How to download watchOS 8 on your Apple Watch

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!

Daryl Baxter
Software & Downloads Writer

Daryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time he's written a book, 'The Making of Tomb Raider', alongside podcasting and usually found playing games old and new on his PC and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that's about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line.