watchOS 9 is not only official - it's now available as a public beta and will be out in its full form next week.
The update to Apple's Apple Watch software comes packed with new features for the smartwatch including new running metrics, refreshed watch faces, an AFib History tool, added sleep-tracking data and a medication management app. There may even be some hidden features we'll only find out about once new Apple Watches arrive in the fall.
For now though, the upgrades we know about are coming to existing Apple Watch models, which means current users can benefit from many of the same features we expect to see on the newly announced Apple Watch 8. The public beta has given you the chance to try out new features, and a full release is coming shortly, just ahead of the September 16 release of Apple's latest smartwatches. As always, watchOS figures to remain one of the reasons the Apple Watch is the best smartwatch year after year.
Here's everything you'll want to know about the new features in watchOS 9. You can also read about the new Apple watch feature I am most excited for in WatchOS 9.
The watchOS 9 beta has been receiving updates all summer for both the developer version (which debuted in June) and the public release, appearing July 11.
Now it's time for the full version. watchOS 9 arrives September 12, according to Apple. That's four days before the release of the Apple Watch Series 8 and the new Apple Watch SE (2022). The Apple Watch Ultra, which also runs watchOS 9, arrives September 23.
The watchOS 9 public beta is available now. If you want to start using the new features for Apple Watch, you can download the public beta to your supported Apple Watch device now. But proceed with caution, as beta software can be buggy. If you have a spare Apple Watch device you can try the watchOS 9 beta out, though at this point, it's probably best to wait for the full release on September 12.
To download the watchOS 9 public beta, you'll need to first know how to download iOS 16 public beta on an eligible iPhone. See our guide to iOS 16 supported devices to make sure you have an iPhone that is compatible with iOS 16 (and it turn, watchOS 9.)
As for watchOS 9 supported devices, Apple threw us a curveball. At the very least, we knew the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE would get watchOS 9. But the Apple Watch 3, which is still sold new by Apple, is not eligible for the annual refresh. Apple discontinued that model with the announcement of the Apple Watch 8.
Otherwise, Apple Watch 4, Apple Watch 5 and Apple Watch 6 users will get watchOS 9. And, as always, the newest watchOS will be free to install. Apple doesn't charge for software updates.
Here's our full guide on watchOS 9 compatibility.
There are four new watch faces coming in watchOS 9, which is actually quite a lot at once. In addition to an updated Astronomy face, the Lunar watch face gives user the option to follow a pre-modern calendar, such as the Islamic calendar.
The other two faces include a playful, animated digital clock from artist Joy Fulton and the Metropolitan watch face, which features typography with font that stretches and multiple color options.
That's not all - more watch faces are getting complications, plus the option to pin favorite apps. Dogs and cats are supported in the Portrait face now, too.
We spoke to Apple and Joi Fulton about what went into designing this collection of faces. Here's an in-depth look at watchOS 9 new faces.
The Apple Watch is making a convincing case against the best running watches. With multiple new running metrics, there are more ways to monitor your running and progress. Vertical oscillation, stride length and ground contact time will now be seen among an upgraded live workout interface - which also includes segments, splits, elevation and the other expected metrics.
A new metric coming to Apple Watch workout-tracking is heart rate zones. Monitoring your heart rate zones can help you get a sense of your intensity levels, and let you know how hard you're working (and whether you're recovering properly) during exercise.
Your heart rate zones will play a role in the new Custom workout tool. A custom workout can add structure into your run, pushing alerts to your wrist based on your heart rate and distance. You'll also run with a power target, or target effort in a range you can reasonably sustain. If you run the same route often, your Apple Watch will automatically be able to compare your performance over time on that route.
Finally, triathletes will benefit from a new Multisport workout type that can automatically transition between swimming, biking and running.
Apple Watch sleep tracking has improved incrementally since it first debuted two years ago. In watchOS 9, the Sleep app is added sleep stage or sleep cycle tracking. Using information gathered by the accelerometer and heart rate monitor, the Apple Watch should now be able to detect what stage of sleep you're in. You'll be able to see how much time you spent in each stage overnight and when you might've woken up.
To further its efforts in sleep science, Apple is also giving users the option to contribute sleep stage data in the Apple Heart and Movement Study through the Research app.
Those with the Apple Watch 4 or newer (minus the Apple Watch SE) have been able to monitor for signs of atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeats. Now, those with diagnosed AFib can review a history of their electrocardiograms (ECGs) to see how often they spend in AFib. Using the Health app, those users will also be able to review whether their other habits or activities impact AFib. And, building on the medical sharing feature introduced last year, users can share their AFib History data with their doctors.
You can read more about how the iPhone and Apple Watch are becoming vital health devices with such features as this in the Health app.
With a new Medications app, Apple Watch users can track and manage medications directly from their wrist. Though a large part on the medication management experience will take place in the Health app, on Apple Watch users can receive notifications or reminders to take medication.
When you add a medication in the Health app, you'll be warned of drug interactions or other critical concerns with the medications you take. Trusted individuals can also see your medication data, should you have a caretaker or relative who keeps an eye on you.
This addition mirrors a similar enhancement to iOS 16's Health app.