If you have iPhone, Apple Watch are getting further and further away Best fitness tracker. The only downside perhaps (besides battery life) is that Apple’s health support software was previously somewhat flawed. It’s not uncommon for Apple Watch users to instantly transfer their data to more actionable and useful software, like Strava or Nike Run Club. But that could all change with a bunch of new fitness features debuting in WatchOS 9.
If features like stride length measurement and vertical oscillation work as intended, they could easily turn the Apple Watch into a best running watch and the best watch for endurance athletes, period. It is in addition to a variety of Brand new features on the new Series 8, such as collision detection and body temperature sensors will help those who want to get pregnant keep track of their fertility. Here we break down all the top new features in WatchOS 9. Don’t forget to check it out The best Apple Watch and Best Apple Watch Accessories instructions for more information.
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Is your Apple Watch compatible?
Can your watch download WatchOS 9? The following models are compatible:
- Apple Watch Line 4
- Apple Watch Line 5
- Apple Watch DN (2020)
- Apple Watch Line 6
- Apple Watch Line 7
- Apple Watch DN (2022)
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Extremely
You will also need an iPhone that supports iOS 16, including iPhone 8 (2017) or later. You can check ours iOS 16 adds features for instructions on how to download the new operating system on your handset.
How to install WatchOS 9
You can install WatchOS 9 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 that your Apple Watch battery is at 50 percent (at least). You’ll also have to make sure your watch and iPhone are next to each other to keep them in range.
To update your watch using iPhone, open Apple Watch App and touch My watches navigation. Then touch Shared > Software updates and Download. From there, you’ll see a progress wheel on your Apple Watch indicating that the update has begun. If you choose to install updates directly on your Apple Watch, you’ll need to make sure the watch is connected to Wi-Fi. Then open Settings application on your watch and press Shared > Software updates > Setting.
It can take up to an hour to install WatchOS 9, so make sure you won’t need access to your smartwatch during that time. If needed, you can choose to update your Apple Watch overnight. When you get a notification that a new operating system is available for download, tap Update tonight right to buy. Then, on your iPhone, confirm that you want to update your watch overnight. Before you go to bed, make sure that both your iPhone and Apple Watch are charged throughout the night.
Health and fitness features
Photo: Apple
There are several improvements to the Apple Watch health and fitness apps. This is the lowest level.
Better workout view
Photo: Apple
To better optimize your workouts, Apple has updated its Workout app to show more stats, and you can rotate the Digital Crown to cycle through different views like the Beat Zone Heart, Activity Loop as well as Source and Altitude. You’ll also have the option to build custom Workouts complete with work and rest intervals, along with heart rate, speed, strength, and cadence alerts for your workouts.
Compass app
Photo: Apple
The redesigned Compass app now features a hybrid view including a simple analog compass showing direction and direction, along with a new digital compass. Rotating the dial displays relevant navigation information, such as latitude, longitude, altitude, and tilt. It also includes new navigation features, like Waypoints and Backtrack. Tap the Waypoint icon to place the marker on a point of interest. Backtrack uses GPS data to show users where they have been if they become disoriented and need to turn around.
In-depth operational metrics
Anyone using an Apple Watch while running will be pleased to know that you can now track new metrics like Ground Contact Time, Step Length, and Vertical Oscillation — all of which can help. improve your form. You can add them to your Workout View, or view them in the Fitness app summary as well as the Health app (ultimately the Fitness app). available for iPhone since iOS 16). You will also be able to see trends and patterns over time.
Fitness + Features
Photo: Apple
If you’re streaming your Fitness+ workouts to a second screen (like your TV) using AirPlay instead of Apple TV, you’ll eventually be able to see your heart rate, calories, and Burn Bar in real time. real-time on screen (if it’s compatible). Speaking of stats, there’s also a new “trainer annotations” feature built into your stats — with phrases like “Hard” and “Do your best!” – to help you increase the intensity of your workouts.
Stages of sleep
Photo: Apple
Sleep tracking now shows different sleep stages. Leveraging the heart rate sensor and accelerometer, your smartwatch will determine 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 including things like sleep duration, heart rate and respiratory rate, and sleep comparison graphs will sync to the Health app.
Keep a diary of your medication
Photo: Apple
In iOS 16, the Health app is now available New Drugs tab. You can use it to log medications, create schedules, and set reminders. Those reminders will then appear on your Apple Watch (and your iPhone), with the ability to record when you do them by tapping the notification on your watch.
Keep track of your AFib history
Photo: Apple
If you have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, you can now enable the AFib History feature for weekly updates on deeper insights related to your condition. You can see an estimate of how often your heart rate has signs of AFib and how other factors like exercise, sleep, and alcohol affect your AFib. You can also access detailed history through the Health app — with the option to download a PDF file to send to your primary care physician. According to Apple, the feature has “received approval and approval from health authorities around the world and will be available in more than 100 countries and territories, including the US, Canada, Europe, and the US.” Hong Kong, Mexico, South Africa, United Kingdom, and more. It will be available in Australia later this fall.
Temperature sensor (Series 8 and Ultra only)
Photo: Apple
With dual-sided temperature sensors — one on the back of the smartwatch close to your skin and the other under the display — Apple Watch Series 8 there’s a new feature that can help detect changes in your body depending on your temperature. During sleep, it can measure your wrist temperature to detect any difference from your basal temperature that could be due to causes like illness or exhaustion. If you track your menstrual cycle with the Health app, you’ll get “retrospective ovulation estimates” to help with family planning and improve menstrual predictions.
