Apple releases watchOS 8 with new features for Apple Watch users

Apple has launched watchOS 8 which comes with the latest features for its Apple Watch users. It includes features such as Family Setup, AssistiveTouch, and Multiple timers, along with Find Items, Find Devices, and Contacts app, and updates to the Fall Detection feature, Music app, Photos app, Home app, and Weather app.

WatchOS 8 brings Pilates and Tai Chi, two latest workout types, for mindful movement and physical fitness, that are supported by motion algorithms and custom-built heart rate to offer precise calorie metrics. For bike riders, Apple Watch analyzes gyroscope, accelerometer, heart rate, and GPS data by employing advanced algorithms to remind users to initiate an Outdoor Cycle workout. Now, cycling workouts also come with auto-pause and resume buttons.

With watchOS 8, the Breathe app has been updated to the Mindfulness app that comes with guided Meditation for Fitness+ subscribers, a new session type called Reflect, and an upgraded Breathe experience. New guided Meditations will also be available every week in audio for Fitness+ subscribers, starting from the 27th of September.

Wallet now offers secure, safe, and extended access for Apple Watch users. For digital car keys, Apple also provides Ultra Wideband support and, users can now also add hotel and home keys, and corporate badges to Wallet. They will also be allowed to add their state ID or driver's license to Wallet, and present it at select TSA lanes and checkpoints, starting with Georgia and Arizona, and followed by Utah, Oklahoma, Maryland, Kentucky, Iowa, and Connecticut.

The updated Home app gives users more control for scenes and accessories and allows users to control accessories by room. The latest tools in Messages include the use of emoji, dictation, and Scribble all within the same message, and enable users to select GIFs by entering a word or phrase. Apple Watch users can now also set automations for starting Focus mode for various activities such as the Fitness Focus when beginning a workout.

WatchOS 8 is now available as a free software update for Apple Watch Series 3 models and later. For more information, head over to the dedicated webpage here.