Apple Watch SE (left), Apple Watch Series 7 (center), and Apple Watch Series 3 (right).
Lisa Edithiko/CNET
The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to arrive later this year, but you probably don’t need the latest hardware to take advantage of Apple’s latest features. The company usually adds more features through software updates every year.
Apple’s WatchOS 8 update introduces new watch faces made from iPhone’s portrait mode photos, a new app called Mindfulness to replace the Breathe app, and better workout detection for cycling. The software works on devices as old as the Apple Watch Series 3, but some features may require newer models.
We’re expected to preview Apple’s next major Apple Watch software update at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Based on the rumors and reports we’ve seen so far, it sounds like we can expect to see some battery improvements and more health and safety features.
A new low-power mode
Apple hasn’t made any major improvements to the Apple Watch’s battery life recently, but it may soon have a different fix. According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to introduce a new low-power mode in WatchOS 9 that will allow the device to run some apps and features without consuming too much power. It sounds like this is different from the Apple Watch’s current power reserve feature, which only lets you check the time and disable other features to preserve battery life.
Apple Watch Series 7 on a charger.
Lisa Edithiko/CNET
A new feature described by Bloomberg could help make up for the Apple Watch’s relatively short battery life, which typically lasts about a day and a half. This, combined with the Series 7’s faster charging, can significantly extend the Apple Watch’s battery life, which can be important if you’re using it for sleep tracking.
read more: I want more from Apple Watch in 2022
car accident detection
Apple Watch can already assess your walking stability and tell if you have fallen. Next, it might be able to detect car crashes. According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple plans to use sensors in the iPhone and Apple Watch to identify car crashes in real time. New features may roll out this year. It sounds similar to what Google already offers on its Pixel phones, which automatically calls emergency services and shares your location if it detects you’ve been in a serious car crash.
Google’s safety app can detect car crashes.
Jason Cipriani/CNET
More health features, including medication reminders
Health has been one of Apple’s main priorities for years, and the company is reportedly planning to take it a step further in an upcoming software update. According to Bloomberg, Apple may add new tools to the iPhone’s Health app this year, including medication reminders, sleep tracking and new features for women’s health.
While reports indicate this will be part of the iPhone’s Health app, it seems likely that these new additions could be coming to the Apple Watch in some way, if only through notifications. According to Bloomberg, the medicine management feature can scan medicines and receive reminders in the iPhone’s Health app.
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Improvements in atrial fibrillation detection
Apple could also improve the way its smartwatches detect atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder that increases the risk of stroke. According to Bloomberg, the next Apple Watch software update could enable the watch to detect what’s called “burden,” or how often a person experiences AFib over a certain period of time. Fitbit’s atrial fibrillation detection technology just received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where the product will launch.
read more: The new Apple Watch SE actually sounds more exciting than the Series 8
New watch faces and workout types
Apple’s software updates often introduce new watch faces and workout types, and it sounds like WatchOS 9 is no exception. Bloomberg also reports that the new watch faces and workout modes will be part of Apple’s upcoming software release, though it didn’t reveal many details. New metrics for runners are also reportedly coming.
Automatic loop detection for Apple Watch.
Lexy Savvides/CNET
In recent years, Apple has expanded Apple Watch workout options. It adds Pilates, Tai Chi and improved detection of cycling workouts in WatchOS 8. It also brings support for dance workouts to the watch in 2020.
Compatibility with older Apple Watch models
Apple’s last two software updates were compatible with watches as old as the Series 3, but that could change in 2022. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities, is known for his Apple predictions, recently said The Series 3 may be retired because it can’t support the new version of WatchOS. This means that WatchOS 9 will likely be compatible with Series 4 and later, although we won’t know for sure until Apple rolls out the software.
Apple Watch Series 3
Sarah Tu/CNET
Apple introduced the Series 3 in 2017, the first model with built-in cellular capabilities, allowing it to work independently of the iPhone. Apple still sells the Series 3 for $199, along with the $279 Apple Watch SE and $399 Apple Watch Series 7. But we don’t recommend buying the Series 3 in 2022 because its specs are outdated. Its limited storage capacity also means updating is a chore, and there are better options for the price.
September release date
If Apple sticks to its historical release pattern, we can expect to see WatchOS 9 in September. Apple typically releases its new software alongside new watch models, but 2021 is an exception. (Apple launched WatchOS 8 in September, but didn’t release the Apple Watch Series 7 until October).
While we may have to wait until September, Apple is expected to detail the new features of WatchOS 9 at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Soon thereafter, it may also release a public beta of the software, allowing watch owners to try out unfinished versions of the software before the official release.
read more: Apple Watch 8 rumors: Will we get new health features and a bigger design?
What we want to see in WatchOS 9
It sounds like Apple has a lot in store for WatchOS 9, but there are a few features on my personal wish list that I’d love to see. These include more detailed sleep tracking, features designed to promote rest and recovery after a workout, the ability to adjust activity goals for different days of the week, and more uses for the U1 chip. Some of these features, particularly sleep tracking and exercise recovery, will help the Apple Watch catch up to rival devices from Oura and Fitbit.
If these reports prove accurate, health will once again be a major theme in Apple’s software updates. It’s another sign that the Apple Watch has grown into a sophisticated health-tracking device that can do more than just record workouts and activities. The update will fit perfectly with the expected Apple Watch Series 8, which Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal report will be the first to feature a temperature sensor.
