Apple Today Announced These Four New Features Are Coming to Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2

[MacRumors]

While the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are models from last year, Apple today announced that it plans to bring several new features to these two devices specifically via a software update.

Apple has not confirmed when exactly these features will roll out to last year's devices, but they are likely to arrive with watchOS 11 or a subsequent update.

Sleep Apnea Notifications

Just like the Apple Watch Series 10, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be able to detect signs of sleep apnea. While currently pending FDA clearance, this feature is expected to roll out later in September. The sleep apnea notification feature uses the watch's accelerometer to track breathing disturbances during sleep, offering insights that could indicate moderate to severe sleep apnea. The feature is aimed at adults 18 and older who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Once available, users will receive notifications if potential signs are detected, along with health information and a PDF report for discussion with a healthcare provider.

Action Button Improvements

Apple is also enhancing the Apple Watch Ultra 2's Action Button. Users will be able to assign a variety of new actions, including switching between workout types during multisport activities, starting a stopwatch, using the Flashlight, or invoking Voice Memos or Shazam with a single press. Apple today added that users will be able to press and hold the Action Button to switch between these actions, making it easier to adapt the button's functionality on the fly.

Tides App

An all-new Tides app designed for the Apple Watch Series 10 also comes to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. It provides seven-day rolling forecasts for coastal conditions around the world. Users will have access to high and low tides, tide height and direction, and even sunrise and sunset times—all plotted against a timeline for easy reference. The information is useful for anyone planning activities like surfing, kayaking, or sailing, ensuring they can stay safe and aware of changing ocean conditions. The app also includes complications that can be displayed on the watch face, providing real-time tide updates for users' favorite surf spots or the closest beach.

Audio Playback Through Built-in Speakers

Like the Apple Watch Series 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be able to play audio through the watch's built-in speakers. Previously, these speakers were mainly used for notification sounds and phone calls, but users will soon be able to listen to audio from apps like Apple Music and Apple Podcasts out loud without the need for a Bluetooth accessory.

Article Link: Apple Today Announced These Four New Features Are Coming to Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2

 

[FlyGuyDEN]

It’s like why even bother upgrading to the S10?!

 

[swrobel]

Wait, so none of this will be available on the UW1?

 

[Regret]

Kinda nice that they’re keeping the Ultra 2 around. Feels like an apology for how little of an upgrade it was over the Ultra 1 lol

 

[lanomds1]

It's kinda odd that they're using the newer SoC on the S10 and not upgrading the Ultra. The entire lineup of products is a huge huge mess right now as far as specs are concerned. Not to mention the fact that we wait years expecting updates for products like the AirPods Max and end up having nothing or just new colours :/

 

[midkay]

Audio playback over the Watch speaker is fantastic. Been trying it out on my Ultra 2 and it works great for music and podcasts. Will be great to have in a pinch.

 

[macduke]

So Apple is basically upgrading my Apple Watch Ultra 2 to an Apple Watch Ultra 3 over the air?

Sweet. I'll take it! I've been wondering lately if I have sleep apnea.

So far upgrading to the Ultra 2 last year seems like one of the best upgrades I've ever done, lol. I'm most excited about the Action Button becoming more useful. Right now I only use it to start an exercise.

 

[midkay]

I'm most excited about the Action Button becoming more useful. Right now I only use it to start an exercise.

The new feature to hold the Action button to switch functionalities is nice. I find it most useful mapped to flashlight – especially since you can also adjust the brightness up and down by rolling the crown. I use it all the time around the house.

 

[macsimcon]

So Apple excluded the original Ultra just to force people to upgrade? Tim is such a greedy SOB.

 

[Plutonius]

Do people actually wear a watch at night ?

 

[FlyGuyDEN]

Do people actually wear a watch at night ?

Hi. Me. I’m the problem. It’s me.

 

[whsbuss]

Just hoping I can play Apple Music directly from the U2 watch via APP2. It’s almost impossible to play from the watch unless 3rd party apps like iHeart.

 

[JSRinUK]

Definitely not regretting buying an Ultra 2 earlier this year. Love the idea of playing directly from the speaker. I listen to audiobooks and really don’t need to be using headphones/remote speakers for that.

 

[mlayer]

Was waiting to see this Series 10 release before committing. This seals it, I’ll get a Series 9 on sale to replace my old Series 4 because I want the sleep apnea monitoring. What gets lost in all this is that last year’s S9 SIP was a major upgrade over the previous years.

 

[SigurTom]

The ability to measure blood oxygen is no longer available on Apple Watch units sold by Apple in the United States on or after January 18, 2024.

So they've gotta fix that before I can buy a new one. And seems like oxygen and breathing disruptions both being measured is a no brainer for an apnea notification.

 

[vertsix]

Very unlike post-2012 Apple to extend features down to existing hardware.

 

[spartan1967]

How is the Tides App not offered on prior generation AWs?

 

[The Doctor11]

It’s ridiculous that tides isn’t just apart of watchOS 10 and included in the weather app.

 

[Jmausmuc]

Crazy if they make the action button improvements exclusive to the Ultra 2. this would really leave a bitter taste in my mouth.

 

[stiligFox]

Do people actually wear a watch at night ?

I do! It gets most of its use helping me track my sleep.

 

[Jaro65]

It's kinda odd that they're using the newer SoC on the S10 and not upgrading the Ultra. The entire lineup of products is a huge huge mess right now as far as specs are concerned. Not to mention the fact that we wait years expecting updates for products like the AirPods Max and end up having nothing or just new colours :/

You forgot the breakthrough connecter they added. That took courage.

 

[MrGimper]

Do people actually wear a watch at night ?

I think it's more bizarre you felt the need to ask. Of course they do.

 

[jz0309]

Do people actually wear a watch at night ?

Is this a serious question? Do you actually own an AW?

 

[moonnavigator]

How is the Tides App not offered on prior generation AWs?

It shows up on my Ultra 1 with the release candidate.

 

[moonnavigator]

Crazy if they make the action button improvements exclusive to the Ultra 2. this would really leave a bitter taste in my mouth.

They are available on Ultra 1.