Apple Watch Series 9 turns out to be a bigger upgrade than many leakers expected, with the new model featuring a faster processor, brighter screen, enhanced tracking with a new UWB chip, Packed with features to control functions with just a tap.
Combined with watchOS 10 that comes with the wearable, it makes for a very attractive package. However, if you already have an Apple Watch on your wrist, you might want to think twice about upgrading, as most older models will receive an operating system update this fall.
Not all models are supported, but if you have a 2018 Apple Watch Series 4 or later, you should be fine.
Here are five big fitness features that will breathe new life into your old Apple Watch.
Cycling is now a live activity
Apple Watch has always been great for tracking your bike ride, but when you have both hands on the handlebars, it can be difficult to maintain peak performance.
With watchOS 10, cycling is now a live activity on your connected iPhone. This means you can attach the handset to your handlebars and see metrics like heart rate zones, elevation, race route, speed, and more on full screen in real time.
Bluetooth connectivity for cyclists
Another benefit for riders is the additional support for Bluetooth-enabled cycling accessories for both indoor and outdoor training.
Power meters, speed sensors, and cadence sensors are all supported in watchOS 10, enabling new trackable metrics such as cycling power, cadence, and power zones.
Apple says its new algorithm can combine sensor data from the Apple Watch with a connected power meter to estimate functional threshold power (FTP), or the level of intensity a human could theoretically maintain during an hour-long ride. I promise.
Additional compass and map support for hikers
The watchOS 10 update hasn’t forgotten about hikers, and one update could save lives. The Compass app has been updated with the ability to create waypoints for the last location you had cell reception. This means you can retrace your steps to the last place you were on the grid if you need help.
If you live in the United States, Apple Maps on your watch has also received a major upgrade, with new topographic maps showing contour lines, hill shading, elevation and details of local points of interest. Find trail routes near you using handy cards with information about length, type, and difficulty.
A new mindfulness measurement
While the Apple Watch has historically done a great job of encouraging people to adopt better physical health habits, Apple is looking to promote mental health as well with updates to its Mindfulness app. .
With watchOS 10, Apple introduced a personalized and convenient way for users to track their emotions and daily mood. Simply turn the Digital Crown to scroll through the shapes to best express your emotion and select the one that’s affecting you to explain your feelings.
If you subscribe to Apple Fitness Plus, you can also take advantage of some great additions made possible by watchOS 10.
While Custom Plans provides workout and meditation plans tailored to your needs, Stacks (pictured above) allows Apple Watch owners to perform multiple workouts and meditations in succession. can be queued to. Finally, Audio Focus now lets you choose which sounds to boost, like trainer instructions or workout playlists.
