Once a year, Apple releases a major new version of watchOS, the operating system software that runs on all Apple Watch models; There are also smaller improvements from time to time. These updates are free and can add new features to your watch, improve its speed, and fix bugs and glitches.
The latest version is watchOS 8, which will be available for download starting September 20, 2022, and includes a new dynamic Portrait mode for watch faces, the Mindfulness app, an update to the Sleep app, and new workout modes.
If you want to install the latest version of watchOS on your Apple Watch, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll show you how to update your Apple Watch to run watchOS 8.
Want to get a version of watchOS that hasn't yet been released to the public so you can try out upcoming watch updates before anyone else? Learn more in our article demonstrating how to install watchOS beta.
Which Apple Watches can run watchOS 8?
As with watchOS 7, watchOS 8 can be installed on Apple Watch Series 3 and later; the original, Series 1 and Series 2 are all missing out. You'll also need an iPhone running iOS 15.
At launch, Apple Watch Series 7 will come with watchOS 8 pre-installed, but you'll want to follow the procedure below to get later updates like watchOS 8.1.
Some Watch 3 owners have encountered issues updating their Apple Watch to watchOS 7 in 2022, which we'll cover below with the assumption that similar issues may arise with watchOS 8.
What to do if you previously installed a beta or developer version
On June 24, 2022, Apple began public testing of the latest iOS 13 operating systems. You can install them without a developer profile, and it will work stably.
Note! Many people are interested in how to update to watchOS 6 through such a beta. Typically, such curious people often encounter difficulties, which lie in the fact that a beta account on the iOS 13 operating system only allows you to update the smartphone itself. This does not apply to the Apple Watch, and there is no separate profile for the watch yet.
However, there is a way to install the update. Detailed instructions:
- Follow the link from your iPhone (https://betaprofiles.com/).
- Find a section on installing beta accounts on Apple smartwatches.
- It will download it to the gadget.
- Open the “Settings” section and the “Profile loaded” subsection.
- Confirm installation of the update.
- Go to settings “Watch” - “Basic” - “Software Update”.
- Do your own search.
- Install the new watchOS 6 beta operating system for Apple Watch.
Sometimes, due to the beta version of the operating system, iWatch OS does not see the update
Thus, it was discussed in detail how to update Apple Watch, in what ways this can be done and what the step-by-step instructions for each of the processes look like. The most recommended option would be to use an Apple smartphone, although smartwatches of the sixth version can be updated without it. The method of updating via a wireless Wi-Fi network will help reinstall iWatch OS only if it is updated to the sixth current version using an iPhone, which must be at least a model of iPhone 6s. Updating via PC is completely impossible.
How to update Apple Watch
Before the launch of watchOS 6, Apple Watch updates had to happen on the iPhone associated with the watch rather than on the watch itself, which has now changed, but it's still possible to update your watch this way, and we still think it's the easiest method.
Take your iPhone and open the Apple Watch app. Make sure you're on the My Watch tab in the bottom menu, then tap General.
There may be a small orange "1" next to the "Software Update" option, indicating that the update is ready (a red "1" will also be next to the "My Watch" tab); however, you may have to force the app to check for updates before you see it. Either way, tap Software Update and the app will run a scan and then show you details about the new version of watchOS available to install.
Click install and accept the terms.
To install this new version, your iPhone and Apple Watch must be in Bluetooth range, the watch must be connected to a charger and have at least 50% power, and, as with all OS updates, you must be connected to a Wi-Fi network. Fi. Fi.
The update may take a while, but don't be tempted to take your watch off the charger before it's finished working. We've done this in the past, and it disrupted the update process so much that we had to throw ourselves at Apple's mercy and replace the watch.
Having problems on your way to updating your software? It's worth understanding three things:
- Does Apple Watch Really Charge?
- Due to a technical glitch, you need to restart the watch by holding down the side button until the corresponding notification and the “Turn off” slider appear;
- Perhaps the current problem is related specifically to the iPhone - a reboot will not hurt here either. In a critical situation, you should delete the Apple Watch application and then download it again from the App Store. It seems to be a banality, but in some cases it is a useful tool for dealing with emerging problems.
Update on the Apple Watch itself
If you have watchOS 6 or later, you can install future updates without requiring an iPhone. Now the update can happen entirely on the Apple Watch itself.
Open the Settings app on your watch and tap General > Software Update. watchOS will check for available updates.
If an update is available, click Install and follow the further instructions. As with the iPhone update, the watch will need to be on the charger during the setup phase and connected to Wi-Fi. It should also have more than 50% battery charge.
Wait
Apple Watch updates are pretty tiny compared to iPhone and Mac updates, but they still take a ridiculously long time. It's best to wait at least an hour before assuming the worst. To avoid long update times, install future watchOS updates overnight.
If you're trying to update your Apple Watch right after a major watchOS release, you'll also experience very slow download speeds due to server overload. So, again, patience helps.
Troubleshooting clock updates
If you are facing difficulties updating your Apple Watch, we provide the best solutions below.
Can't update Apple Watch Series 3
Many Apple Watch Series 3 users have had difficulty installing updates for the watchOS 7 operating system, and it's possible that the same problems may occur with watchOS 8.
The problem in 2022 seemed to be the low memory capacity of the Apple Watch Series 3 (the GPS version of the Apple Watch Series 3 only has 8GB of memory). This means there is not enough space for temporary installation files.
Apple suggested users to temporarily delete apps and music before updating, if this does not work, Apple recommends users to fully restore the system before updating.
Preparing to update your Apple Watch
If a person is the proud owner of an Apple Watch smart watch or is just planning to become one, then updating the watch operating system to the latest versions will be a mandatory attribute in everyday life. This is necessary not only to add new functions and capabilities, but also to fix errors and vulnerabilities.
For your information! Unlike other Apple devices, Apple smartwatches require a number of preparatory steps.
First of all, if the update will be carried out via an iPhone, then you need to update it to the most current version of the software. To do this, you need to go to the device settings menu, select the main parameters section and the “Software Update” subsection. If there are updates, they will be highlighted with a red circle.
Next, you need to make sure that your Apple Watch has been set to charge the battery or has been previously powered to at least 50%. The smartphone is connected to a Wi-Fi wireless access network and placed next to the clock to ensure that it is within range.
Note! If the watch is not the latest series, then the update can be downloaded onto it and installed within a couple of hours. Even new models do not stand out for their fast loading and installation of updates. For the third series, which according to the company has been optimized, the update takes more than half an hour.
AppleWatch can be updated using various methods, but not via a personal computer
Servers may be unavailable
It is possible that when you download a new version of watchOS, many users around the world are trying to complete the same process. This usually happens a few hours after a new version is released. In these cases, it is clear that the servers fall apart somewhat, loading is slow, and even an error appears on the screen. In these cases, we advise you to wait until the update is ready, or if you don't want it to be delayed, leave the download for another time. Surely in a few hours everything will return to normal, and you will be able to download the program faster. Also keep in mind that there are heavier versions than usual that also require longer loading times.
Check your internet connection
Any software update requires an internet connection, preferably via Wi-Fi, as the data is downloaded from Apple's servers and you must connect your device to them to do so. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that you have an Internet connection on both iPhones for your payment methods and invoices. Apple watch. We also recommend running a speed test to check the quality of the signal your iPhone is receiving, because if your speed is low, it's understandable that downloads may be very slow and may not even show up.
Restore your backup
Before downloading the update, we deleted all data and set up the watch as new.
Now you need to restore all settings. To do this, you need to break the pair of Apple Watch and iPhone again (back to the first point).
During the first setup step, select “Restore from backup” rather than “Set up as new.”
This step will take about an hour.
Force quit and restart the Watch app.
Force quitting and relaunching the Watch app on your iPhone is another way to fix a stuck watchOS update.
Start by swiping up from the bottom of your iPhone screen (or double-clicking the Home button on an iPhone with Touch ID) to open the app switcher. Then tap and hold the Watch card and drag it to the top of the screen to close it.
Then tap the clock icon on your iPhone's home screen to relaunch the Watch app. This should prompt the update to continue where it left off.
If watchOS is loading very slowly
There is a trick that, although not miraculous, will speed up loading times significantly . To do this, you must download the watchOS update from iPhone by following the method that we have explained in the previous point only. Once downloaded, you should set your iPhone to Airplane Mode, leaving only the WiFi connection active. Sometimes a pop-up message appears warning you that you should activate Bluetooth, but this is not necessary during the download process, and if you ignore it, you will see that not only the software downloads, but that it does so faster than usual . .
