Apple will launch the next version of its smartwatch operating system, watchOS 8, on September 20th. The company first unveiled the new free update at WWDC 2021 and has been testing it in public version over the summer along with iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey.
watchOS 8 is a modest change to the Apple Watch, but it still has some good additions. Apple adds support for new iOS 15 features like Focus mode for greater control over app notifications and new types of keys and ID cards in Apple Wallet.
The new watchOS also gets new faces to take advantage of the larger screen of the Apple Watch Series 7 and new types of training for Pilates and tai chi (along with other Apple Fitness Plus upgrades). The Apple Watch is also getting a Mindfulness app created that combines features from the previous Breathe feature with new ways to relax.