Apple Watch users (at least those using the Apple Watch Series 4 or later) will get tons of new features soon as watchOS 9.2 has rolled out and is now available for download.
This free update to the latest iteration of Apple’s wearable operating system comes with a ton of new stuff, including updated training algorithms, fixes for several existing bugs, and a new Race Route tool for runners, cyclists, and wheelchair athletes using one of our top Apple Watch entries. We’ll show you how to get the new features in a moment, but first let’s run through the list of available features.
The Race Route Tool is the watchOS 9.2 version of Garmin’s Pace Pro tool or a Mario Kart “ghost” character that recreates your past performance on the track, allowing you to race past times. This allows you to compete with your previous performance by selecting Outdoor Run, Outdoor Cycle and Outdoor Wheelchair workouts.
Why would you want that? Well, if you’re training for an event, it’s a great way to follow the same route every time, as the watch regularly tells you if you’re behind or ahead of your previous time. let’s assume ago!
There is also a new custom Kickboxing algorithm in the Workout app that provides “more accurate data”. Kickboxing was previously linked to the “Other” aerobic training type in Apple Watch training profiles, and is measured in the same basic language as other sports: heart rate, calories burned, and so on. As a former kickboxer, I am fascinated to see if the new update includes specialized metrics suitable for bag training or even a sparring session, such as the ability to distinguish between “rounds”. I will test it at the earliest opportunity.
Your Apple Watch, in addition to many other tweaks and tweaks, will stop bothering you with notifications during your mindfulness sessions, which is great. The full list of changes can be found below as seen at Apple.com (opens in a new tab):
- The race route allows you to compete against previous times and pace by selecting Outdoor Run, Outdoor Bike, and Outdoor Wheelchair Workouts.
- The kickboxing algorithm in the Workout app is said to provide “more accurate” metrics.
- The Noise app, which displays ambient sound levels, is now available with first-generation AirPods Pro and AirPods Max with Active Noise Cancellation.
- Family Setup users can be invited to the Home app to control HomePods, unlock doors with home keys in the Wallet app, and access accessories.
- Hearing impaired accessibility support to visualize when Siren is used on Apple Watch Ultra.
- Hand gesture controls for AssistiveTouch and Quick Actions provide better accuracy and responsiveness.
- Crash detection has been further optimized to support Apple Watches (Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch SE 2).
- Fix a bug that causes the wrong watch time to be displayed immediately after dismissing an alarm in Sleep Focus Fix a bug that causes mindfulness sessions to be interrupted
How to get the watchOS 9.2 update on your Apple Watch
To start with, you’ll need to have iOS 16.2 or later installed on your iPhone and an Apple Watch that supports watchOS 9. This will be most people, but to be clear, you’ll need one of the models below for this to work:
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Ultra
Make sure your Apple Watch is at least 50% charged and go to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone to start the update. Select My Watch > General > Software Update to install. Alternatively, if your watch is connected to Wi-Fi, you can update directly on your watch by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
The Apple Watch’s running metrics are excellent, especially with watchOS 9, which brings features such as running power to the wrist, which can usually only be achieved with the heart rate monitor on other watches. However, at the time of writing, only the Apple Watch Ultra made our list of the best running watches ever.