In addition to the iOS 15.4 update for iPhones, which brought new emojis, anti-tracking features for AirTags and a neutral Siri voice, the company also released a software update for the Apple Watch. The software wasn’t highlighted at the company’s “Peek Performance” event last week, focusing on Apple TV, Apple Fitness Plus, heart rate detection, and more. The software, called WatchOS 8.5, is the fifth major update that Apple has offered free to Apple Watch users since WatchOS 8 was released last fall.
When is the release date for WatchOS 8.5?
WatchOS 8.5 was released on Monday, March 14th alongside iOS 15.4 and iPadOS 15.4.
So how to download WatchOS 8.5?
You must download iOS 15.4 to your phone before you can upgrade your Apple Watch. You can download iOS 15.4 by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Download and Install. Once done, the software will restart your phone. Then you can go to Watch App > General > Software Update. Apple Watch updates are usually scheduled at night, and people tend to take them off to charge.
Heart rhythm detection improvements
One of the most popular features of the Apple Watch is its health monitoring feature. There are many stories about the Apple Watch identifying and alerting people to heart problems before they feel symptoms. In WatchOS 8.5, Apple said, it improved software to detect atrial fibrillation, the most common type of irregular heartbeat that could signal a major risk of stroke. The new detection software is already available in the U.S., Chile, Hong Kong, South Africa and Apple says “more regions where the feature is available.”
More Apple TV
Another welcome feature of the Apple Watch is its ability to act as a passcode device, authorizing sign-in to apps like Microsoft’s Authenticator and business sign-in software Okta. Now, Apple says that WatchOS 8.5 users will be able to authorize purchases of TV episodes and movies through its Apple TV iTunes Store service.
Better Apple Fitness Plus
Apple is also adding $10 a month to Apple Fitness Plus, offering new features for users with disabilities. It has added health features to the Apple Watch, such as wheelchair exercise detection. Apple Fitness Plus will now offer optional audio commentary describing the movements of the visual demonstration during the workout.
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