14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has finally pressed the go-ahead button for watchOS 9, a new major software update that comes with lots of goodies to the Apple Watch.
One of the biggest changes is that watchOS 9 does not support the Apple Watch Series 3, so after so many years, this device is finally left behind. In other words, watchOS 9 can be installed on the Apple Watch Series 9 and newer.
In addition to new watch faces, watchOS 9 also includes a brand new sleep mode that provides users with more information on the way they sleep.
“Sleep tracking in watchOS 9 provides even more insights with the introduction of sleep stages. Using signals from the accelerometer and heart rate sensor, Apple Watch can detect when users are in REM, Core, or Deep sleep. Users will see sleep stage data on Apple Watch in the Sleep app and can view more detailed information, like time asleep, alongside additional metrics, like heart rate and respiratory rate, in sleep comparison charts in the Health app on iPhone,” Apple explains.
Workout improvements
The new operating system update also comes with further refinements for workouts.
For example, runners are getting new metrics that can be added to the activity screen, including the ground contact time.
“Apple Watch is already a powerful tool for runners, and watchOS 9 brings more data and features to help track how efficiently users run. New running form metrics, including Stride Length, Ground Contact Time, and Vertical Oscillation, can all be added as metrics on Workout Views. These metrics appear in the Fitness app summary and in the Health app, where users can see trends over time and learn from patterns,” Apple says.
The new Apple Watch update is live right now, and it can be downloaded on the Apple Watch Series 4 and later.