### Enhancements to Sleep Score in iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2
Recently, Apple launched the initial betas of iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2, bringing noteworthy updates to the Sleep Score evaluation system. Sleep Score, a vital feature introduced in iOS and watchOS 26, has been refined in response to user feedback, resulting in a more impartial evaluation of sleep quality.
#### Modifications to the Evaluation System
Apple acknowledged that the former top grade of ‘Excellent’ carried a quality judgment connotation instead of an objective standard. Consequently, this designation has been substituted with ‘Very High.’ The overall evaluation system has also been modified, making it somewhat more difficult to attain higher scores. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the evaluation systems prior to and following the update:
| Grade | iOS 26.2 | iOS 26 |
|—————|———-|———|
| Very High | 96-100 | 90-100 |
| High | 81-95 | 70-89 |
| OK | 61-80 | 50-69 |
| Low | 41-60 | 30-49 |
| Very Low | 0-40 | 0-29 |
Despite these modifications, the Sleep Score still depends on the same three metrics: Duration, Bedtime, and Interruptions, with no changes to how these metrics are computed.
#### Personal Insights on the Updated Sleep Score
After a week of engaging with the revised Sleep Score, numerous users, including myself, have discovered that the new evaluation system offers a more precise representation of sleep quality. While it might be disheartening to observe a drop in scores, the updated system resonates more with personal assessments of sleep quality.
For example, I usually perform well in Duration and Bedtime categories. However, my Interruptions score can vary widely, particularly with a toddler at home. In the previous version, I often achieved ‘High’ grades even when my sleep was disrupted. For instance, one night I got a 0/20 on Interruptions yet still ended up with a ‘High’ overall score. With the updated grading in iOS 26.2, that same night would now have produced an ‘OK’ score, which I consider to be more accurate.
Though the updates in iOS 26.2 are not revolutionary, they are likely to resonate more with users, offering a more genuine evaluation of sleep quality. As the official release nears next month, many are enthusiastic about observing how these updates will affect their sleep tracking journey.
#### Conclusion
The enhancements to the Sleep Score in iOS 26.2 and watchOS 26.2 demonstrate a thoughtful approach to user feedback, aiming to improve the precision and significance of sleep evaluations. As users acclimate to the new grading system, it will be intriguing to see how these adjustments shape their perception of sleep quality and overall well-being.
