watchOS 9.5 is now available: what’s new?

Apple released several updates last week, including watchOS 9.5 for the Apple Watch. In this article you can read what’s new in this version of watchOS 9, and how to get the update on your watch.

watchOS 9.5: What’s new?

watchOS 9.5 is a relatively minor interim update. But for anyone who prefers to show off a new watch face every day, it’s worth it. New in watchOS 9.5 is the Pride Party watch face: Apple annually releases a watch face in support of the LGBTQ + community.

The new dial also has different styles. The standard variant is white with swirling capsules. But there is also a variant in which the capsules act as hour markers on the dial, and then another with numbers. You can also choose a black background for all variants. If you like to use complications, the second and third variant are most suitable for you.

By the way, on the iPhone you will find a new background in exactly the same style, so that you can coordinate your watch and Apple Watch. And for enthusiasts there is even a matching Apple Watch Pride 2023 strap.

There are also a lot of improvements in the field of security. You will not immediately notice this during use, but it is therefore important that you install the update.

download watchOS 9.5

For watchOS 9.5 you need iOS 16.5 to start – that is also new. So you need to make sure that your iPhone is updated to the latest operating system first. Then you can get started with watchOS 9.5. Updating can be done in two ways:

Through your iPhone. Make sure your Apple Watch is on the charger with at least 50% battery, and your iPhone is nearby and connected to Wi-Fi. Open the Watch app, go to the “My Watch” tab, tap “General”, select “Software Update”, then tap “Download and Install”.

Via the Apple Watch itself: Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch, go to ‘General’ and select ‘Software Update’. Then follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the update.