At WWDC, Apple announced the latest version of watchOS. These tiny watchOS 8 features are so well hidden that you probably didn’t know them yet.
Tiny watchOS 8 features
Apple unveiled watchOS 8 during its big WWDC keynote. Importantly, this update introduces, among other things, a Mindfulness app and the Apple Watch can measure your heart rate while you sleep.
Tai chi and pilates are also coming to the workouts app. The new dial with portraits of your loved ones also stands out, and you will soon be able to combine different input methods when composing a message.
But during a presentation there is of course only limited time to show new functions. All sorts of small watchOS 8 features went unmentioned, while they are worth checking out. Watch.
1. Set multiple timers
It becomes possible to set multiple timers on the Apple Watch. You give each timer a label via Siri. For example, think of a cooking or sports timer. This way you can keep your different activities well apart.
2. You can do more with the Home app
It becomes easier to control your smart home. This makes it possible to control accessories per room via the Home app.
You can also see who is at your door via your Apple Watch, provided you use a HomeKit camera. You will soon also be able to find a button in the app to use the intercom via HomePods.
3. More apps are always on
Apple ensures that in watchOS 8 more apps support the always-on screen. This includes Maps, Mindfulness, Phone, Podcasts, Stopwatch and Timer. It will also be easier for third parties to make their apps suitable for the always-on screen.
4. Using Apple Watch with one arm
It will be possible for people with disabilities to use the Apple Watch with one arm. The motion sensors are used to register movements, allowing users to use the device without touching the screen.
This makes it possible, among other things, to answer telephone calls, to reach the notification center and to control a pointer on the screen to do other actions.
5. Find devices easier
With watchOS 8, Apple introduces a new app to easily find the devices you’ve lost. You must be logged in with the same Apple ID on those devices.
6. Focus also works
Apple introduces on iOS 15 Focus: the possibilities to prioritize different types of notifications in different circumstances.
For example, you can set different ‘schedules’ for when you go to work or exercise. This function also works with watchOS 8. If you turn on a Focus on iOS, watchOS takes over.
7. Weather app will warn you
The Weather app will soon also support messages from the government if there are warnings about severe weather conditions. You also get clearer warnings for precipitation in the next hour.
8. Contacts app is coming to watchOS 8
Apple is bringing the Contacts app to the Apple Watch. This makes it possible to scroll through your contacts via your watch. For example to find an address. Contacts can also be shared with others via the app.
9. Music app gets an update
The new Music app makes it possible to share songs, albums and playlists via Messages or Mail via your Apple Watch.
All about WWDC 2021
Those were all the little features of watchOS 8! Want to see the show that announced the update for yourself? Which can! You can watch WWDC 2021 in its entirety, but also just all the news here iPhoned read. For example, iOS 15 has been unveiled, just like iPadOS 15. We also tell you everything about macOS 12.
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