included in Apple Watch exercise tracking. Heart rate zones can help you understand your intensity levels and judge how hard you’re working (and whether you’re recovering correctly) during exercise by monitoring them.
The new Custom workout feature will take heart rate zones into account. Personal training can help you run more efficiently by providing structure to your routine and sending alerts to your wrist depending on your heart rate and distance. You’ll also utilize a power target or a targeted effort in a zone you can sustain. Your Apple Watch will automatically be able to compare your performance over time on that route if you run the same way often.
Finally, triathletes will be able to use a new Multisport exercise type that can seamlessly switch between swimming, cycling and running.
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watchOS 9 Medications app
With a new Medical app, iPhone users may keep track of and manage medicines right on their wrists. While the Health app is where most of the medication management action will take place, Apple Watch users can be alerted or reminded to take medicine using notifications or reminders.
When you add a drug to the Health app, it notifies you of any potential drug interactions or other critical issues with the medicines you take. If you have a caregiver or family member who watches over you, trusted individuals can also look at your medication data.
watchOS 9 sleep cycles
Apple Watch sleep tracking has improved gradually since it first debuted two years ago. In watchOS 9, the Sleep app is added for sleep stage or sleep cycle tracking. The Apple Watch should now be able to recognize your sleep stage thanks to data collected by the accelerometer and heart rate monitor. You’ll be able to see how much time you spent in each phase of sleep over the course of the night, as well as when you woke up.
Apple is also providing users with the option to participate in the Apple Heart and Movement Study through the Research app.
watchOS 9 AFib History
Those with an Apple Watch 4 or newer (minus the Apple Watch SE) have been able to check for signs of atrial fibrillation. Those who have been diagnosed with AFib can now examine their past electrocardiograms (ECGs) to see how often they spend in AFib. Users using the Health app will be able to assess whether their other habits or actions contribute to AFib. Furthermore, users will be able to share their AFib History data with their physicians as part of the medical sharing functionality that was launched last year.
