watchOS 9 — Apple Watch features, beta, compatibility and everything you need to know

Here are all the changes coming to Apple Watch in watchOS 9, which arrives September 12

watchOS 9 is not only official — it’s now available as a public beta and will be out in its full form next week. 

The update to Apple’s Apple Watch software comes packed with new features for the smartwatch including new running metrics, refreshed watch faces, an AFib History tool, added sleep-tracking data and a medication management app. There is a low power mode coming as declared as of late, as well.

The redesigns are coming to existing Apple Watch models, and that implies current clients can profit from a large number of similar highlights we hope to see on the recently reported Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE (2022).

The public beta has given you the chance to try out new features, and a full release is coming shortly, just ahead of the September 16 release of Apple’s latest smartwatches. As usual, watchOS figures to stay one reason the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch a large number of years.

Here’s everything you’ll want to know about the new features in watchOS 9. You can also read about the new Apple watch feature I am most excited for in WatchOS 9.

watchOS 9 cheat sheet: top new Apple Watch features

• NEW: Low power mode for Apple Watch Series 4 and later

• Four new Apple Watch faces

• Added running metrics

• Track heart rate zones while working out

• Atrial fibrillation history for those diagnosed with AFib

• Support for six new keyboard languages

• Sleep Stages tracking added to Sleep app

• Family Setup adds HomeKit support

• Notifications for medication management with new Medications app

• Slimline notification banners

• Redesigned Calendar app

• Redesigned Dock

• New Quick Actions with AssistiveTouch

watchOS 9 release date

The watchOS 9 beta has been getting refreshes the entire summer for both the engineer variant (which appeared in June) and the public delivery, seeming July 11.

Now it’s time for the full version. watchOS 9 arrives September 12, according to Apple. That’s four days before the release of the Apple Watch Series 8 and the new Apple Watch SE (2022). The Apple Watch Ultra, which likewise runs watchOS 9, shows up September 23.

watchOS 9 public beta — should you download it?

The watchOS 9 public beta is available now. If you want to start using the new features for Apple Watch, you can download the public beta to your supported Apple Watch device now. Yet, tread carefully, as beta programming can be buggy. In the event that you have an extra Apple Watch gadget you can give the watchOS 9 beta a shot, however right now, it’s presumably best to sit tight for the full delivery on September 12.

To download the watchOS 9 public beta, you’ll need to first know how to download iOS 16 public beta on an eligible iPhone. See our manual for iOS 16 upheld gadgets to ensure you have an iPhone that is viable with iOS 16 (and it turn, watchOS 9.)

watchOS 9 supported devices — which Apple Watch models will be compatible?

As for watchOS 9 supported devices, Apple threw us a curveball. At the very least, we knew the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE would get watchOS 9. Be that as it may, the Apple Watch 3, which was as yet sold by Apple up for the rest of August, isn’t qualified for the yearly invigorate. Apple suspended that model with the declaration of the Apple Watch 8.

Otherwise, Apple Watch 4, Apple Watch 5 and Apple Watch 6 users will get watchOS 9. And, as always, the newest watchOS will be free to install. Apple doesn’t charge for software updates.

Here’s our full guide on watchOS 9 compatibility.

watchOS 9 new faces

There are four new watch faces coming in watchOS 9, which is actually quite a lot at once. In addition to an updated Astronomy face, the Lunar watch face gives user the option to follow a pre-modern calendar, such as the Islamic calendar.

The other two faces include the Metropolitan watch face, which features typography with font that stretches and multiple color options, and Playful, an animated digital clock from 2D/3D illustrator Joi Fulton

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. We spoke to Apple and Joi Fulton about what went into designing this collection of faces. Here’s an in-depth look at watchOS 9 new faces.

That’s not all — more watch faces are getting complications, plus the option to pin favorite apps. Dogs and cats are supported in the Portrait face now, too.

watchOS 9 running and other workout features

The Apple Watch is making a convincing case against the best running watches. With multiple new running metrics, there are more ways to monitor your running and progress.Vertical wavering, step length and ground contact time will currently be seen among an overhauled live exercise interface — which likewise incorporates fragments, parts, rise and the other anticipated measurements.

A new metric coming to Apple Watch workout-tracking is heart rate zones. Monitoring your heart rate zones can help you get a sense of your intensity levels, and let you know how hard you’re working (and whether you’re recovering properly) during exercise.

Your heart rate zones will play a role in the new Custom workout tool. A custom workout can add structure into your run, pushing alerts to your wrist based on your heart rate and distance. You’ll likewise run with a power target, or target exertion in a reach you can sensibly support. Assuming you run a similar course frequently, your Apple Watch can naturally look at your exhibition over the long run on that course.

Finally, triathletes will benefit from a new Multisport workout type that can automatically transition between swimming, biking and running.

Apple Watch sleep tracking has improved incrementally since it first debuted two years ago. In watchOS 9, the Sleep app is added to sleep stage or sleep cycle tracking. Using information gathered by the accelerometer and heart rate monitor, the Apple Watch should now be able to detect what stage of sleep you’re in. You’ll be able to see how much time you spent in each stage overnight and when you might’ve woken up.

To further its efforts in sleep science, Apple is also giving users the option to contribute sleep stage data in the Apple Heart and Movement Study through the Research app.

watchOS 9 AFib History

Those with the Apple Watch 4 or newer (minus the Apple Watch SE) have been able to monitor for signs of atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeats. Now, those with diagnosed AFib can review a history of their electrocardiograms (ECGs) to see how often they spend in AFib. Utilizing the Wellbeing application, those clients can likewise survey whether their different propensities or exercises influence AFib. What’s more, expanding on the clinical sharing element presented last year, clients can impart their AFib History information to their primary care physicians.

You can read more about how the iPhone and Apple Watch are becoming vital health devices with such features as this in the Health app.

watchOS 9 Medications app

With a new Medications app, Apple Watch users can track and manage medications directly from their wrist.However an enormous piece of the drug the executives experience will occur in the Wellbeing application, on Apple Watch clients can get notices or suggestions to take prescription. 

When you add a medication in the Health app, you’ll be warned of drug interactions or other critical concerns with the medications you take. Trusted individuals can also see your medication data, should you have a caretaker or relative who keeps an eye on you.