KEY POINTS

  • Apple is introducing new sleep tracking features in iOS 14 and watchOS 7
  • Some of the features can only be used with an Apple Watch
  • These features are meant to help users monitor and work toward getting better sleep

Apple introduced new sleep tracking features with iOS 14 and watchOS 7. These are designed to help users monitor their sleep so they can work on getting adequate, good quality sleep.

What are these new features and how can they be used? Here's a quick overview of the sleep tracking features in iOS 14.

Sleep Schedule

The Health app in iOS 14 and watchOS 7 will let users set a sleep schedule, which includes the time they want to sleep as well as a “sleep goal” or the amount of sleep they want to get on any given day (or night).

Once the sleep schedule is set, the app will give recommendations meant to help users achieve their set sleep goal. These include the time users need to wake up based on the time they want to sleep.

Wind Down

Wind Down helps users prepare for sleep by reducing distractions and encouraging them to use features that could help them get ready to sleep. It activates “do not disturb” and provides shortcuts to apps that users tend to use before sleeping. It will also display a note about bedtime.

Sleep Mode

Sleep mode makes it easier for users to sleep undisturbed. It will simplify the lock screen, hide notifications and activate “do not disturb” during the user's set bedtime.

Sleep Tracking

Sleep Tracking lets iPhone and Apple Watch users monitor the user's sleep. It automatically works to keep track of the wearer's sleep and wake times. It requires users to charge their Apple Watch before sleeping.

Waking Up

Apple also added features designed to wake users up. Set alarms will go off on the Apple Watch or iPhone, depending on what's available.

Apple Watch wearers, for example, will be awakened by the device on their wrist, while those who don't own the wearable will be awakened by their iPhones. Both devices will also show a “good morning” message with the time and weather details.

Viewing Sleep Data

Users will be able to view sleep data via the sleep section in the Health app. Data can be displayed on a weekly or monthly basis so users can have a better look at their sleep patterns.

iPhone 11 Pro Unboxing
iPhone 11 Pro. Aaron Yoo(CC BY-ND 2.0)