Apple watchOS 8: Everything to know about the next Apple Watch OS

Every year at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference, the company launches a new version of the Apple Watch’s watchOS, showing off the awesome new software features that can be expected when the software is released in the fall. This year is no different — and we have a pretty good idea as to what watchOS 8, the next version of the software, will look like. That's especially true given the fact that watchOS 8 is now in its public beta phase, so you can technically now download it if you want. Currently, watchOS 8 is in its fourth public beta.

The new operating system doesn’t necessarily represent a major overhaul for watchOS, but it does bring a number of handy new features that could make using your Apple Watch that extra bit easier. It’s currently in public beta — meaning that while you can technically install it on your Apple Watch if you want, it’s still buggy, and could cause your device to act in ways that you wouldn’t expect. In other words, you probably shouldn’t install it yet.

Interested in learning more? Here’s everything you need to know about watchOS 8.

The best new features in watchOS 8

Apple’s watchOS 8 brings a series of new features that make the Apple Watch experience better than ever. Here’s a rundown of the awesome new features that will come with watchOS 8.

Health tracking

As you would expect, the new version of watchOS 8 brings a number of new health and fitness features. That makes the device a better fitness tracker than ever. For starters, there are new workout types — including Pilates and Tai Chi. Not only that, but sleep tracking is getting better too. Now, when sleeping, the Apple Watch will calculate respiratory rate, and that metric will be listed in the Health app.

Mindfulness

The Breathe app is getting rebranded for watchOS 8. Now, the feature will live in the new Mindfulness app, which will also offer a Reflect feature that helps users better establish meditation habits. The feature also comes with visualizations, and it will connect to your heart rate to show a mind-body connection.

Wallet

The Wallet app is getting a number of upgrades on both the iPhone and Apple Watch. In watchOS 8, the Wallet app will now supports different kinds of keys, including car keys and house keys — so you can tap to unlock HomeKit-connected devices. A number of lock brands will support this feature.

Some hotels will also offer iPhone and Apple Watch integration, so you can use your device to unlock your room. Some U.S. states will also support driver’s licenses and other IDs.

Focus

Like all of Apple’s new operating systems, the Apple Watch will support Focus, which allows users to set profiles, and get notifications based on what they’re doing. So, for example, you could set a work Focus, which will only let in work emails and messages, and those from your immediate family. Not only that, but the feature supports custom Focuses too.

Watch faces

The Apple Watch will get a few awesome new watch faces too. Of those new faces, perhaps the headline new watch face is the new Photos watch face, which can pull data from Portrait Mode photos, and make a multi-layered face that can move over time. It’s pretty cool.

Home

The Home app is getting a refresh in watchOS 8 too. The new version of the app is designed to make it easier to control devices, plus it prioritizes devices that are activated. For example, if someone rings the doorbell, your device will suggest controlling things like a lock or outdoor lights.

WatchOS 8 also suggests scenes to activate at different times of the day, and those scenes and accessories can be organized by room.

Find My

There are new Find My apps on the Apple Watch, allowing you to find your missing devices without necessarily needing an iPhone. Find My in general has been coming to more and more devices, so it’s nice to see it available on the Apple Watch. The apps include a "Find People" app, a "Find Devices" app, and a "Find Items" app.

Should I install watchOS 8?

As mentioned, watchOS 8 is currently in public beta — which means that it’s not yet ready for a full release, and is still beating tweaked and developed. Usually, we only recommend tech-savvy users with a spare Apple Watch install the beta, considering that it could behave strangely, and even render your device useless — though that is rare.

Of course, over the course of the beta process, watchOS 8 will get more and more stable, and eventually be ready for the public. When watchOS 8 is released to the public, we recommend installing it.

Which Apple Watch models support watchOS 8?

Interested in getting the benefits of watchOS 8 but don’t know if your Apple Watch supports it? Here’s the full list of Apple Watch models that will support watchOS 8.

Apple Watch Series 3
Apple Watch Series 4
Apple Watch Series 5
Apple Watch SE
Apple Watch Series 6

Of course, the Apple Watch Series 7 will come with watchOS 8 out of the box.

When will watchOS 8 be released?

There are two answers to this question. The first is that watchOS 8 is already available — but it’s only available as part of a public beta, and as a result, shouldn’t be downloaded by average users.

Apple usually releases its software to the public alongside new devices. As a result, watchOS 8 will likely be released alongside the Apple Watch Series 7 in the fall. Apple usually holds its fall hardware events sometime around mid-September, and that’s likely to remain true this year.

How to install watchOS 8

Don’t mind the fact that watchOS 8 is only available as part of a beta, and still want to install it? Again, we only recommend tech-savvy users with a spare device install a beta. Others should wait for the full public release. But if you do want to install it, then here’s how to do so.

If you haven't already, install iOS 15 on your iPhone. You'll need it to get watchOS 8.
On your iPhone, head to the Apple public beta website.
Sign in using the arrow on the top-right of the screen if you haven't already.
Scroll down and tap "Get started."
Head down to watchOS under the "Guide for Public Betas" section.
Scroll down and tap "enroll your Apple Watch."
Then, scroll down and tap "Download profile."
Tap the "Install" button on the top right of the display. You'll need to tap an Install button two more times, and may need to enter your PIN code.
You'll then be prompted to restart your Apple Watch. After it restarts, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, then head to General > Software update.
Tap the "Download and Install" button. Your Apple Watch will install watchOS 8.