The watchOS 8 public beta is available for download. This means that anyone with a compatible Apple Watch can download and install 8th generation watchOS using the paired iPhone. However, before continuing, be aware that there is no way to revert to watchOS 7 if you are not happy with the test version!
Important: Apple recommends installing beta versions of the software on secondary devices used for software testing and development!
How to install watchOS 8 public beta
- 1. Update the paired iPhone to the public beta of iOS 15.
- 2. Download watchOS 8 Beta Profile using your iOS device.
How? ‘Or’ What: In Safari, open the website for the Apple Beta software program. Sign in with your Apple ID. Look for the watchOS section. And tap Download Profile to retrieve the watchOS 8 Beta software profile. - 3. Install watchOS 8 beta profile on your Apple Watch from the Watch app available on your iPhone.
- 4. To restart the iOS device.
- 5. Install watchOS 8 public beta live from the Watch app available on your iPhone.
How? ‘Or’ What: In the My watch tab, search General -> Software update. Tap Download & Install, provide your password, agree to Apple’s terms, and be patient until the test version is deployed on your wrist-worn device.
Advice: For the watchOS 8 public beta update to work, Apple Watch needs over 50% battery life. The device must also be connected to the MagSafe charger and must be within range of the paired iPhone!
Features of watchOS 8
Unlike watchOS 7, this important update doesn’t make too many dramatic changes to the Apple Watch. Some of those worth highlighting are:
- Wallet application supports your driver’s license and other types of keys, such as house keys, hotel keys, and car keys.
- The Breathe app is now called mindfulness and comes with a new “Reflect” weather forecast which, in addition to breathing, also focuses on thoughtful notions that contribute to your mindfulness.
- Training app includes two new types of training: Tai chi and Pilates.
- Portrait is the new Watch Face in watchOS 8. It is able to take portrait photos from the paired iPhone and view them on your Apple Watch.
- Application of photos gets more ways to display a collection of navigation images
- Home application is able to display HomeKit compatible cameras right on your wrist.
- Find my app in watchOS 8 allows you to locate lost items or devices from your Apple Watch.
- Messaging app is now compatible with GIFs.
Have you updated your Apple Watch to the watchOS 8 public beta? Are there other features that you find useful? What about bugs or issues? Use the comments section to share your comments.
Related: If you like to try out Apple’s upcoming software updates, you can also check out the beta versions of macOS Monterey and tvOS 15 Public!