watchOS 9: The most important innovations in the Apple Watch operating system

In addition to iPhones, iPads and Macs, Apple Watch models will also enjoy a retread of the operating system. watchOS 9 was officially announced as part of WWDC 2022 and comes up with practical detail improvements to the health functions in particular.

watchOS 9 with exciting new features

At the launch of watchOS 9 in the fall of 2022, among other things, four new watch faces will find their way onto Apple Watch models of Series 4 or newer. Okay, give it a rest. Much more exciting are the new functions.

These include the sleep app, which finally divides the tracking into sleep phases. Thanks to the subdivision into light, deep or REM sleep phases, the sleep quality can be assessed much better.

The Workout app also receives an update, which from now on provides additional data. This includes, for example, a detailed view of the intensity of the current workout and new data in different sports, which are adapted to the individual body thanks to machine learning.

The app will also display heart rate zones in the future. In combination with adjustable alarms, you can thus switch between high-intensity intervals and recovery phases when running, for example.

Fitness app coming to iPhone

The fitness app known from the Apple Watch comes with iOS 16 directly to the iPhone and that even for all those who do not call a smartwatch of the company from Cupertino their own. Steps, distance and other parameters are tracked via the smartphone’s motion sensors.

New health features in watchOS 9

With watchOS 9, the Apple Watch also becomes even more interesting as a health tracker. For example, in the area of heart health. Here, the smartwatch will provide additional details in the future if you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.

The new operating system now tracks the time when the heart rhythm showed signs (AFib history), and the whole thing can be customized more profoundly within the Health app. The collected data can be output as a PDF directly to the responsible doctor.

In addition, Apple introduces a new medication app, in which regularly and irregularly taken medications can be inserted and even by camera scan with the smartphone. Reminders can also be created here as to when a certain medication needs to be taken. The app also provides information on possible interactions with other medications.

However, the app not only covers prescription medicine, but also vitamins or sports supplements. Similar to the fitness app, this function can also be managed directly on an iPhone without the need for an Apple Watch.

In combination with iOS 16, the medication data can also be shared with family members, for example, to keep an eye on the medication of parents or others. All health data is stored and encrypted directly on the device and cannot be shared without permission, Apple promises. In addition, Apple wants to regularly remind users in the future to check what data is being shared and with whom.

The new watchOS 9 operating system is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2022. Compatible are all Apple Watch models from Series 4 or newer. The Apple Watch Series 3, on the other hand, which is still officially sold by the company, will no longer be supported.