10.10.2024
iOS

Apple unveils watchOS 9 — with a focus on sports and health

More useful data on the effectiveness of training, sleep quality and more.

Apple introduced watchOS 9 — with an emphasis on sports and health

Viktor Podvolotsky

Lifehacker Author

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<p>As part of the WWDC 2022 conference, Apple officially announced watchOS 9 for branded smart watches. The system received many minor cosmetic interface improvements and four new watch faces, including the Lunar Calendar.</p>
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The main focus of the new system is on sports features. Now the watch will be able to automatically switch between different types of activity. For example, if you're a triathlete, your Apple Watch will be able to tell when you've switched from one sport to another.

Using the accelerometer and gyroscope, the watch will determine the type of your run, stride length and even the time of contact with the ground. “Heart rate zones” will also be displayed, allowing you to maintain the right pace for endurance training or fat burning.

Apple introduced watchOS 9 — with a focus on sports and health

More detailed data on heart rate and sleep quality (including sleep depth). Everything can be viewed right on the watch.

Apple introduced watchOS 9 — with a focus on sports and health

Another useful feature is tracking your pill schedule. The new app will offer a list of the most popular drugs for more input, or it will be possible to scan drug labels using the iPhone's camera. The system will also warn about the incompatibility of drugs with alcohol and with each other.

Apple introduced watchOS 9 — with a focus on sports and health

The Activity app is finally available without Apple Watch: iPhone will display data received by smartphone sensors.

Apple introduced watchOS 9 — with a focus on sports and health

watchOS 9 will be released this fall, with public beta testing starting in July. Developers can install the first beta now, but regular users are advised to avoid installing such firmware on their everyday devices: they may contain bugs that will be fixed by the final build.

The system will be available for Apple Watch 4th generation and newer, as well as SE: Apple Watch Series 3 left behind this time.