watchOS 8 is here. Apple has just flipped the switch and released the final version of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, but also watchOS 8. This means that not only registered developers and participants in the Apple Beta Program can download and install the update, but all users.
Apple releases watchOS 8
watchOS 8 is now available on the Apple servers. The installation is done via the Apple Watch App on the iPhone -> General -> software update. Since the release of watchOS 8 Beta 1 in June this year, we've covered a number of new features coming with the major update to watchOS 8.0.
The brief description of watchOS 8 reads as follows:
How the update works
The update is done via the Apple Watch app on your iPhone
Apple Watch must be in range of iPhone connected to Wi-Fi
The Apple Watch must be connected to the charger
The Apple Watch must be charged at least 50 percent
WatchOS 8.0 release notes
watchOS 8 gives you new ways to stay healthy, active, and connected. The redesigned Photos app helps you remember important moments, and the new Mindfulness app and new workout types Tai Chi and Pilates help you stay healthy and fit. Updates to Wallet and Home give you easy, convenient access to your home, car, and other places you love.
Watch faces
The Portraits watch face uses segmentation data from portrait photos taken on iPhone to create an immersive, layered watch face (Apple Watch Series 4 and later).
With the World Clock watch face, you can keep track of the time in 24 different time zones simultaneously (Apple Watch Series 4 and later).
Status and controls for the devices in your home are now displayed at the top of the Home app.
For example, you can quickly see if devices are powered on, have a low battery, or need a software update.
Devices and scenes appear dynamically - based on time and frequency of use.
A dedicated camera room shows all available HomeKit camera feeds in one place and offers support for multiple camera angles and aspect ratios.
The Favorites section gives you access to scenes and devices that you use most often.
Wallets
With House Keys, you can unlock a supported door lock in your home or apartment with a single tap.
Hotel room keys allow you to unlock your room at a participating hotel with a single tap.
Office keys allow you to unlock your office with a single tap if your company supports it.
Car keys with Ultra Wide Band technology on Apple Watch Series 6 can be used upon arrival to unlock, lock and start a supported car.
Functions of the remote key for your car allow you to lock, unlock, sound the horn, preheat the seats or open the tailgate on supported vehicles.
Training
New specific algorithms for "Tai Chi" and "Pilates" enable precise tracking of the measured calorie consumption.
Auto-detection of outdoor cycling workouts sends a reminder to start the Training app and allows you to track workouts you've already started.
Outdoor cycling workouts can be automatically paused and resumed.
Measurement of calories burned during outdoor bike workouts with an e-bike has been improved.
Teens under the age of 13 can now collect more accurate metrics on hiking workouts.
Voice feedback can be used to announce intermediate destinations via the built-in speaker or a connected Bluetooth device.
Fitness+
You can practice meditating with guided meditations. Audio sessions on Apple Watch and video sessions on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV guide you through specific topics.
Pilates workouts are available now, with new workouts weekly that are specifically designed to improve strength and flexibility.
Picture-in-picture support on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV means you can monitor your workout while viewing other content in compatible apps.
There are also advanced training filters for yoga, strength, core and HIIT, including whether equipment is required.
Mindfulness
The Mindfulness app includes an expanded Breathing feature and a new Reflect session.
In the breathing sessions you will receive valuable tips on exercises such as "belly breathing" and a new animation will guide you through your exercise.
Reflection sessions show a simple way to focus on your thoughts and show an animation of how a minute goes by.
sleep
Your breathing rate is measured by Apple Watch while you sleep.
You can check your sleep breaths in the Health app and get notified when a trend is spotted.
News
You have the ability to create or reply to messages using options like Scribble, Dictation, and Emoji, all from the same screen.
You can use the Digital Crown to correct mistakes in dictation by precisely scrolling to where you want to change something.
Support for "#images" in "Messages" allows you to search for GIF images or select an image you recently used.
Photos
The redesigned Photos app lets you view and manage your photo library from your wrist.
Memories highlights and important photos sync to daily shots you just took, in addition to your favorite images on Apple Watch.
Photos synced from Memories are displayed on a mosaic-like grid, with some of your best shots highlighted with a larger photo.
The ability to share photos via Messages and Mail.
Where is?
The Find Items app lets you find items with an attached AirTag and compatible third-party products on the Find My network.
The Find Devices app helps you locate misplaced Apple devices and devices owned by others in your Family Sharing group.
Find My? alerts notify you when you leave behind your Apple device, AirTag, or compatible third-party item.
Weather
Notifications for precipitation in the next hour let you know whether rain or snow is expected soon or when the precipitation will stop.
Severe weather alerts let you know about specific events like tornadoes, winter storms, floods, and so on.
Rain intensity is visualized on a precipitation chart.
Other features and improvements:
With the Focus feature, you can automatically filter notifications based on your current activity (such as fitness, sleeping, gaming, reading, driving, work, or "me time").
Apple Watch automatically adopts any focus settings you set in iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, so you can manage notifications and stay focused.
In the Contacts app, you can access, share, and edit your contacts.
The Tips app is a collection of useful hints and suggestions on how to get the most out of your Apple Watch and its built-in apps.
The redesigned Music app allows you to search and listen to music and radio shows in one place.
Songs, albums, and playlists can now be shared in the Music app through the Messages and Mail apps.
Multiple timers are supported, including Siri support for adding labels to timers.
Cycle Log can now use Apple Watch heart rate data to optimize predictions.
New Memoji stickers allow you to send gestures like shaka, wave, flash of inspiration and more.
There are more than 40 outfits and up to three different colors to choose from to customize your Memoji stickers' clothing and headwear.
The volume of your headphones when listening to media can be determined using real-time measurements in the control center.
Public transit cards can now be added to Wallet for Family Sharing members in Hong Kong, Japan, and select cities in mainland China and the United States.
Google Account support can be set up for the Calendar and Mail apps for Family Configuration users.
With "Assistive Touch", users with motor disabilities can, for example, answer calls, control a screen pointer or start an action menu. Hand gestures such as "pucker" or "clench fist" are available for this purpose.
An additional option for larger fonts is available in the settings.
ECG app support on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in Lithuania.
Support for irregular heart rhythm notifications in Lithuania.
