This follows a pattern: whenever Apple unveils new iPhones and new Apple Watch models in the fall, there are also new operating systems for older generations. With the unveiling of Apple Watch 8 and Apple Watch Ultra, watchOS 9 is now ready to go.
Four new watch faces
This is probably what many Apple Watch owners are most excited about: watchOS 9 brings four new digital watch faces to the Apple Watch. They go by the name "Moon, "Play Lesson", "Metropolitan" and "Astronomy". The latter is already known, but has been thoroughly overhauled in the wake of the watchOS 9 release.
Watch faces under watchOS 9
Not only are there redesigned Watch Faces, but there are also new complications and features you can add to existing watch faces. For example, for the "Modular" dial, the following can be used now select background colors.
Training app update
More comprehensive metrics for exercisers are provided by the revamped workout app. With the help of the digital crown you can now quickly switch between different training overviews.
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During a workout, graphically processed heart rate zones now help you increase, maintain or decrease intensity. Also new are metrics to help improve the efficiency of running workouts. There are also new features for swim workouts. You can now train with flotation devices such as kickboards.
New sleep and compass app
The compass app now has zoomable views, including a hybrid view that shows both an analog compass scale and a digital view at the same time. When you rotate the digital crown, you'll see an additional view with latitude, longitude, altitude and tilt, as well as an orientation view with compass waypoints and backtrack. The latter should come in enormously handy if you ever get lost.
Sleep phases is the main new feature of the revamped sleep app. The Apple Watch can now use its sensors to tell if you're in REM, core or deep sleep and when you wake up. "The machine learning models have been trained and validated against the clinical gold standard, polysomnography, with one of the largest and most diverse samples ever studied for a wearable", Apple communicates.
Other innovations in watchOS 9
- Power saving setting: the Apple Watch's battery life can be extended by limiting or turning off some features like the always-on display.
- International roaming: provided the appropriate tariff, the Apple smartwatch can now also connect to the mobile network abroad.
- Updated Calendar app: you can now create and edit appointments directly from the Apple Watch app.