Vratislav Holub watchOS 8 is available to the public! After a long wait, we finally got it - Apple just now released new operating systems to the public. So if you are among the owners of a compatible Apple Watch, you can already download the latest version, which brings a number of interesting changes. What watchOS 8 brings and how to update the system can be found below.
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Pavel Jelic watchOS 8 compatibility
The new watchOS 8 operating system will be available on several Apple Watch models. It should be noted, however, that the update itself requires at least an iPhone 6S with iOS 15 (and later). Specifically, you will install the system on the watch listed below. In any case, the latest Apple Watch Series 7 is missing from the list. However, they will already arrive with watchOS 8 pre-installed.
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple WatchSE
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 7
watchOS 8 update
You install the watchOS 8 operating system completely normally. Specifically, you can do this either through the Watch app on your iPhone, specifically in General > Software Update. But the watch needs to be charged to at least 50% and the iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network. But there is also the option of updating directly via the watch. In that case, go to Settings > General > Software Update. But again, it is necessary to have at least 50% battery and access to Wi-Fi.
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What's new in watchOS 8
As we already mentioned in the introduction, the watchOS 8 operating system brings with it a number of interesting novelties. You can find everything that has changed in the detailed description attached below.
dials
- Portraits watch face uses segmentation data from portrait photos taken by iPhone to create an impressive multi-layered watch face (Apple Watch Series 4 and later)
- The World Time watch face allows you to track the time in 24 different time zones at once (Apple Watch Series 4 and later)
Household
- The top edge of the Home screen now displays accessory status and controls
- Quick views let you know if your accessories are on, low on battery, or need a software update
- Accessories and scenes are dynamically displayed according to the time of day and frequency of use
- In the dedicated view for cameras, you can see all available camera views in HomeKit in one place and you can adjust their aspect ratio
- The Favorites section provides access to the scenes and accessories you use most often
Penězhenka
- With house keys, you can unlock supported house or apartment locks with one tap
- Hotel keys allow you to tap to unlock rooms in partner hotels
- Office keys allow you to unlock office doors in cooperating companies with a tap
- Apple Watch Series 6 Ultra Wideband Car Keys help you unlock, lock or start a supported car whenever you're within range
- The remote keyless entry features on your car keys allow you to lock, unlock, honk the horn, preheat the cabin and open the trunk of the car
Exercise
- New customized algorithms in the Exercise for Tai Chi and Pilates app allow accurate calorie tracking
- Automatic detection of outdoor cycling training sends a reminder to start the Exercise app and counts back already started exercise
- You can automatically pause and resume outdoor cycling workouts
- The accuracy of calorie measurement for outdoor cycling training while riding an e-bike has been improved
- Users under 13 can now track hiking with more accurate indicators
- Voice feedback announces training milestones via the built-in speaker or a connected Bluetooth device
Fitness +
- Guided Meditation helps you meditate with audio sessions on Apple Watch and video sessions on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV that guide you through different meditation topics
- Pilates exercises are now available - every week you get a new workout aimed at improving strength and flexibility
- With Picture-in-Picture support, you can watch your workout on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV while viewing other content in compatible apps
- Added advanced filters focused on yoga, strength training, core, and HIIT, including information on whether equipment is required
Mindfulness
- The Mindfulness app includes an improved environment for breathing exercises and a new Reflection session
- Breathing sessions include tips to help you physically connect with the deep breathing exercise and a new animation to guide you through the session
- Reflection sessions will offer you simple tips on how to focus your thoughts, along with a visualization that will show you the passing of time
Sleep
- Apple Watch measures your breathing rate while you sleep
- You can check your breathing rate while you sleep in the Health app, where you can also be notified when new trends are detected
News
- You can use handwriting, dictation, and emoticons to write and reply to messages—all on one screen
- When editing dictated text, you can move the display to the desired location with the Digital Crown
- Support for the #images tag in Messages allows you to search for a GIF or select one you've used in the past
Fotky
- The redesigned Photos app lets you view and manage your photo library right from your wrist
- In addition to favorite photos, the most interesting memories and recommended photos with new content generated daily are synchronized to Apple Watch
- Photos from synced memories appear in a mosaic grid that highlights some of your best shots by zooming in on the photo
- You can share photos via Messages and Mail
Find
- The Find Items app allows you to search for AirTag-enabled items and compatible products from third-party manufacturers using the Find it network
- The Find My Device app helps you find your lost Apple devices, as well as devices owned by someone in the Family Sharing group
- The separation alert in Find lets you know when you've left your Apple device, AirTag, or third-party compatible item somewhere
Weather
- Next Hour Precipitation Alerts let you know when it will start or stop raining or snowing
- Extreme weather alerts alert you to certain events, such as tornadoes, winter storms, flash floods, and more
- The precipitation graph visually shows the intensity of the rain
Additional features and improvements:
- Focus lets you automatically filter notifications based on what you're doing, such as exercising, sleeping, gaming, reading, driving, working, or free time
- Apple Watch automatically adapts to the focus mode you set on iOS, iPadOS, or macOS so you can manage notifications and stay focused
- The Contacts app lets you view, share, and edit your contacts
- The Tips app provides collections of helpful tips and suggestions on how to best use your Apple Watch and preinstalled apps
- The redesigned Music app lets you find and listen to music and radio in one place
- You can share the songs, albums and playlists you have in the Music application via Messages and Mail
- You can set multiple minutes at once, and you can ask Siri to set and name them
- Cycle Tracking can now use Apple Watch heart rate data to improve predictions
- The new memoji stickers let you send a shaka greeting, a hand wave, a moment of insight, and more
- You have more than 40 clothing options and up to three different colors to customize the clothing and headgear on your memoji stickers
- When listening to media, the sound level in the headphones is measured in real time in the Control Center
- For Family Settings users in Hong Kong, Japan and selected cities in mainland China and the US, it is possible to add ticket cards to the Wallet
- Added support for Google Accounts in Calendar for Family Settings users
- AssistiveTouch enables users with upper extremity disabilities to answer calls, control the on-screen pointer, launch the action menu and other functions using hand gestures such as pressing or pinching
- An additional option for text enlargement is available in Settings
- Added support for using the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in Lithuania
- Added support for using the Irregular Rhythm Notification feature in Lithuania
