The next major software update for the Apple Watch will likely be called watchOS 9 and will be included in the rumored Apple Watch 8. watchOS 9 is not well known yet, but the release date and compatibility can be somewhat inferred from precedent. We can speculate on the release date and compatibility to some extent based on precedent.

We can start making a wish list of features we'd like to see in all of the best Apple Watch models eligible for watchOS 9. watchOS 8 improves Apple's mental health efforts with a new mindfulness app and finally supports multiple timer support, but there are still more features we would like to see offered on smartwatches this year.

Like the watch, Apple will show off progress on the latest version of watchOS at its annual Worldwide Developer Conference at WWDC 2022, along with iOS 16 and new software for the best MacBooks, watchOS 9 is expected to be previewed.

Here's what we know about watchOS 9 and what it means for current Apple Watch users, plus the features we really want to see happen.

The release date for watchOS 9 has not yet been confirmed. The exact release date for the new watchOS version will be announced at the same time Apple announces its new smartwatch.

Before the final version of watchOS 9 is released, beta versions for developers and general testers will likely be made available. Typically, the developer version will be released shortly after WWDC, and the public version will be released in mid-summer. For reference, the first public beta of watchOS 8 was released on July 1, 2021.

As for watchOS 9 compatibility, it is not known if Apple will expand support for all currently available Apple Watch models. At the very least, the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE are almost certain to include watchOS 9. watchOS 9 compatibility for the Apple Watch 3 is less certain, but the four-year-old smartwatch is still available from Apple.

Apple Watch 4, Apple Watch 5, and Apple Watch 6 users should also be eligible for watchOS 9. And as always, the latest watchOS is free to install. Apple does not charge for software updates.

If you know how to use the Apple Watch, your watchOS 9 experience shouldn't be much different. So what are the new features of watchOS 9 we can expect? If past updates are any indication, Apple will introduce health and fitness upgrades.

There will likely be deeper integration of the Apple Watch with HomeKit, Apple Wallet, and Apple Fitness Plus. watchOS 9 software may also introduce new native apps for the Apple Watch.

Health App: If there is one app currently missing from the Apple Watch experience, it is the Health app. the iPhone's Health app serves as a dashboard for all wellness data, from sleep measurements and daily workout progress to noise notifications and symptom tracking. It serves as a dashboard for all your wellness data, from sleep measurements and daily workout progress to noise notifications and symptom tracking. Since most of this information is collected from the Apple Watch, it makes sense to make a similar dashboard available on the wrist. Currently, sleep tracking, heart rate trends, and activity can all be viewed in separate apps. Why not offer a destination that combines them?

Notes App In addition to the Health app, another app we would love to see on the Apple Watch is a native notes program; ideally, the Apple Watch notes app would sync with the iPhone notes app via iCloud. With the Notes app, one can recall items shopped, make to-do lists, and jot down creative ideas without an iPhone. Likewise, notes written on the iPhone can be referenced from the wrist. You can also use the Apple Watch app for taking notes, but the native version is better, especially since the Apple Watch 7 has a QWERTY keyboard.

Keyboards on other Apple Watch models: on that note, one of the biggest upgrades to the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch 6 is the addition of a full QWERTY keyboard. We love the keyboard for texting (much better than using Scribble), but it is limited to the size of the new Apple Watch 7. We hope this keyboard will be included on older Apple Watch models so that more Apple Watch users can type on their wrists.

Recovery Tool: While the Apple Watch ring is great for tracking daily activity goals, sometimes the body needs a break. We hope the Apple Watch will provide occasional rest days based on sleep data and other health metrics, without sacrificing your strength training. Rest is an important part of any workout regimen.

Keep this page bookmarked for the latest rumors leading up to the official launch of watchOS 9.