WatchOS 9 will make Apple Watch a serious sports watch (WWDC 2022)

As usual, the new Watch OS will also bring new watch faces. Among them, for example, there is an astronomy-themed dial with moon phases. Also, the Apple Watch is getting a new system font called Metropolitan. New information widgets are also added, and active apps can be highlighted for quick access.

The most important addition, however, is the improved running data support. Among them, the watch will measure running power, stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time. What is especially exciting is that Apple only uses the watch itself to measure this data and artificial intelligence to analyse it. Competitors, however, require a separately sold accessory to collect the same data.

Watch OS 9 will also indicate recovery time tracking after walking, hiking or running. In addition, users will be informed about the current pace, power, heart rate, and step frequency. Runners can also compete against their personal bests on frequently used trails. Watch OS 9 will also indicate heart rate zones and their monitoring in different exercise modes. This feature is available on all sports watches, but the Apple Watch has not offered this feature until now. Also, triathlon enthusiasts will be offered a particularly convenient automatic switching between running, swimming, and cycling. During the workout, the digital crown can be used to move between different information views.

All these innovations mean that the Apple Watch will become a much more serious competitor to sports watches by Garmin, Polar, and Suunto. The only major drawback for intensive sports enthusiasts is the relatively modest battery life of the Apple Watch, which gives its competitors a considerable advantage

As usual, the new Watch OS will also bring new watch faces. Among them, for example, there is an astronomy-themed dial with moon phases. Also, the Apple Watch is getting a new system font called Metropolitan. New information widgets are also added, and active apps can be highlighted for quick access.

The most important addition, however, is the improved running data support. Among them, the watch will measure running power, stride length, vertical oscillation, and ground contact time. What is especially exciting is that Apple only uses the watch itself to measure this data and artificial intelligence to analyse it. Competitors, however, require a separately sold accessory to collect the same data.

Watch OS 9 will also indicate recovery time tracking after walking, hiking or running. In addition, users will be informed about the current pace, power, heart rate, and step frequency. Runners can also compete against their personal bests on frequently used trails. Watch OS 9 will also indicate heart rate zones and their monitoring in different exercise modes. This feature is available on all sports watches, but the Apple Watch has not offered this feature until now. Also, triathlon enthusiasts will be offered a particularly convenient automatic switching between running, swimming, and cycling. During the workout, the digital crown can be used to move between different information views.

All these innovations mean that the Apple Watch will become a much more serious competitor to sports watches by Garmin, Polar, and Suunto. The only major drawback for intensive sports enthusiasts is the relatively modest battery life of the Apple Watch, which gives its competitors a considerable advantage.