11 coolest new watchOS 8 features

Use your portrait as your profile picture

With watchOS 8, users can use a portrait of themselves or anyone else as their profile picture on their smartwatch. To select photos, users access the Face Gallery section on the Apple Watch iPhone application.

Meditation

In watchOS 8, Mindfulness - a breathing guidance application with expanded breathing patterns combined with new features to help users become more calm.

In addition, watchOS 8 also provides detailed and effective meditation instructions for subscribers to the Fitness+ service.

Easy messaging

WatchOS 8's refreshed interface makes it easier for users to message, more content, can draw shapes, enter expressions, send animations to make conversations more interesting.

Time many times

WatchOS 8 allows users to self-timer multiple times, an important feature for forgetful people. Users can use the Timers app to set a manual timer or give Siri commands. Each appointment time will be given a separate title to help users identify easily.

Find lost device

In watchOS 8 there is a new app for locating different devices. One is Find Devices to find large items like iPhones, iPads and Macs, the other is Find Times to find small traceable items like AirTags.

In addition, watchOS 8 also allows users to turn on alerts on Apple Watch when it leaves a paired device like an iPhone. This will help users leave their phone at home or out in a cafe.

Smart home control

With watchOS 8, smart home control will be more integrated in the Apple Watch. Users who have control over multiple HomeKit devices can view the camera without turning on their iPhone.

Weather forecast

The Weather app on watchOS 8 has been improved. Users will receive notifications, warnings and reminders about the weather situation occurring in the next few hours, when clicking inside will have full details.

Unlock more

In the watchOS 8 update, the Apple Watch Wallet app has been improved to support opening the door of the house, unlocking the car integrated on the smart watch.

In some cases, users can add driver's license and identification to this application to use instead of iPhone.

Breathe monitoring

With watchOS 8, users can track their breathing rate per minute along with other data such as heart rate while sleeping. The data will be recorded on the watch or on the Health app on iPhone, users can review to know their health status.

Exercise tracking

Apple Watch can now provide users with accurate parameters of two types of exercise, tai chi and pilates. Users can log into the app to see exactly how many calories they've burned while the feature is on.

Focus customization

Custom Focus is also equipped with Apple's smart watch so that users can customize the Do not disturb state in different situations such as in the office, at the gym, at home, in the car….

Lesley Montoya

Update 01 October 2021