WATCHOS 8: SMALL CHANGES ADD UP TO BIG APPLE WATCH IMPROVEMENTS

NEW AND REDESIGNED APPS MAKE THE WATCH EXPERIENCE SMARTER AND MORE REFINED.

- MACWORLD STAFF

At its WWDC21 keynote, Apple unveiled the next generation of watchOS, which will come to our wrists in the fall. Here are the new features we’re most excited to try:

KEYS IN WALLET

The Wallet app on the Apple Watch is incredibly useful for making payments on the go, but in watchOS 8, it’ll be even more versatile. Apple is adding support for home, office, and hotel keys to Wallet on the Apple Watch, and users in participating U.S. states will also be able to upload their driver’s license or state ID—making one less thing they have to carry.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Health and fitness are some of the key components of the Apple Watch, and Apple is continuing to push them in watchOS 8. The Breathe app will now be called Mindfulness, and it will add Reflect sessions to help you take some of the stress out of your day.

The Sleep app will now track your respiratory rate and alert you to changes that may be of concern. And Tai Chi and Pilates will join the Workout apps, while Fitness+ will welcome fitness coach Jeanette Jenkins and her popular strength and HIIT classes, along with new Artist Spotlight Series workouts.