The Release Candidate version of watchOS 8 is here and it will be released
to the general public on Monday. After three months of beta testing, heres
everything you need to know about Apples newest update for Apple Watch.
Whats new with watchOS 8?
While watchOS 7 had a strong update cycle, watchOS 8 only tweaks a formula
we already know from the latest software updates. This new operating system
doesnt reinvent the wheel but makes the experience of wearing the Apple
Watch more delightful.
For those with the latest Apple Watch hardware, watchOS 8 brings a number of
features and improvements. But its also the small tweaks that matter the
most. Even after all these years, the Apple Watch is made for small
interactions and glances, watchOS 8 helps you exactly with that.
New Watch Face with more to come
With every new iOS cycle, I get excited to learn more about new Memoji
customization. With the watchOS, I always most look forward to new Watch
Faces. For the past few months, Ive been using the old California face
since Apple only introduced Portraits in the beta cycle and it doesnt
feature any complication.
With the RC version of watchOS 8, Apple added the long-anticipated World
Time face, which was
<https://9to5mac.com/2021/06/08/new-unreleased-world-timer-apple-watch-face-
spotted-at-wwdc-21-session/> accidentally shown during a WWDC21 session.
Apart from the World Timer and Portraits faces, the new Apple Watch Series 7
will also receive its own exclusive watch faces, but they wont be available
for older models.
Unfortunately, this years watchOS 8 update doesnt bring as many faces as I
had expected, so it doesnt help users to have a more personalized wearable,
unlike last years
<https://9to5mac.com/2021/01/12/comment-i-think-more-artist-apple-watch-face
s-are-on-the-way/> unique Artists faces.
Always-on Display upgrades
One of the things that changed with watchOS 8 is that the Always-On Display
allows you to see notifications without raising your wrist. When a new
notification comes, you get a preview of what app it is then you can raise
your wrist or just tap to read whats new.
Its convenient and works exactly as intended. Another big feature coming to
watchOS 8 is that Apple made a new API available to developers so youll now
see a dimmed state of a third-party app instead of the previously used blur
and digital clock.
This is useful for apps like Apple Music, where you can tap the play button
and the response is immediate. In the previous versions of watchOS, youd
have to tap once to wake the display, and again to actually interact.
All new Contacts, Weather, Photos, and Find My Apps
watchOS 8 is bringing new versions of some of its standard apps. For
example, its now possible to quickly browse, add, or edit Contacts. The
Weather app now has a new icon and supports severe weather notifications.
For the Photos app, its now possible to see memories, a new mosaic grid
view, and share photos via Messages and Mail with just a few taps. The thing
is: you arent able to see all of your photos and, for example, if you take
a screenshot of your Watch, you cant send the print screen with the
Messages app without using your iPhone. With Apple giving the Watch more
independence, it still lacks a thing or two.
The Find My app is now split into three different apps: People, Devices, and
Items. Its now easier to find your belongings but at the same time, its
not very useful. For example, if I want to locate my AirTag, and Im wearing
an Apple Watch Series 6 with a U1 chip, Apple doesnt let me use Precision
Finding. I can only ask it to make a sound or try to find its location on
the Map.
Take a deep breath with watchOS 8
watchOS 8 is focusing even more on peoples well-being. The Breathe app is
now called Mindfulness, so rather than just taking a minute to relax, users
can take a moment to reflect and think of a recent experience they truly
enjoyed.
I confess that I dont care that much about this kind of feature, but I know
how important it can be for some people. I tried it a few times over the
past three months and its nice, but I dont see myself using it regularly.
Speaking of well-being, Apple is bringing two new workouts:
Pilates and Tai Chi, which are a great addition amid the pandemic.
Notably, one of my favorite features of
<https://9to5mac.com/2021/06/17/opinion-focus-most-important-feature-ios-15/
iOS 15 is also available on watchOS 8: Focus mode.
