Apple watchOS

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• Apple Watch

watchOS is an operating system developed by Apple to work on an Apple Watch.

2023: Release of emergency patches for three zero-day vulnerabilities

Apple has released emergency security updates to address three new zero-day vulnerabilities that have been exploited in attacks on iPhone and Mac users. This became known on September 21, 2023. Apple has fixed all three vulnerabilities in macOS 12.7/13.6, iOS 16.7/17.0.1, [iPadOS] 16.7/17.0.1 and watchOS 9.6.3/10.0.1 by solving the certificate validation problem and implementing improved checks. Read more here.

2022: watchOS 9 out

On June 7, 2022, it became known that Apple announced the watchOS 9 operating system for branded smartwatches. The system received many small cosmetic interface improvements and four dials, including the "Lunar Calendar."

Source: apple.com

The main emphasis in the system is on sports functions. The watch will be able to automatically switch between different types of activity. So, if a person is engaged in triathlon, then Apple Watch will be able to determine when he switched from one sport to another.

Using an accelerometer and gyroscope, the clock will determine the type of running, the length of the step and even the time of contact with the ground. "Heart rate zones" will also be displayed, allowing you to maintain the right pace for endurance training or fat burning.

More detailed data have emerged on heart rate and sleep quality (including its depth). Everything can be viewed right on the clock.

Another function is to track the schedule of taking pills. The app will offer a list of the most popular input drugs, or it will be possible to scan their labels using an iPhone camera. The system will also warn about the incompatibility of drugs with alcohol and with each other.

The Activity app has finally become available without the Apple Watch: the iPhone will display data received by smartphone sensors.

The release of watchOS 9 will take place in the fall of 2022, public beta testing will start in July. Developers can install the first beta, but regular users are advised to avoid installing such firmware on their everyday devices: they may contain bugs that will fix by the final build.

The system will be available for the 4th generation Apple Watch and newer, as well as for the SE: this time Apple Watch Series 3 remained overboard^[1].

2021: watchOS 8 release for Apple Watch

On September 20, 2021, the watchOS 8 operating system was launched for Apple Watch smartwatches.

Updated application "House"

This application, according to the developers, provides even more convenient access to accessories and scenarios that may be needed at a certain moment, as well as the ability to control accessories in separate rooms. Users who have a HomeKit-enabled camera can see right on their wrist who is near their door. On the Apple Watch, you can also tap the Intercom button to quickly make an announcement with broadcast throughout the house or in individual rooms via HomePod, HomePod mini or other personal devices.

New types of training

WatchOS 8 has two new types of training: Taijiquan and Pilates. They involve specially created reliable algorithms that allow you to measure your heart rate and movement intensity in order to get accurate indicators of activity.

WatchOS 8 operating system launched

Fitness+

Apple has expanded the Fitness + service. The smartwatch can now provide audio support for meditation classes. There are new types of Pilates training, and yoga training and strength exercises can be chosen according to new parameters, such as the necessary equipment.

Sleep respiratory rate

In watchOS 8, users can view even more information about their body, for example, sleep respiration rate - the number of breaths-exhalations per minute. To measure this indicator, the Apple Watch uses a built-in accelerometer.

"Portraits" dial and "Photos" application

The new "Portraits" dial brings to life portrait photos taken on the iPhone, adding a multi-layered effect to them: the faces in the photo are automatically recognized and highlighted from the background. The Photos application has new ways to view and navigate collections, memories and photos from the collection are automatically synchronized to the Apple Watch, and from the new export page you can share pictures through Messages and Mail.

WatchOS 8 can be installed by users of the following versions of Apple smartwatches:

• Apple Watch Series 7;
• Apple Watch Series 6;
• Apple Watch SE;
• Apple Watch Series 5;
• Apple Watch Series 4;
• Apple Watch Series 3.^[2]

2015: watchOS release

watchOS was first released on April 24, 2015 - along with Apple Watch Series 1.

Notes