Apple Unveils WatchOS 9: New Health Features for Better Sleep, Medication Management, and AFib Tracking
Apple has announced WatchOS 9, the latest software upgrade for the Apple Watch, bringing a host of new health-related features. The update includes improved sleep tracking, a medication management app, and enhanced heartbeat tracking for users with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
The new medication management app allows users to create schedules and set reminders for medications, vitamins, and supplements. This feature aims to improve adherence to treatment plans.
WatchOS 9 also introduces Sleep Stages, which tracks the amount of time spent in REM, core, or deep sleep stages and syncs with the Health app on the iPhone. This data can help users understand their sleep patterns better.
For users with AFib, the update includes the AFib History feature. This estimates how often a user's heart is in atrial fibrillation and can be shared with a doctor. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared this feature for use with the Apple Watch and the iPhone Health app.
Runners will benefit from new statistics, including stride length, power, and segments and splits, to help track performance and reduce injury risk.
The update also offers four new watch faces, support for new keyboard languages, and redesigned apps. Notifications have been made less distracting for improved user experience.
WatchOS 9 will be released to the public later this fall. Apple continues to work with medical professionals, such as Harlan Krumholz at Yale University, to integrate reliable health monitoring into daily life. The update also includes a feature to flag potential drug interactions for users taking multiple medications, further enhancing the Apple Watch's role in health management.
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