Apple has introduced significant tweaks to the Sleep Score feature available on the Apple Watch, as part of the latest updates in watchOS 26.2 and iOS 26.2. These adjustments aim to redefine the way users interpret their sleep quality by modifying the labeling of point ranges. This change is designed to align more closely with how individuals feel after a night's sleep, especially following a restless night.
The updated scoring system for the Sleep Score is now categorized as follows:
Very Low: 0-40 (previously 0-29) Low: 41-60 (previously 30-49) OK: 61-80 (previously 50-69) High: 81-95 (previously 70-89) Very High: 96-100 (previously 90-100)Notably, the Very High rank has been renamed from "Excellent" to better reflect the overall grading system. This change aims to provide users with a more intuitive understanding of their sleep quality.
Currently, the Sleep Score can still assign a High score even if a user experiences five to six hours of restless sleep. This can be misleading, as many individuals may not feel their best after such a short duration of sleep. The Sleep Score is an integral feature of watchOS 26, which evaluates various factors such as sleep duration, bedtime, and nighttime interruptions to generate a nightly score reflecting overall sleep quality.
The scoring breakdown is as follows: duration accounts for 50 points, bedtime contributes 30 points, and interruptions—defined as instances of waking up during the night—are worth 20 points. This comprehensive scoring system is designed to help users understand their sleep patterns better, enabling them to identify habits that may be adversely affecting their sleep quality.
The Sleep Score feature requires an Apple Watch and is compatible with all models that support watchOS 26. This ensures that a wide range of users can access and benefit from these enhancements, ultimately promoting healthier sleep habits. By utilizing the Sleep Score, Apple Watch users can take a proactive approach to improve their sleep hygiene and overall well-being.
Stay tuned for more updates on watchOS 26 and its features in our related roundup!
