if you have As an iPhone, the Apple Watch is without a doubt the best fitness tracker. The only downside (besides battery life?) is that Apple’s health software has historically been somewhat lacking. It’s not uncommon to see Apple Watch users instantly transfer their data to more useful and easier-to-operate software like Strava or Nike Run Club. But that could all change with a slew of new fitness features introduced in WatchOS 9.
If features like measuring stride and vertical vibration work as expected, they can easily turn the Apple Watch into the best running watch and the best watch for endurance athletes. In addition to a slew of brand new features on the new Series 8, there’s also collision detection and a new body temperature sensor, which will help people trying to conceive track their fertility. Here, we break down all the major new features in WatchOS 9. Don’t forget to check out our guides to the best Apple Watch and best Apple Watch accessories for more info.
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Is your Apple Watch compatible?
Can your watch download WatchOS 9? Compatible with the following models:
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Southeast (2020)
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Southeast (2022)
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch extremist
You’ll also need an iPhone that supports iOS 16, which includes the iPhone 8 (2017) or later. You can check out our iOS 16 feature roundup for instructions on how to download the new operating system on your phone.
How to install WatchOS 9
You can install WatchOS 9 in two ways: with your iPhone or Apple Watch. Whichever method you choose, you’ll want to make sure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and running iOS 16, and your Apple Watch battery is at 50% (at least). You also have to make sure your watch and iPhone are next to each other to keep them within range.
To update your watch with your iPhone, open Apple Watch app and click my watch Label. then click general > Software update and download. From there, you’ll see a progress wheel on your Apple Watch indicating that the update has started. If you choose to install updates directly on your Apple Watch, you must make sure your watch is connected to Wi-Fi.then open Settings app on your watch and tap General > Software Update > Installation.
Installing WatchOS 9 can take up to an hour, so you should make sure you don’t need access to your smartwatch during this time. If you really need it, you can choose to update your Apple Watch overnight.When you receive a notification that a new operating system is available for download, click Update tonight options. Then on your iPhone, confirm that you want to update your watch overnight. Before going to bed, make sure your iPhone and Apple Watch are charged overnight.
Health and Fitness Features
Photo: Apple
There are many improvements to the Health and Fitness app for Apple Watch. This is the lowest point.
A better workout view
Photo: Apple
To better optimize your workouts, Apple has updated its Workout app to display more stats, and you can turn the Digital Crown to cycle through different views, such as heart rate zones, activity rings, and power and altitude. You also have the option to build custom workouts, including work and rest intervals, as well as heart rate, pace, power, and cadence alerts while exercising.
Compass app
Photo: Apple
The redesigned Compass app now features a hybrid view that includes a simple analog compass showing direction and bearing, as well as a new digital compass. Turning the crown displays relevant navigation information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and slope. It also includes new orienteering features such as Waypoints and Backtrack. Tap the waypoint icon to place a marker on the point of interest. Backtrack uses GPS data to show users where they are when they are disoriented and need to turn around.
Drill down into operational metrics
Anyone using an Apple Watch while running will be happy to know that you can now track new metrics like touchdown time, stride length, and vertical vibration — all of which help improve your form. You can add them to your workout view, or view them in the fitness app summary and health app (the fitness app is finally available for iPhone with iOS 16). You can also see trends and patterns over time.
Fitness + Function
Photo: Apple
If you’ve been streaming Fitness+ workouts to a second screen (like a TV) using AirPlay instead of Apple TV, you’ll finally be able to see your heart rate, calories, and Burn Bar (if compatible) in real-time on the display. Speaking of metrics, there’s also a new “Coach Callout” feature that’s baked into your stats, like “Hard” and “All Out!” to help you increase your intensity levels as you work out.
sleep stage
Photo: Apple
Sleep tracking now shows different sleep stages. Using a heart rate sensor and accelerometer, your smartwatch will recognize when you’re in REM, core and deep sleep. You can check this data every morning using the Sleep app on your watch. More detailed breakdowns, such as sleep time, heart rate and breathing rate, and sleep comparison charts, will be synced to the Health app.
record your medications
Photo: Apple
In iOS 16, the Health app now has a new Drugs tab. You can use it to keep track of your medications, create schedules, and set reminders. These reminders will then appear on your Apple Watch (in addition to your iPhone), and you can tap the notification on your watch to record the moment you took them.
Track your AFib history
Photo: Apple
If you’ve been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, you can now enable the AFib History feature for weekly updates with deeper insights about your condition. You can see an estimate of your heart rhythm showing signs of AFib and how other factors such as exercise, sleep and alcohol may affect your AFib. You can also access a detailed history through the Health app – with the option to download a PDF to provide to your PCP. According to Apple, the feature “has received multiple local licenses and approvals from health authorities around the world and will be available in more than 100 countries and regions including the US, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Mexico, South Africa, the UK and more” . ” It will be available in Australia later this autumn.
Temperature Sensing (Series 8 and Ultra only)
Photo: Apple
The Apple Watch Series 8 features two temperature sensors (one on the back of the smartwatch near your skin and one below the display) with a new feature that helps detect changes in your body based on your temperature. While asleep, it can measure your wrist temperature to detect any differences from your baseline temperature that might be caused by things like illness or exhaustion. If you use the Health app to track your period, you will receive a “Retrospective Ovulation Estimate” to help with family planning and improve period prediction.
