For several years, Apple has provided Apple Watch users with a sleep tracking feature. By activating the Sleep Focus mode, the device monitors your sleep data, such as sleep stages, heart rate, and respiratory rate. However, for many, this information isn’t particularly helpful, as the most they may receive is “You achieved your sleep goal,” or they may find they’re not meeting the necessary amount of sleep. With watchOS 11, Apple launched the Vitals app, offering a more user-friendly way to interpret this data and even integrate it with Training Loads.
Nonetheless, the company has remained quite cautious with this feature, only indicating whether your metrics fall below, exceed, or align with your usual patterns based on the previous week. However, watchOS 26 could bring changes, as the latest beta disclosed that Apple is developing a core sleep feature for Apple Watch users.
The Apple Watch may introduce a sleep score feature. Code discovered in iOS 26 by MacRumors reveals that the Health app includes a reference to an Apple Watch displaying an “84,” alongside three bars that may signify time awake, REM sleep, and core or deep sleep. While this code also contains several other icons associated with Sleep mode, the publication identified the name of this image as “Watch Focus Score.” Currently, it remains uncertain whether Apple intends to unveil this functionality with watchOS 26 this fall or if it could be part of an update in watchOS 26.1 or later.
In contrast to previous years, Apple is concentrating on announcing features intended for launch alongside the initial official release of its software. Given this focus, we remain unsure of what the company may be concealing for iOS 26.1 and subsequent versions. However, for those seeking a compelling reason to wear their Apple Watch while sleeping, Gentler Streak is worth trying. BGR’s favorite app, Gentler Streak utilizes your sleep data to gauge your readiness for the upcoming day and assesses how exercise might affect your body (whether you should pursue a more strenuous workout or opt for rest).
This new Sleep Score feature could potentially improve further depending on the sensors Apple plans to enhance or introduce in the Apple Watch Series 11, although the much-speculated Apple Ring would be the ideal Apple sleep tracker. Unfortunately, there are no indications that Apple has any intentions to launch a smart ring in the foreseeable future.
