Tech Knowledge
Apple’s watchOS 8 doesn’t revolutionize the general Apple Watch experience, exactly (nor does the Series 7, for that matter). Instead, the update adds a number of fun, useful, and otherwise welcome improvements and features to the tiny Apple devices we’ve come to know and love. We’ve rounded up 16 of our favorites that we think you need to know about, too.
Reminder: not all watchOS 8 features are available on all Apple Watch models that support the update. Apple is, after all, supporting watches going all the way back to the Series 3. It’s great to see the company offering updates to a smartwatch from 2017, so cutting some corners might just be an agreeable compromise.
1. Revamped messaging
The first time you message someone on watchOS 8, you’ll notice things look a little different. When you tap on the text box, you’ll see emojis and dictation options appear alongside the scribble text box, allowing you to mix different messaging options as you wish. (I’m just thrilled selecting an emoji no longer causes it to send immediately.)
You’ll also find an App Drawer icon next to the text box. If you tap it, you’ll see Memoji, GIF search, Digital Touch, and even audio messages. Previously, audio messages were a bit of a hidden feature, so it’s nice to see Apple put them right up front in watchOS 8.
2. Scroll text with the Digital Crown
You’ll also find a new way to move through your text; just turn the Digital Crown and your cursor will jump from character to character. Like long-pressing the spacebar in iOS, it’s a great way to make fine adjustments to a message without needing to deal with tapping on the screen in just the right place.
3. Set multiple timers
WatchOS 8 finally gives us the ability to set multiple timers on our Apple Watch. Now when you set a timer with watchOS 8, you can simply head back to the main Timer page and set another one. You’ll see all active timers on this page as well, so you can easily keep track and manage all the countdowns on your Apple Watch.
4. Portrait mode watch face
Portrait mode has found its way to the Apple Watch in the form of a new watch face. With a compatible Apple Watch, you can view your favorite bokeh photos from your iPhone every time you lift your wrist. The watch face has a cool effect to it as well: The subject will “pop-out” over the date and time.
5. Sharing is much easier
With watchOS 8, sharing something like a photo or a song is much easier than before. Now, you’ll see message suggestions based on your messaging history, as well as options to send the item via Messages or Mail. It’s an improved experience that makes sharing items from your Watch all the simpler.
6. Apple revamps the Home app
Apple Watch with watchOS 8 is a Home app powerhouse. You can now see automated suggestions when one of your smart devices is active; view security camera feeds directly on the watch; see the status of any and all of your connected smart devices; and view all of your Home app scenes for easy access.
7. Keep your keys together
WatchOS 8—like iOS 15—allows you to keep many different types of digital keys in your Wallet app. You can store hotel keys, digital lock keys, and even car keys—although you’ll need a Series 7 for that last one. If you thought it was cool paying for groceries with your Apple Watch, just wait until you unlock your car with it.
8. Keep your ID in your watch
You’ll soon be able to keep your state ID on your Apple Watch as well. This feature mirrors the one on iOS 15, which allows you to set up a driver’s license or state ID on your device for use at supported airports.
9. Focus mode helps you
Another iOS 15 feature making its way over to watchOS 8, Focus allows you to set up different Do Not Disturb profiles that you can cater to your day. For example, you can set up a “Work” Focus that only allows notifications from work apps and contacts, then switch over to a “Personal” Focus that blocks those work notifications in favor of friends, games, whatever you want to see in your free time.
10. Breathe no more
The Breathe app is famous for sending you notifications at inopportune moments (no, I don’t feel like breathing right now, Apple Watch). Apple decided to change things up this year, rebranding the Breathe app as Mindfulness. You’ll still find the Breathe tool inside this new Mindfulness app—but you’ll also get a “Reflect” tool, which offers short bursts of meditations with a zen background.
* Please watch the video for the rest of the features. .