Following a two-year period in which the WWDC was confined to online only, Apple unveiled watchOS 9 at WWDC 2022 in a hybrid style. A stronger emphasis on health and fitness is at the fore of the latest Apple Watch software. AFib History and sleep phases have been added to the Sleep app to help users better track their health. Even additional watch faces with deeper complexity have been added to the Apple Watch’s Meds app, making it even easier for users to manage, comprehend, and track their medications.
This year, watchOS 9 will be available for compatible Apple Watch devices as well as the new Series 8 model. Developers generally use this period to fine-tune their programme before releasing it widely. There are five important new features in watchOS 9, so let’s get started.
AFib History
The AFib History, according to Apple, is a first-of-its-kind function. An AFib (atrial fibrillation) frequency tracker is what this function is all about. With the unusual rhythm notice, the ECG app may already detect indicators of AFib. An untreated AFib can lead to stroke, therefore it’s important to keep an eye on the condition. Symptoms, quality of life, and risk of complications may be affected by the amount of time spent in AFib, according to medical studies. Lifestyle elements that might affect one’s AFib status were previously difficult to manage. WatchOS 9’s AFib History feature will allow users to see how often their cardiac rhythm exhibits indicators of AFib, for example, and use that knowledge to learn more about their condition. Additionally, the Health app will notify customers and provide a complete history of their AFib condition via alerts.
Sleep Insights
The new Sleep Insights function for the Apple Watch will allow users to track their sleep cycles in a far more comprehensive way than before. The accelerometer and heart rate sensor on the phone may be used to determine if a user is in REM, Core, or Deep Sleep. The sleep data is entered into the Sleep app, and the Health app on the iPhone creates sleep comparison charts based on additional variables, such as heart rate and respiration rate. While sleep science is still being researched, individuals may help out by submitting their sleep stage data to the Apple Heart and Movement Study via the Research app,” Apple stated.
New Watch Faces
There are a lot more watch faces available in watchOS 9 that display more information about the wearer. Each of the four new faces, which include Lunar and Playtime as well as Metropolitan and Astronomy, will provide users with a fresh look and feel, as well as a variety of useful data. Apple stated that Lunar depicts the relationship between Gregorian and lunar calendars, Playtime is a dynamic piece of art made in collaboration with artist Joi Fulton, Metropolitan uses a classic, type-driven style that changes when the crown is rotated, and Astronomy shows a new star map and current cloud data when the crown is turned.
Workout App Updates
Apple’s Workout app has been upgraded to provide more detailed stats for tracking one’s progress throughout a workout. With the new Digital Crown, users can now easily switch between the workout view and the in-session display. Custom Workouts are also available in the app, allowing users to design a programme that includes both work and relaxation periods. As well as pace, power, heart rate and cadence notifications, there are now new alerts.
Medications
Allowing Apple Watch users to track and manage medication, vitamins and supplements will allow them to build a medication list. Custom medicine regimens may also be created using the Medications app on the Apple Watch. Patients can receive an alert if there are potentially dangerous interactions between prescriptions via their Health app, which is available in the US.
