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UPDATE September 20, 2021

Additional watchOS 8 Features

  • The redesigned Photos app offers new ways to view and navigate collections; Memories and Featured Photos now sync to Apple Watch; and photos can be shared through Messages and Mail.
  • Multiple timers can be given a specific label using Siri (such as “Hey Siri, start a 10-minute pasta timer”).
  • The Contacts app is now on Apple Watch, providing a simple way for users to browse, add, edit, and share contacts directly from the app.
  • More Apple Watch apps support the Always-On display, including Maps, Mindfulness, Now Playing, Phone, Podcasts, Stopwatch, Timers, and Voice Memos. 
  • To support Apple Watch users with upper-body limb differences, AssistiveTouch enables one-arm usage of Apple Watch by sensing simple hand gestures to interact without touching the display. Using the built-in motion sensors, users can answer incoming calls, control an on-screen motion pointer, and surface an action menu that can access Notification Center, Control Center, and more.7
  • A new Find Items app on Apple Watch helps users locate items with an attached AirTag and compatible third-party items using the Find My network, and a new Find Devices app helps users locate lost Apple devices that are signed in with the same Apple ID.
  • The redesigned Music app enables users to share songs, albums, and playlists through Messages and Mail, and enjoy music and radio all in one place.
  • The Weather app now supports Severe Weather notifications, displaying government alerts about certain severe weather events. The app also delivers Next Hour precipitation alerts and offers updated complications.
  • Family Setup now includes the ability to add transit cards from Hong Kong, Japan, and select China mainland and US cities, and Calendar and Mail offer the option to add a Google account.
  • watchOS 8 is available as a free software update starting today for Apple Watch Series 3 models and later. For more information, visit apple.com/watchos/watchos-8. 
  • Apple Fitness+ updates will be available beginning Monday, September 27.
  • Some features may not be available in all regions or all languages, or with all makes and models.
  1. Available on Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 6, and Apple Watch Series 7.
  2. Fall detection for workouts will come in a watchOS 8 update later this year for Apple Watch Series 4 and later. This feature applies to workouts initiated in the Workout app or third-party workout apps that sync with the Health app.
  3. Available on Apple Watch Series 6 and later. Digital car keys require a participating car manufacturer and will be coming later this year.
  4. Support for new keys in Apple Wallet requires a compatible door lock for homes, offices, and hotels that will be available through third parties.
  5. Participating states and the TSA will share more information at a later date about when support for mobile driver’s licenses and state IDs in Wallet will be available in each state, and which TSA airport security checkpoints and select lanes it will be available at first.
  6. Portraits and World Time faces are available on Apple Watch Series 4 and later.
  7. Available on Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE.

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