Apple released exciting updates with watchOS 9, introducing a new Low Power Mode, Sleep Stages, Medication Reminders, and improved watch faces. But Apple also released important updates that didn't receive the same attention during launch. Here are 7 of our favorite watchOS 9 features you might not know about.
1. Get More Done with the Improved Calendar App
The Calendar app was a common point of contention for many Apple Watch users. Before watchOS 9, it was underutilized and difficult to navigate. With the revamped Calendar app, you can now add, remove, and edit events directly from your Apple Watch. Expanded views were also released with this latest update, including day, week, and month views.
2. Find Your Way Back with the Compass App
Backtrack is a lesser-known feature released with watchOS 9 that allows you to retrace your steps using GPS, so you can always find your way back to where you started. Launched with adventurers in mind, it's also fantastic for everyday use — like remembering where you parked. Just backtrack to your car directly in the Compass app.
3. Customize Your Watch Face for Focus Modes
With watchOS 9, you can now customize watch faces based on different Focus modes. This adds more depth to Focus because you can automatically switch to a face that suits the Focus you're trying to inspire — choose the new Astronomy watch face for Sleep mode, for example, and automatically switch to an entirely different face that helps you stay productive at work.
4. Control Your Watch Remotely with Two-Way Mirroring
Apple released a new Mirroring feature with iOS 16 and watchOS 9. You can use it to mirror your Apple Watch from your iPhone and vice versa — allowing you to control your device remotely, screen record what's on your Apple Watch, and interact with media controls. Just open Accessibility settings on your Apple Watch to enable Mirroring and give it a try.
5. Get in the Zone with Heart Rate Zones
Heart rate zones tell you how hard your heart is working during exercise — a clear way to track workout intensity and ensure you always hit your training goals. Zones vary according to age, sex, and fitness levels, and your Apple Watch makes it easy by pulling available information to set your heart rate zones automatically. Another useful tool to optimize your workouts without expensive additional equipment.
6. Keep Track of AFib History
The Apple Watch can identify atrial fibrillation, a condition where the heart beats irregularly — but it can now also track AFib history, recording the percentage of time spent in this condition. Improved tracking helps give a better understanding of the condition and progress with treatment, and this information can easily be shared with a doctor or healthcare provider.
7. Train More Effectively with Cardio Recovery
More commonly referred to as heart rate recovery (HRR), this measurement tracks the pace at which your heart rate decreases after exercise. The faster your heart rate decreases after strenuous activity, the better your cardiovascular health will likely be. Use Cardio Recovery to track your fitness progress and see training results in real-time.
