How to download watchOS 8 on your Apple Watch

How-to
By , published

Here's how to download watchOS 8 on your Apple Watch 3 or newer

WWDC 2021 screenshot
(Image credit: Apple)

watchOS 8 has now arrived, the anticipated update since it was unveiled at WWDC 2021, alongside iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and tvOS 15.

Focusing on refinements this year, watchOS 8 has a redesigned Breathe app called mindfulness, a Portrait Mode watch face, and more fitness workouts that you can attempt on your Apple Watch.

However, you must also have a compatible Apple Watch Series 3 and above, including the Apple Watch SE. As your iPhone is required in order to set up an Apple Watch, make sure that it's running iOS 15, otherwise the update won't show in the Watch app.

Below, we'll break down the simple steps on how to download watchOS 8.

WWDC 2021 screenshot

(Image credit: Apple)

How to install watchOS 8

On your iPhone running iOS 15, head to the Watch app and tap the My Watch tab. Then navigate to General > Software Update and tap Install. That's it – your Apple Watch should begin to download and install the watchOS 8 and its new features. Enjoy!

See more Smartwatch How Tos
TOPICS
David Lumb
David Lumb

David is now a mobile reporter at Cnet. Formerly Mobile Editor, US for TechRadar, he covered phones, tablets, and wearables. He still thinks the iPhone 4 is the best-looking smartphone ever made. He's most interested in technology, gaming and culture – and where they overlap and change our lives. His current beat explores how our on-the-go existence is affected by new gadgets, carrier coverage expansions, and corporate strategy shifts.