Apple yesterday released a new version of watchOS, with 9.1 and it mainly fixes some issues with battery life while doing long workouts. The models affected are the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and Apple Watch Ultra.

The update can be installed by going to the Apple Watch app on iPhone, then General > Software Update.

Apple will also allow users to now download new music when the watch is not on its charger, this can be done via WiFi or mobile data.

Release Notes

This update includes improvements for your Apple Watch.

– Battery life extended during Outdoor Walking, Running, and Hiking Workouts with the ability to reduce the frequency of heart rate and GPS readings on Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and Apple Watch Ultra
– Music can download while Apple Watch is off charger using Wi-Fi or cellular
– Matter, the new smart home connectivity standard, is supported enabling a wide variety of smart home accessories to work together across ecosystems

This update also includes bug fixes for your Apple Watch.

This update joins, macOS 13, iPadOS 16.1, iOS 16.1, HomePod software 16.1 and tvOS 16.1. All of which were released yesterday.