watchOS 8 release candidate is now available for developers

Apple has released watchOS 8 release candidate for Apple Watch Series 3 and later. The major software update brings new features for apps like Wallet, Home, Workouts, Fitness+, Photos, Messages, and more. Apple has also developed new apps including Contacts and Find Items, while Breathe app has been renamed ‘Mindfulness’.

Apple Watch watchOS 8 beta

What’s new in watchOS 8?

watchOS 8 focuses on a number of key areas and features including built-in apps and workouts. Almost all the popular apps in Apple Watch have received improvements, including but not limited to the following:

  • 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

Check out our detailed coverage of watchOS 8 features for more information.

Is your Apple Watch compatible with watchOS 8 RC?

watchOS 8 RC is compatible with the following Apple Watch models:

How to upgrade Apple Watch to watchOS 8 RC?

We do not recommend that you install watchOS 8 RC on your Apple Watch if you are not a tech-savvy user. In case something goes wrong, you cannot manually downgrade an Apple Watch to an older watchOS version. The only solution will be to send it to an Apple service center.

If you know what you are doing, you can sign up to Apple Developer Center (costs $99/year) and download the beta profile using your paired iPhone. This will allow you to download and install the release candidate. Install the profile to your Apple Watch from Apple Developer Center’s downloads section. Once done, go to Settings > General > Software Update in the Watch app on your iPhone, and wait for watchOS 8 RC to show up. Place your Apple Watch on its charger, and start the upgrade process.

Apple will be releasing the final version of watchOS 8 to all users on September 20, alongside iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and tvOS 15.

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