Every summertime Apple unveils its next major update to the watchOS software system for Apple Watch , and every fall that update is eject to the general populace . At the initiative tonic of WWDC we see for the first time confirmed detail about watchOS 8 . Then , at the Apple iPhone consequence on 14 September , its sacking day of the month was revealed .
In this clause we look ahead to watchOS 8 and excuse what you’re able to expect from the update . We reveal when it will be release to the public ; we also outline the novel feature to murder the Apple Watch this year .
As expected , Apple announced when the new version of watchOS will be available for download during the Apple Event on 14 September . Apple also set in motion anew Apple Watchat this consequence .
Apple Watch & watchOS History
This is an sometime version of watchOS that has since been updated . We ’re require to seeApple Watch Series 10 , Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3rd coevals , runningwatchOS 11 , set in motion in September 2024 at the company’sGlowtime event(seehow to watch the September result ) . If you ’re in the market for a novel Apple Watch , see ourApple Watch buying usher , bout - up of thebest Apple Watch lot , and advice on whether you shouldbuy Apple Watch now or wait . You might also be interested in what othernew Apple productsare add up this year , and when is thenext Apple event . you could find links to all our Apple Watch reviews below .
Release date: When will watchOS 8 come out?
We expect that watchOS 8 would become useable in September and that was confirmed during the 14 September Apple Event . The launch appointment will be 20 September .
Which Apple Watch models will get watchOS 8?
watchOS 8 will need an iPhone 6s or later operate iOS 14 or later . Here are the Apple Watch models that will be able to install watchOS 8 :
Apple deal a drastic jump forward last year , cut two models from the list of support Apple Watches in a single update : whereas the Series 1 and later were allow to put in watchOS 6 , you required a Series 3 or later to get watchOS 7 .
After such a ruthless move Apple is being more blue in 2021 . The Series 3 will survive for at least one more year of watchOS backup ; after all , Apple still sells that model from its store .
What’s new in watchOS 8?
The latest software update for Apple Watch will bring new features to help you remain healthy , active and connected .
Photos and messaging
The Photos app is used for one of the most pop watch faces , so a heavy update here will for many hoi polloi change the overall smell and feel of the gimmick : yep , the Apple Watch is arrive the iPhone ’s Portrait modality .
These dynamic , multilayered photos breathe unexampled aliveness into portrayal slam of your friends and family , and in watchOS 8 you ’ll also be able-bodied to playact around with the positioning of the clip and other information on the presentation to good fit the photograph .
Also fresh in the Photos app are everyday memory and featured photos , plus a storage-battery grid view of your exposure library , and you ’ll be able to share photo via Messages and Mail , right on the Watch itself .
When you ’re station messages in WatchOS 8 there is greater control and ease of use when editing . you may easily add multiple emoji and GIFs , get into eminence using bidding or scribble and , using the Digital Crown , you may also more easily target typos . you may share music via Messages and Mail , too .
Health
Apple places a real focus on the importance of heedfulness in Apple Watch , so it ’s no surprise to find the novel Focus features coming toiOS 15also sync to Apple Watch . Rather than letting it decide for you which notifications should take priority , you pick out base on what you ’re doing at the clock time – whether you ’re working , socialize or sleep .
watchOS 8 rebrands the Breathe app as ‘ Mindfulness ’ , institute enhanced features and a new Pause to Reflect mode . Both Breathe and Reflect modes sport new animation to help calm you , and now cease with a sum-up of how many ‘ Mindful Minutes ’ you ’ve attain , along with your center charge per unit .
There ’s an update to the Sleep app , too , which now takes into business relationship your respiratory charge per unit ( this should stay relatively ceaseless ) . You ’ll get a notice if there are any pregnant variety , which could intend a change in your overall health . Sleep metrics can be tracked in the Health app over sentence .
For keeping set there are a couple of new exercise mood – Pilates and Tai Chi – plus client flight simulator and Artist Spotlight . Strength and HIIT physical exertion from Jeanette Jenkins will feature , and you ’ll also be able-bodied to savor workout play list from the likes of Lady Gaga , Keith Urban , Alicia Keys and Jennifer Lopez .
Siri
An interesting rumour ahead of the watchOS 8 announcement was that Siri would get a new offline mode , which might appease those pertain with privacy subject connect to where voice recording are stored . This is sort of the grammatical case , as Apple moves toward on - machine interpreter credit for some job , such as setting timer and initiative apps .
Home
With greater support for fresh devices , Apple Watches run watchOS 8 will be able to intercommunicate with wise family gimmick much , er , smarter .
When you ’re in close range of a chic equipment , you might see related to option start up onscreen , such as to answer the doorway or turn on the Light Within . If you ’re using security tv camera you ’ll be able to access them all in the new Camera Room app , which supports two - path audio and a variety show of expression ratio . You ’ll even be able to see the status of all your smart devices from the Home silver screen , and access Scenes more easy .
Wallet
During WWDC Apple announce various enhancement make out to Apple Wallet , and of path many of these are also supported on Apple Watch through watchOS 8 . You ’ll be able to store a digital key for your home plate in good order on your wrist through Home Key , a gondola key with , er , Car Key , and you could even share these with family members through , you guessed it , Family Sharing . In some US states , Wallet is also going to be able-bodied to store ID cards .
Other updates
Various small updates will also have in watchOS 8 , from nifty app backup for the always - on show to the addition of phone audio levels in Control Center . You ’ll get spartan weather warnings in the Weather app , an updated Contacts app , and the ability to set multiple timers .
Assistive Touch for Apple Watch means you’re able to manoeuver an Apple Watch with hand gestures – clinch your helping hand to answer a call or move your wrist to scroll .
Further reading
That ’s all for now , but remember to check back regularly ; as we go up the release of watchOS 8 you may carry hatful more info to be shared about the design and new feature of speech of the update software .
And fan of Apple ’s wearables would be well advised to check our roundup of thebest Apple Watch dealsto deflect missing the in vogue bargains .