Apple recently released watchOS 9.6, a minor but important update for Apple Watch models. While it doesn’t contain major new features, it provides key bug fixes and security patches.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about watchOS 9.6 including compatibility, changes, performance, and more. Let’s dive in!
Compatibility
watchOS 9.6 is compatible with all Apple Watch models running watchOS 9, specifically:
- Apple Watch Series 4 and later
- Apple Watch SE
If you’re currently running watchOS 9.0-9.5, you will be prompted to install 9.6.
However, watchOS 9.6 is not available for:
- Apple Watch Series 3 (and older)
- Apple Watch models running watchOS 8.x or earlier
- Apple Watch models enrolled in the watchOS 10 beta program
So unless you have a Series 3 or below, or are on older watchOS versions, updating to 9.6 is recommended.
Update Size
watchOS 9.6 is a minor update, coming in at around 280MB. So it shouldn’t take too long to download and install.
I installed it on my Apple Watch Series 7 and the process took just a few minutes. As always, make sure your Apple Watch is charged to at least 50% before updating.
Release Notes
Unfortunately, Apple’s official release notes for watchOS 9.6 are sparse on details. Here’s the full changelog:
This update provides important bug fixes and security updates.
That’s it! No specifics on which bugs were fixed or performance improvements made.
However, given that it’s a minor x.x.1 update, don’t expect any major new features or redesigns. This is strictly a maintenance release focusing on fixing bugs and patching security vulnerabilities.
Security Updates
While light on official bug info, Apple was more forthcoming about the security updates in watchOS 9.6.
On Apple’s security updates page, they highlight several vulnerabilities patched in this release:
- Kernel – Available for an application to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. Fixed with improved checks and memory handling.
- WebKit – Processing maliciously crafted web content could lead to arbitrary code execution. Addressed with improved state management.
- Find My – A bug allowed apps to access sensitive location data. Patched by improving restrictions.
- SQLite – An application may be able to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Fixed memory corruption issue.
- Audio – A maliciously crafted audio file could lead to arbitrary code execution. Improved validation was implemented.
As you can see, the security updates span multiple core Apple Watch components like the kernel, WebKit browser engine, databases, audio decoding, and location services.
Installing watchOS 9.6 ASAP is highly recommended to apply these critical patches.
Performance and Battery Life
From a performance and battery life standpoint, users should not expect any drastic changes after updating to watchOS 9.6.
As primarily a bug fix and security release, it does not significantly alter the core watchOS codebase. Any performance gains or battery life improvements are likely to be marginal.
I have not noticed any differences in speed, smoothness, or battery drain after updating my Series 7. But individual results may vary depending on your model and usage.
If you were experiencing significant battery drain or laggy performance on watchOS 9.0-9.5, installing 9.6 may help but isn’t guaranteed to resolve those issues.
New Features?
Given the minimal changelog, watchOS 9.6 does not appear to contain any new user-facing features or functionality.
Again, this is a standard minor point release focused on bugs and security. Major new features and updates will come in watchOS 10 later this fall.
However, if Apple does sneak in any small enhancements or UI tweaks, they have not been documented publicly. The only way to know for sure is to install and keep an eye out for changes.
Should You Install?
So should you install the new watchOS 9.6 update? Yes, I recommend installing for 3 key reasons:
- Bug Fixes – Even if undisclosed, you’ll benefit from any bug squashing.
- Security Patches – Critical to get vital security updates ASAP.
- Compatibility – Maintains compatibility with latest iOS 16.6 and other ecosystem updates.
The only downsides are the minor hassle of installing and potential software quirks. But overall, watchOS 9.6 is a safe and recommended update for supported Apple Watch models.
Unless you urgently need your Apple Watch for a race or activity where you can’t risk any glitches, go ahead and update! It will only take a few minutes.
What’s Next for watchOS?
Looking ahead, what can we expect next from Apple’s smartwatch platform? Here are some upcoming watchOS releases:
watchOS 9.7 – There may be a watchOS 9.7 minor bug fix update before the launch of watchOS 10.
watchOS 10 – The next major watchOS release with new features and design changes. Likely coming September-October 2022.
watchOS 10.x – Point updates to watchOS 10 addressing bugs and issuing security patches.
watchOS 11 – After watchOS 10, Apple will transition to developing watchOS 11 as the 2023 major software update.
So in summary, look for watchOS 9.7 within weeks if at all, followed by watchOS 10 in the fall, incremental updates after that, and watchOS 11 by late 2023. Exciting times ahead!
Closing Recommendations
To wrap up, I strongly suggest installing the watchOS 9.6 update as soon as possible on your compatible Apple Watch models. The bug fixes, security enhancements, and continued stability are worthwhile.
I have not experienced any issues since updating my Series 7. But as always, be sure to backup your device and monitor battery and performance closely for a few days post-update.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I’m happy to help explain anything related to watchOS 9.6 and Apple Watch updates in general. Enjoy the latest Apple Watch software.