Apple has officially lifted the lid on watchOS 9.
The Cupertino company used its Worldwide Developers Conference, held with an in-person and virtual audience for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, to show off what was next for the Apple Watch. The new software will be available later this year and offer existing Apple Watch users many new features designed to make their workouts and day-to-day health monitoring easier.
Apple has introduced a number of new watch faces, which it does every year, and it has given the Workout app an update which offers advanced metrics and training experiences. The idea is to give consumers more control when they’re working out and customize workouts based on their needs.
Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, took to the stage to show off the new software and also confirmed that the Sleep app had been given some attention – the app will now monitor sleep stages, allowing you to see when you’re enjoying deep sleep and when you were awake or restless.
An all-new FDA-cleared AFib History feature could serve as another lifesaver for Apple Watch users; this one will offer deeper insights into a user’s condition. Anyone diagnosed with AFib can turn on the feature and see an estimate of how frequently a user’s heart rhythm shows signs of AFib. Data can also be downloaded to a PDF, which is useful to give to doctors and other health care professionals.
As had previously been rumored, Apple has added a new Medications app to the Apple Watch and iPhone, allowing those with medication to receive alerts when their next pill is due.
Everything from vitamins and medications to supplements can be added, and users will be able to set up schedules and reminders.
Apple has added new privacy features to watchOS, as well as redesigned notifications, Family Setup changes, and Apple Watch Mirroring to help those with disabilities.
Are you looking forward to giving the software a go? Let us know and check back soon for the latest!
