watchOS 8 will be available for your Apple Watch very soon

While Apple has announced the iPhone 13, iPad (2021), iPad mini (2021), Apple Watch Series 7 and more, it also confirmed that watchOS 8 is landing on September 20.
That’s not all, you’ll also be able to grab iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and tvOS 15 on the same day, so even if you’re not planning on pre-ordering any of Apple’s new hardware, you’ll at least be able to enjoy some new software.
With the new Apple Watch featuring a whole new design, watchOS 8 is a more refined release this time, building on past features while redesigning others.
- Meet Apple's new updates: iOS 15 | iPadOS 15 | macOS 12
- 5 features that iOS 15 will bring to your iPhone 13
How to update your Apple Watch
While it's a small on features this year for the Apple Watch, it's more on refining existing ones while introducing new watch faces, such as fitness updates for cycling, Portrait Mode and a new Mindful app to replace the Breathe app.
To make sure your device is ready to update to these latest versions, make sure that your iPhone is connected to your Apple Watch by checking in Settings > Bluetooth, and that it's already updated to iOS 15.
Once watchOS 8 is available to download, go to the Watch app > General > Software Update and it should be ready to download and install to your Apple Watch.
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Daryl is a freelance writer and author of two books—The Making of Tomb Raider and 50 Years of Boss Fights. A third book, the follow up to ‘Tomb Raider’, comes out in 2026. Having worked at TechRadar previously as a software writer from 2021 to 2023, Daryl understands how software can benefit users, as well as having an interest in how accessibility features can benefit others.
With over a decade of experience, his work has been featured in Tom’s Guide, SUPERJUMP, Pocket Tactics, Radio Times, The Escapist, and more.