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Apple has a tradition of releasing a major software update every year for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, along with smaller updates throughout the year.
The next major update for Apple Watch this year is watchOS 8. Let's explore the most notable new features on watchOS 8 in the article below!
When will it be updated to WatchOS 8? Which devices are compatible?
At the WWDC 2021 event held on 06/08/2021, Apple introduced the Beta of watchOS 8 (a trial version for developers to try out).
After 3 months of testing on 9/20 recently, watchOS 8 was officially released along with iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and new macOS. watchOS 8 Apple officially launched has some practical small changes for Apple smartwatch users.
WatchOS 8 can only be installed on Apple Watch series 3 and above, using iPhone 6S and above with iOS 14 or higher installed. watchOS 8 will support the following devices:
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch SE
New Features of watchOS 8
Portrait Watch Face and new Photos app
Apple has redesigned the Photos app in watchOS 8. Now, viewing and navigating through photo collections is easier. Additionally, Memories and Featured Photos will sync with Apple Watch from the iOS app.
WatchOS 8 also introduces a new Portrait watch face. Apple states that portrait photos are popular choices, so they are introducing a portrait-style watch face, focusing on the subject by blurring the background.
Upgrade Messages, Contacts app
The Messages app is receiving a major upgrade this year. Although Apple isn't adding a keyboard to the Messages app on watchOS 8, they are adding features that make Messages much more interesting. Now, you can use scribble, emojis, and spell check to compose messages, as well as use the Digital Crown to control the editing cursor.
Apple has also added GIF support for Messages in watchOS 8. Apple Watch users can input a word or phrase and choose from hundreds of trending GIFs. watchOS 8 also introduces a Contacts app for Apple Watch. Now, you can create, edit, and share contacts directly from the Contacts app on Apple Watch.
New Focus Feature
The Focus feature works when paired with iPhone on iOS 15. This feature helps you reduce distractions and focus on the task at hand. Additionally, Apple suggests Focus modes, so if you're working out, the watch will remind you to select the Focus for fitness option.
New Types of Workouts and Trainers
WatchOS 8 introduces new workout styles called Tai Chi and Pilates. Apple states that these new exercises are 'beneficial for both physical and mental agility.' The company is also adding new workouts in Apple Fitness+ with sessions from renowned trainers like Jeanette Jenkins.
Additional disciplines like Tai Chi Chuan and new Pilates styles are being added, providing you with a wide range of options for home fitness training.
Health-related Features
Mindfulness Feature: This is an enhanced feature of the Breath app from previous versions. In addition to breathing exercises, watchOS 8 also includes the Reflect feature to help you establish a meditation practice by providing stimulating mindfulness topics to help calm and focus the mind.
Sleep Tracking: During sleep, Apple Watch can calculate respiratory rate thanks to watchOS 8. Respiratory rate and other health metrics are listed in the Health app.
Control HomeKit devices with the new Home app for Apple Watch
One of the major updates that Apple has introduced in watchOS 8 is the new Home app for Apple Watch. This allows users' smartwatches to suggest actions based on surrounding devices.
Similarly, watchOS 8 can also suggest actions based on the time of day. For example: turn off lights when it's time to go to bed, among others.
AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch
Apple will introduce accessibility features announced prior to WWDC 2021. The list of features includes AssistiveTouch to help individuals with mobility impairments use Apple Watch more easily.
AssistiveTouch on Apple Watch utilizes accelerometer and gyroscope sensors integrated to make it easier for people to use their Apple Watch without having to touch the screen or control buttons.
With watchOS 8, Apple Watch can detect differences in muscle movement and tendon activity to help users move the cursor. Users can perform hand gestures such as clenching or squeezing to navigate within the operating system.
Enhanced Wallet App
With the Wallet feature in watchOS 8, you can unlock your car, open your house or office door, or add driver's license information with just a tap on your Apple Watch.
Improved Always On Display Feature
With watchOS 8, Apple has also introduced small enhancements to the Always-On display on Apple Watch. Other apps now support this feature such as Maps, Mindfulness, Now Playing, Phone, Stopwatch, Timer, Voice Memos, and more.
Apple has also added an API allowing third-party developers to integrate the Always-On display into their apps.
Integration of Find My Items on Apple Watch
Finally, Apple will allow you to track Find My Items, such as AirTags and the new Chipolo One Spot, directly from your Apple Watch. Additionally, there's a new Find Devices app to help users locate lost Apple devices signed in with the same Apple ID.
Conclusion
While watchOS 8 is considered incremental upgrades, there are still many incredibly useful features, even if we hope for more breakthrough features that will take some time to develop for your Apple Watch.
What are your thoughts on WatchOS 8?One of the most impressive things is that Apple still supports Apple Watch Series 3. Of course, the performance won't be as robust, but you can still update a device that's 4 years old with almost all the latest features from Apple.
Are you excited about watchOS 8? Will you update? Let me know in the comments below!
Source: pocket-lint
See more:
- Explore the upgrades of the new Apple Watch Series 7 compared to Series 6
- First impressions of the Apple Watch Series 7
- All the latest notable information about iOS 15
