watchOS 9 expectations
Ever since the inception of the Apple Watch, we've been able to count on a new watchOS update every year and this year is no different. watchOS 9 is coming, and while the update hasn't been officially unveiled yet, potential improvements have already been leaked. In this preview of watchOS 9 you can read what the expectations are for the update, which will probably be revealed during WWDC 2022.
- Improvements for notifications
- Updates for activity and health
- Irregular heartbeat detection expanded
- Renewed watch faces
- New power saving mode
- Apple Watch Mirroring
- Compatible appliances
- Other wishes
Countdown to WWDC 2022 In this article series, we look ahead to WWDC 2022 each week. Apple kicks off this year's WWDC on Monday, June 6, but before that, read the expectations of the most important announcements in this article series.
#1 Improved notifications
Many of the features of a new iOS update can also be found in the latest watchOS version. Especially when it comes to notifications, because they can arrive on your iPhone as well as your Apple Watch. We can expect improved notifications for iOS 16 according to rumors, so we assume that we will also see a similar improvement in watchOS 9. It is not yet clear exactly what will be improved, but there is a very good chance that there will be something new in watchOS 9 in terms of notifications. This also applies to the Focus mode, with which you can indicate which apps you use. may or may not disturb. In any case, watchOS 9 will ensure that all the new possibilities in this area in iOS 16 also work flawlessly on your Apple Watch.
#2 Activity and health updates
The Apple Watch is very much about tracking your activity and health measurements. Think of the Activity rings, but also the ECG app, heart rate sensor and Saturation app. According to sources, the Apple Watch with watchOS 9 will have new possibilities in this area. It could be about improved sleep function, but also about managing your medication and keeping track of health measurements for women. There is already a Cycle app that you can use to keep track of your period. For example, Apple could add an app for pregnancy tracking. And with a separate medication app you could, for example, record which pills you should take and when, including reminders. According to the source, the first versions of watchOS 9 and iOS 16 will not immediately get all the possibilities, but everything will be rolled out gradually.
#3 Irregular heartbeat detection extension
The Apple Watch can detect irregular heartbeats, but in watchOS 9, this function would be extended. In addition to the fact that a user suffers from atrial fibrillation, the Apple Watch in watchOS 9 could also indicate how often someone suffers from this in a certain period. This gives an even better idea of the user's health.
#4 Redesigned watch faces
With almost every major watchOS update, Apple also adds a few new watch faces. In recent years, this has become less and less and it seems that Apple wants to focus on the current watch face range this year. According to a source, Apple is going to update many of the current watch faces. So it could well be that your favorite watch face looks slightly different in watchOS 9. Perhaps the older watch faces from the early watchOS era will get an update for the larger screens. It is not known whether completely new dials will be added. We secretly assume that, even if it's only there.
#5 New saving mode
The Apple Watch already has a power saving mode, but you can't really do anything with that. It is a last resort if the Apple Watch is almost empty and you still want to be able to see the time. All other functions are disabled: you will no longer receive push messages and you can't use apps either. With the new power save mode in watchOS 9, you should still be able to use some apps and features without sacrificing the remaining battery charge. Whether all eligible watchOS 9 models will receive this new low-power mode remains to be seen.
Current power save mode (right) is very limited.
#6 Apple Watch Mirroring
Apple has already revealed a new feature, even though it doesn't explicitly say that it will come in watchOS 9: Apple Watch Mirroring. Apple recently unveiled some new accessibility features for Fall 2022, including this new Apple Watch feature. This will show the screen of your Apple Watch on your iPhone. This is mainly intended for people with visual impairments, who can't read the smaller screen of the Apple Watch well, but want to use functions such as EKG, the Saturation app and the heart rate sensor.
The Apple Watch also gets new Quick Actions in the context of accessibility, with which you can perform certain actions faster with hand gestures. Think of answering or rejecting a phone call. Since watchOS 8 you can operate the Apple Watch with hand gestures, but this will be expanded in watchOS 9.
#7 Suitable devices: no more Apple Watch Series 3?
< p>WatchOS 9 may not be available on the Apple Watch Series 3, a well-known Apple analyst recently said. That means that one model would be dropped from the list of suitable devices for watchOS 9. All newer models will probably get the update, although not every model will be equipped with all functions. For example, the new Apple Watch Mirroring only works on the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer. We will only know which functions work on which model once the update has been officially announced.
#8 Other wishes watchOS 9
In addition to the features that have already been leaked, we also have our wishes for watchOS 9. For example, we hope that Apple will tackle some standard apps (such as the Calendar app) and we still dream of a rest day for the Activity rings. We also hope that some functions will be available in Dutch again, including Scribble. Also read our article with our wishes for watchOS 9.
watchOS 9 will be unveiled on Monday, June 6, 2022, during WWDC 2022. Also read our extensive article with expectations for WWDC 2022, in which we look ahead to all possible announcements. In addition to software, we also expect new products. Also read our other preview:
- iOS 16 preview
- Expectations WWDC 2022 keynote