watchOS 9 takes Apple Watch to the next level with these 5 features

Since this week it is possible to install watchOS 9 on your Apple Watch. The software provides your current smartwatch with a lot of new functionalities that can easily take it to the next level.

Curious with which additions Apple does this exactly? OMT editor Mark Hofman lists the five most interesting functionalities for you.

Apple Watch with watchOS 9: 5 awesome features for your smartwatch

Don’t have watchOS 9 on your Apple Watch yet? No problem, in this article I’ll tell you how to install the update on your smartwatch. I also highlight a number of small additions that will appear as a result of the update.

Although that is only a selection of everything that the software entails. That’s why I’m highlighting five functionalities today that are – in my opinion – the biggest Apple Watch additions.

#1 watchOS 9 introduces Sleep Stages

Apple has significantly improved the sleep monitor in its smartwatch. watchOS 9 introduces the option Sleep Stages. It was already possible with the Apple Watch to measure your sleep, but still somewhat limited. By using the heart rate sensor and the accelerometer, that is now changing.

Of Sleep Stages the smartwatch can determine exactly how you slept. With watchOS 9, the Apple Watch distinguishes between REM, deep and core sleep. Data that is of course synchronized with the Healthapp on your iPhone.

#2 Low Power on your Apple Watch

It took a while, but your Apple Watch finally has low power mode. The energy-saving mode, as the function is also called in Dutch, ensures that you squeeze that little bit more out of the battery.

This is achieved by limiting as many functionalities as possible on your smartwatch. The Apple Watch screen becomes less bright, the always-on-screen turns off and background activities are restricted. watchOS 9 therefore ensures that you get the most out of the battery of your Series 4 or older. Ideal!

#3 New compass for the Apple Watch

The Compassapp for the Apple Watch has been updated with watchOS 9. In addition to the classic model, it is also possible to work with a digital variant. One that shows a little more useful information on your smartwatch.

For example, the new compass gives you information about the current latitude, longitude, altitude and angle of inclination. It is even possible to set a destination, so that you can see on the compass whether you are moving in the right direction.

#4 watchOS 9: Learn More During Workouts

If you’re still sporty: watchOS 9 gives you more insights into workouts. It does this by giving the app in question a new visual look. The different screens can be brought up by turning the Digital Crown.

Each screen provides different information, of course, and the more information during (or after) your workout, the better.

#5 Four new watch faces for your smartwatch

We can’t talk about the Apple Watch without naming the watch faces. They really are the heart of your smartwatch. Within watchOS 9 are four brand new watch faces:

• Lunar
• Playtime
• Metropolitan
• Astronomy

The four can all be found within the watchapp on your iPhone.

More than the smartwatch

In addition to the Apple Watch, Apple is also providing the iPhone with a new operating system. Just like watchOS 9, iOS 16 is now also available.

Curious how to install this software? You can check it in the article below!