Now that WWDC is 2022 in a few weeks, we look forward to the release of watchOS 9. This will mark the next major release of Apple’s software platform for the Apple Watch. Below are all the latest rumors and expectations for watchOS 9 this year, including new features, release information, and more.
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When will watchOS 9 be announced?
WatchOS 9 is likely to be announced on June 6 during WWDC 2022 keynote. The event will be online, although some students and developers may attend the keynote in Apple Park in person.
Following the announcement, Apple will test the operating system for several months until it is released to all users in September, as the company has done in previous years.
WatchOS 9 Supported Devices
One of the biggest questions people ask each year is whether Apple will stop supporting older Apple Watch models. With the release of watchOS 8 last year, Apple remained compatible with all devices supported by watchOS 7, although it limited many features.
If rumors suggest that Apple may finally remove the Apple Watch Series 3 from its lineup, it is likely that watchOS 9 will be the latest update for the 2017 smart watch. The reason why Apple can keep it for a year is the low price and suitability of Apple Fitness +. Here is a list of devices that should support watchOS 9:
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 3
New watchOS 9 features
While little is known about watchOS 9, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg provides some news on what to expect from watchOS this year, though rumors of the Apple Watch Series 8. Here are some of the parts we should expect in the next operating system for the Apple Watch. as stated in his Power On newsletter:
- Afib load detection or the ability to check how often the user is in a state of atrial fibrillation for a period of time;
- A short power mode is available in applications and features that expand the Power Reserve switch;
- Satellite connection for sending short text messages and SOS alarms to emergency services or outside mobile connection;
- New sleep monitoring feature;
- The Health app features new features related to women’s health and medications;
- New exercises;
- New and updated dials.
Bloomberg also says Apple wants to drastically upgrade its low-power feature. The company is also preparing updates for most of its built-in dials. Gurman said Apple “restores” most faces.
Our Expectations
We expect more details on watchOS 9 to come out as WWDC 2022, which starts on June 6, approaches. In the meantime, however, it looks like watchOS 9 could be an interesting upgrade, with Apple focusing on larger displays with better tracking.
What do you expect to see in watchOS 9? What’s at the top of your wish list? Let us know in the comments.
