With watchOS 9.1, the Apple Watch knows how to download music without charging

Like iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1 or even macOS Ventura, Apple delivered this evening the release candidate of watchOS 9.1 and reading the release notes brings an unexpected little surprise. It is now possible — be careful, hang in there — to download music to the Apple Watch from the iPhone without the watch being on its charging pad!

However, the iPhone warns the user when he wants to download music to the Apple Watch.

Since the dawn of time, the Apple Watch must indeed be in charge to retrieve playlists and podcasts from the iPhone, which is not very practical if you just want to download an album or a playlist. rapidly.

Now all you have to do is be connected to Wi-Fi or cell phone to perform this miracle, which only concerns music: for podcasts you always have to be on charge.

watchOS 9.1 also brings improved battery life during outdoor walking, running and hiking workouts. Limited to the latest models (Series 8, SE 2 and Ultra), this feature reduces the frequency of GPS and heart rate readings. Matter’s support is also there.

watchOS 9.1: release notes

This update includes improvements for your Apple Watch.

• Extend battery life during outdoor walking, running, and hiking workouts by reducing the frequency of GPS and heart rate readings on Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation ) and the Apple Watch Ultra.
• Download music to Apple Watch when it’s not charging over a Wi‑Fi or cellular connection.
• Matter, the new smart home connectivity standard, is supported and enables a large number of smart accessories to work together in all ecosystems.

This update also includes bug fixes for your Apple Watch.

• The audio feedback may announce an erroneous average pace when running outdoors.
• The Weather app may display rain chance estimates that do not match those displayed on the iPhone for the current location.
• The hour-by-hour weather complication might display the morning hours instead of the followingnoon hours.
• It fixes an issue that might block functional training time for some users.
• VoiceOver might skip announcing the app name before playing a notification when multiple notifications arrive at the same time.