Apple has officially announced watchOS 8 for the Apple Watch. The operating system is available through an update for supported models of the smart watch.
The announcement came during Apple’s annual WWDC conference, at which it traditionally unveils new software. Apple also presented iOS 15 for the iPhone and iPadOS 15 for the iPad.
watchOS 8: the improvements explained
watchOS 8 is the latest version of the operating system installed on the Apple Watch. New in watchOS 8 are fitness improvements. The smartwatch should be able to monitor your mental and physical health even better, for example because the software understands new workouts. The Breathe app has been improved and can now provide you with more breathing exercises. The app can also ask you questions that you can reflect on. For example: think about something you like and ask yourself why you like it so much.
Apple has also improved the operating system by revamping some of its own apps. They have been given a lick of paint and therefore look more modern and user-friendly. watchOS 8 also includes new watch faces to further personalize your smart watch. For example, Apple introduces a portrait mode for your photo background on the watch. The Photos app on the Watch has also been expanded. You can now share photos from your watch via the Messages app and Mail app. This is done via voice control, writing on the screen and adding smileys.
Also useful: you can now set multiple timers on the watch and send a voice message to all Siri devices, as an intercom function. For example, your message will sound from the HomePods in your house. Nice, although it is not yet clear whether this function works directly in the Netherlands.
download watchOS 8
The watchOS 8 update will be available for the Apple Watch Series 6, 5, 4 and SE. Apple will test the software in the coming months. The final update is not expected until the fall.
By then, we’ll probably also see the Apple Watch Series 7. Apple will probably present this new smartwatch (series) at the same time as the iPhone 13 series.