Apple unveiled watchOS 8, its upcoming update to the Apple Watch operating system, at WWDC . While we likely wo n't see the full release of the new version until September or October, a watchOS 8 beta is now available.
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The new updated version brings interesting capabilities and features.
WatchOS 8: Release date
watchOS 8 will likely be released in the fall, along with the Apple Watch 7 and iPhone 13, which are also expected around that time.
Regardless, watchOS 8 was announced during Apple's annual event, WWDC, which this year takes place between June 7 and 11.
Immediately after the unveiling of watchOS 8 at WWDC, Apple released the developer beta version for those with a developer account (go to the developer program site to sign up for the watchOS 8 beta).
Apple also promised a public beta release in June on the public beta site. Of course, some features may not be revealed in these early releases.
WatchOS 8: Which devices support it?
The updated Apple Watch is compatible with all models from Apple Watch 3 onwards.
Of course, you'll also need an iPhone compatible with the next version of iOS, so if you want to upgrade to watchOS 8, you'll need to pair your Apple Watch with an iPhone 6S or later, running iOS 15.
WatchOS 8: Features
The watchOS 8 update will offer a range of smaller features, which however overall improve the way you currently use an Apple Watch. Apple did not mention significant changes, but there are some improvements for existing apps and new functionalities.
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Wallet: Digital IDs on Apple Watch
The Wallet app adds more ways of wireless interaction with places and things. Some of these are limited to the Apple Watch 6 and Ultra Wideband technology.
But most Apple Watches will likely benefit from the addition of more digital keys to the Wallet app for their home, office, and hotel . Users will be able to use their wearables to unlock them.
Additionally, users in the US will be able to add their driver's license or ID card to Wallet. All users need to do is add them to the iOS Wallet app and they will appear on their Apple Watch.
New Mindfulness app and sleep tracking
The Breathe has been integrated into the new Mindfulness along with a new activity, Reflect.
Finally, the sleep tracking feature now has a new metric – respiratory rate – which measures breaths per minute. All data is transferred to the Health app.
Workout app and Apple Fitness Plus
The watchOS Workout app is getting two new workout activities, Tai Chi and Pilates.
As for the Apple Fitness Plus watchOS app , there's Picture in Picture support and more filtering options. You can also transfer workouts between devices, pause a workout on one device and resume it on another.
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Fitness Plus also adds more exercises from fitness trainer Jeanette Jenkins, while workouts can be coordinated with entire playlists from artists like Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and more.
Photos and portrait mode
The Photos app has been redesigned and offers new ways to navigate collections, while Memories and Featured Photos sync with the Apple Watch from the iOS app. A new Portraits watch face allows you to convert your Portrait-mode photos into watch faces.
Messages and GIFs
The Messages app also comes with some new features, like the ability to search and reply with GIFs. There's also a new Contacts app in WatchOS for browsing, editing, and sharing contacts from your Apple Watch.
Source: TechRadar
