Apple’s watchOS 9 is now available for download and come packed with a bunch of new features. Continuing its quest to be the best health and fitness monitoring tool for the masses, watchOS 9 gives Apple Watch owners a bunch of new features and abilities that will make the developers of some third-party apps nervous.
How to install watchOS 9
Installing watchOS 9 is straightforward.
- On your iPhone (which needs to be running iOS 16), launch the Watch app.
- Tap on general and then open Software Update.
- Tap on the option to install watchOS 9
What devices can get the watchOS 9 update?
watchOS 9 is compatible with the following devices. It requires iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16 or later, and one of the following Apple Watch models:
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Ultra
The big change: Health and Fitness
Apple has gone all-in with watchOS 9 when it comes to your wellbeing.
The Workout app gets a bunch of news and metrics. As a runner, this is particularly exciting for me. As well as seeing time, distance and cadence, I can also see my heart rate zones so I know how hard I’m pushing. And there are some other interesting metrics such as stride length, round contact time and vertical oscillation so I can track my form while I’m moving.
For multi-sport athletes, watchOS 9 can also detect when you change activity. In a triathlon, the watch automatically switches between the twin, cycle and run legs without you needing to tap on anything. And for those into interval training, watchOS 9 lets you program in specific exercise routines with prompts for when you need to cane what you’re doing.
For swimmers, watchOS no longer relies on arm movements to detect your swims. It also has a new kick board workout as well as SWOLF tracking (I had to look that one up as I’m not a swimmer).
Better sleep tracking
There are a plethora of different sleep tracking apps in the App Store. Apple has finally caught up with them and offers better sleep analytics so you can track sleep quality.
Other watchOS 9 enhancements
Medication: As you’d expect, watchOS 9 plays nicely with iOS 16’s new medication tracking and reminder functionality.
Faces: Apple has designed a bunch of new watch faces for watchOS 9
Family Setup: This is a nifty addition. You can now set up an Apple Watch for someone that doesn’t have an iPhone. For example, if you have an elderly parent, you can equip them with an Apple Watch. That means you can take advantage of features such as location services and fall detection to help keep loved ones safe.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.