Now that watchOS 8 has been announced, you probably want to know if your Apple Watch will get the update. In this overview we list the supporting Watches.
watchOS 8 support: these Watches get the update
Do you want to know whether your Apple Watch will also receive an update to the new watchOS 8? We have good news because the latest version runs on most recent Apple Watch models. If you’re using watchOS 7 on your watch now, you can also update to version 8 later this year. Here are all the Apple Watches that support watchOS 8:
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch SE
Unlike macOS Monterey, for example, there are no Apple watches this year. As with iOS 15, Apple will continue to support older devices so that as many users as possible can get started with the new features and improvements. Also read more in the overview with iOS 15 support and macOS Monterey support.
watchOS 8: smaller update with smart improvements
The new watchOS 8 is a relatively minor update to Apple smartwatches. However, the Breathing app is being overhauled and it has been given a new name: Mindfulness. With the app you can perform short assignments to relax, for example by thinking of a nice memory.
In addition, you can now set portrait photos as a watch face, where the background is extra blurred so that the foreground stands out extra. In addition, the Photos app has been adjusted and you can more easily share snapshots via the Messages and Mail app on your Apple Watch.
In addition, watchOS 8 introduces the new Focus features, which are also included in iOS 15 and macOS Monterrey. This allows you to disable notifications from certain apps when, for example, you are working and want to focus, or just want to relax. watchOS 8 will be available to everyone later this year, with a public test version coming next month.
→ Round-up: the 4 announcements of WWDC 2021 in a row