TechSmartwatcheswatchOS 9 now available: 7 features you need to try immediatelyThe latest version of watchOS will make your Apple Watch even more useful and personal than beforeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechSmartwatcheswatchOS 9 now available: 7 features you need to try immediatelyThe latest version of watchOS will make your Apple Watch even more useful and personal than beforeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The latest version of watchOS will make your Apple Watch even more useful and personal than before
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
You don’t need to buy theApple Watch Series 8orApple Watch Ultrato get that new-watch feeling: watchOS 9, the latest version ofApple’s operating system for its smartwatch, is available now and introduces some key new features. Provided you have anApple Watch SE/Apple Watch Series 4or later, it’ll make your existing Apple Watch even better.
Here are the seven features I like most about the new OS.
1. There are more faces and complications
The new Lunar and Metropolitan watch faces are gorgeous, and existing faces now benefit from a wider selection of complications to show more useful information than before. And I really love the new background colours on selected faces (Modular, Modular Compact and X-Large) that you can use to personalise faces and make them match your outfit. As a dog owner, the new dog and cat support in the Portraits face is a winner for me too.
2. Sleep tracking is much better too
Sleep now tracks sleep stages so you can see at a glance when you’ve been having cheese-fuelled nightmares. The Health app now shows additional sleep data including your heart and respiratory rate as you go through the night to help deliver more insights into what’s happening when you’re in bed.
3. Workouts are much more flexible and informative
As someone who reckons they deserve a medal for making it to the fridge, I’m not going to claim first hand experience of these. But the new Workout views provide much more information than before, with more customisation options and useful new features such as Heart Rate Zones to help you track your exercise intensity levels.
4. Low power mode doesn’t suck
Before now, low power mode on yourApple Watchmade it effectively useless: it disabled everything bar the time signal, which might display after various pinches, punches or prayers. Now, though, the battery percentage in Control Centre has a new Low Power Mode that isn’t quite so harsh. It turns off features such as body monitoring sensors and the always-on display, but it doesn’t turn your watch into a bracelet in the name of conserving energy.
5. Medications is really useful
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6. It’s more accessible
With Quick Actions such as Double-Pinch to take a photo or start a workout and Apple Watch mirroring, this version of watchOS is even more accessible than before. In a nice touch you can use Switch Control and Voice Control on youriPhoneto control your Apple Watch.
7. The new notifications are great
Apple has revised the notifications system across its various devices, and on the Watch that means they appear as banners at the top of your screen when you’re doing something else. If you aren’t, they’ll appear as full sized notifications, just like before. It’s a little thing but it’s a very welcome improvement: previously notifications could become annoying if they forced you to switch focus to a notification you didn’t really need to know about.
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TOPICSapple watch
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