Apple Launches WatchOS 8 with new Features

Apple has released WatchOS 8, which includes the newest features for Apple Watch owners. It includes features like Family Setup, Assistive Touch and Multiple Timers, as well as Find Items, Find Devices, and Contact apps and updates to the Fall Detection feature, Music app, Photos app, Home app and Weather app.

Pilates and Tai Chi are two new workout types for physical fitness that are supported by motion algorithms and custom-built heart rate to provide precise calories metrics. For bike riders, Apple Watch uses advanced algorithms to analyze accelerometer, heart rate and GPS data to remind users to start an Outdoor Cycle workout.

The Breathe app has been updated to the Mindfulness app with watchOS 8, which includes guided Meditation for Fitness+ subscribers, a new session type called Reflect, and an improved Breathe experience. Starting September 27th, new guided meditation will be available in audio format every week for Fitness+ subscribers.

Apple Watch users now have secure, safe and extended access to Wallet. Apple also offers Ultra Wideband for digital car keys, and users can add hotel and home keys, as well as corporate badges to Wallet.

They will also be able to add their state ID or driver’s license to Wallet and present it at designated YSA lanes and checkpoints, starting with Georgia and Arizona and progressing to Utah, Oklahoma, Maryland, Kentucky, Iowa and Connecticut.

The upgraded Home app provides users more control for accessories and allows users to control accessories by room. The latest Messages app includes the use of emoji, dictation and Scribble all within the same message and allows users to select GIFs by typing a word or phrase.

Apple Watch users can now also set automation to launch Focus mode for various activities such as the Fitness Focus when starting a workout.

WatchOS 8 is now available as a free software update for Apple Watch Series3 and later models.