Right now, when your Apple Watch enters Power Reserve mode because its battery is almost out of juice, the time appears on the face as a simple digital clock — and that’s it. The wearable’s other features are temporarily disabled. But Cupertino may expand Apple Watch functionality in low-power mode in the upcoming watchOS 9, according to a new report.
In addition, updates could include new workout types, additional workout metrics, expanded sleep tracking and new watch faces.
New features in watchOS 9
As noted in a new report from Bloomberg, Apple wants to upgrade users’ experiences with low-power mode in watchOS 9. The update may allow users to run a suite of apps and features that don’t drain much battery life. And that could make their Apple Watch a better, more useful companion more of the time, like on long trips. It also could reduce the drain sleep tracking puts on the battery.
Certainly, watchOS has come a long way over the years. But this year’s upcoming version also should gain new workout types, track additional workout metrics and expand on sleep tracking functionality, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman wrote.
Women’s health features, medication reminders
The article also said new women’s health features should appear with watchOS 9, in addition to more detailed metrics related to atrial fibrillation. It’s also possible the long-rumored debut of a medication-reminders app will finally happen, too.
Gurman added that Apple plans to “refresh many” of its built-in watch faces. A number of faces have not evolved with designs of the Apple Watch hardware itself, such as larger screens and room for modernized complication styles. So watchOS 9’s release may see some older faces get a face-lift.
Expect a preview of watchOS 9, among other enticing developments, during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, which runs June 6 to 10.
