Apple announced today the latest version of its smartwatch platform, watchOS 9. On top of usual updates like new watch faces and fitness features. The new platform will first be available for developers, while the public release is slated for this fall when the new Apple Watch Series 8 arrives.
watchOS 9 will also feature “refreshed” watch faces. They include a new astronomy face, a lunar face, as well as a new typeface screen. It’s also adding new rich complications, and active apps can be pinned for quick access. There’s also a new Siri UI.
It’s also adding new running metrics, such as running form, stride length, and ground contact time. It’s also adding heart rate zones, which is good news if you like training by intensity. You’ll also be able to see things like splits, elevation, as well as intervals. Another feature also appears to be aimed at triathletes, as it’ll let you switch between cycling, swimming, and running.
watchOS 9 also now supports medication reminders. It’ll be tied to the Health app, and will let users build a “medications list.” You can also simply scan medications to add them. It’ll also help users figure out if any of the drugs they’re taking will interact with each other. You’ll also be able to review what health data you might be sharing with others.
Developing… we’re adding more to this post, but you can follow along with our WWDC 2022 live blog to get the news even faster.
