The latest WatchOS 10.2 update has been released, bringing new health-related features for Siri on Apple Watches. These innovative features are exclusively available on the latest Apple smartwatches, the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.
Siri will now be able to process requests for about 20 health data types on the Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2, including information about last night’s sleep, step count, and more. This includes processing data gathered by third-party health apps, providing users with insights into blood pressure and glucose levels without needing to tap their watch face.
One of the reasons these new health features are exclusive to the latest smartwatches is because they use Apple’s new S9 chip, which allows some data to be processed directly by the smartwatch itself, enhancing privacy and minimizing the need to transfer information to the cloud.
Deidre Caldbeck, Apple’s senior director of product marketing for Apple Watch and Health divisions, mentioned in an interview that supporting health requests has been a highly-desired feature and that they will continue to explore adding additional data types and offering more accessibility to health features through Siri.
Users will also be able to ask Siri to register their weight, women’s health, and medications, eliminating the need to enter this data manually. This new update could be a significant step toward improving Apple’s Health app and its overall user experience.