With the new Apple Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8 models now arriving to customers, Apple is bringing a lot of smart new features to the wrist. But there are more new features on the way.
Before the end of the year, Apple is offering Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra users a number of additional features, some of which are watchOS 9 features, meaning they’ll even work on older Apple Watch models.
Track detection
Apple will soon launch a new track running experience that automatically detects when users arrive at a track and combines Apple Maps data with GPS to provide a more accurate route map (including the option to select a track) as well as a more accurate pace and distance metrics. Apple said track detection will be available in the U.S. later this year through a software update for the Apple Watch Series 4 and higher models.
Race Routes
Race Routes is a new workout feature designed for runners to race against best or last times on any frequently completed route. The feature will also provide in-session pacing guidance to keep users’ progress competitive. Apple says Race Routes will be available later this year in Apple Watch Series 4 and later.
International Roaming
For cellular Apple Watch models, Apple will soon introduce support for international roaming. Apple said it has reached agreements with 30 carrier partners to support the feature, including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile in the U.S., Three and O2 in the U.K., and international carriers including China Mobile, Movistar and SoftBank. Apple said the Apple Watch Series 5 and higher Apple said the Apple Watch Series 5 and later cellular models will offer international roaming by the end of this year.
Family Settings – Home Home app support
Family Settings will support the Home app, which will allow children to be invited as members to control HomePod speakers and smart home accessories. Thanks to additional support, kids will also be able to use Home Key and Hotel Key in Apple Wallet.
This feature is dependent on Apple’s new Home architecture, a separate update in the Home app, and will be available in a software update later this year. Please note that sharing control of the home and receiving home notifications requires a Home Hub, and only Apple TV and HomePod are supported as Home Hubs in iOS 16.
Oceanic+ Oceanic app (Apple Watch Ultra)
Developed by Apple in conjunction with third-party company Huish Outdoors, Oceanic+ is a built-in dive computer designed specifically for Apple Watch Ultra devices. Available as a free app on the App Store, Oceanic+ will include depth tracking (including depth alerts), GPS tracking, logbooks (up to 12 dives), snorkeling and more.
For more advanced dive options, such as no decompression limits, users will need to purchase an Oceanic+ subscription plan ($4.99/day, $9.99/month or $79/year). oceanic+ will be available on the App Store later this fall.
Low Power Mode (Apple Watch Ultra)
Apple Watch Ultra has the longest battery life of any Apple Watch, with up to 36 hours during normal use. However, Apple is developing a new low-power setting that can extend battery life to up to 60 hours on a single charge.
