Apple has released the watchOS 8 beta 8 to developers. The new software update brings new features for apps like Wallet, Home, Workouts, Fitness+, Photos, Messages, and more. New apps like Contacts and Find Items are also part of this update, while Breathe app has been renamed to ‘Mindfulness’ which helps users relax and focus.
What’s new in watchOS 8 beta 8?
Apple has released watchOS 8 beta 8 just a week after beta 7. The frequency of beta releases seems to be increasing as we get closer to the launch date of the new operating systems.
watchOS 8 public beta 6
Beta 6 was released on August 25 just after developer beta 7.
What’s new in watchOS 8 beta 7?
Apple released the seventh watchOS 8 beta on August 25. There are no new noticeable changes in this update, and the release notes also do not mention anything.
watchOS 8 public beta 5
watchOS 8 public beta 5 was released on August 18.
What’s new in watchOS 8 beta 6?
watchOS 8 beta 6 was released to developers on August 18. No new changes have been found so far.
watchOS 8 public beta 4
watchOS 8 public beta 4 was released on August 12.
What’s new in watchOS 8 beta 5?
watchOS 8 beta 5 was released to developers on August 11. We will update this post if we find any new features.
watchOS 8 public beta 3
Apple released watchOS 8 public beta 3 on July 28. Nothing new has been found so far in this update.
What’s new in watchOS 8 beta 4?
watchOS 8 beta 4 was released to developers on July 27. We will update this post if we find any new features.
watchOS 8 public beta 2
Apple released watchOS 8 public beta 2 on July 16. It has the same features and updates as developer beta 3.
What’s new in watchOS 8 beta 3?
Apple released watchOS 8 beta 3 to developers on July 14. We will update this post as we find new updates in this build.
watchOS 8 public beta 1
Apple released watchOS 8 public beta 2 on June 30 with the same features and updates as developer beta 2. You can go to Apple Beta Software Program website to enroll your Apple Watch and receive watchOS 8 updates. However, before you jump on the beta bandwagon, remember that you can not downgrade from a beta build on Apple Watch, and if anything goes wrong, you will have to send your watch to Apple for repair.
What’s new in watchOS 8 beta 2?
Apple released watchOS 8 beta 2 to developers on June 25. The new update features the ‘Portraits’ watch face that Apple had announced during WWDC 21. We will update this post with more information as we find new changes in watchOS 8 beta 2.
What’s new in watchOS 8 beta 1?
The following apps and new features are part of watchOS 8 beta 1:
- Wallet
- Home
- Mindfulness
- Sleeping respiratory rate
- Fitness+
- Portrait Watch Face and Photos app
- Messages and Contacts apps
- Find Items app
- Redesigned Music app
- Updated Weather app
- Always-on support for more apps
You can check our detailed coverage of all these features here. We will update this post as subsequent beta builds are released and new changes and features are discovered in them.
Is your Apple Watch compatible with watchOS 8?
watchOS 8 is compatible with the following models. These are the same models that were also compatible with watchOS 7.
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 3
How to upgrade Apple Watch to watchOS 8 beta?
Unless you are a developer and know what you are doing, you should not attempt to install watchOS 8 on your Apple Watch. In case something goes wrong, you cannot manually restore your Watch to an older watchOS version and will need to send it to an Apple service center.
With that out of the way, here is what you need to do to install the beta. Sign up to Apple Developer Center (costs $99/year) and download the beta profile using your paired iPhone. When asked, install the profile to your Apple Watch. Once done, go to Settings > General > Software Update and wait for watchOS 8 to show up. Place your Apple Watch on its charger, and start the download and installation process.
Enjoy testing the new beta!
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