5 expectations for the Apple Watch update of 2021

June 7 is the day. Then the new software of the Apple Watch will be unveiled. In this article, we list our expectations for watchOS 8.

Check out our watchOS 8 expectations

June 7 at the stroke of the clock 7:00 p.m. Dutch time WWDC 2021 kicks off. During its annual conference, Apple will unveil not only iOS 15 and macOS 12, but also watchOS 8. Thanks to all kinds of rumors and leaked information, we already know what to expect from the latest Apple Watch update. Read about our expectations for watchOS 8.

1. Preparation for new Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Series 7 appears to have a glucose meter. This is great for diabetics, because they can check their sugar levels without having to take blood.

Rumor has it that watchOS 8 is adding a real Glucose app to the Apple Watch. This will of course only work on the Series 7. We expect Apple to announce the new iWatch at the end of this year, simultaneously with the iPhone 13.

2. Apps are being improved

Updates are supposed to make things better, so it’s no big surprise that watchOS 8 is going to tackle some apps and features.

Apple reportedly improves the sleep tracker of the Apple Watch, among other things. This one is a bit limited at the moment. For example, you cannot check how much time you spend in each sleep phase.

In the meantime, the competition is not standing still. Recently, Google released the Nest Hub 2. This smart screen has a built-in sleep tracker that helps users map their nighttime behaviors.

→ Also read: Apple Watch Series 7: 5 expectations for the new Apple Watch

3. New watch faces

When making a list of watchOS 8 expectations, you cannot escape it: new watch faces. Apple adds new designs to the Apple Watch every year and 2021 is almost certainly no exception. It remains to be seen which new watch faces the iWatch will get.

4. New App Store for Apple Watch

Yes, the Apple Watch has its own app store, but no, it is not very good. Compared to the iPhone, the watch’s App Store is pretty meager.

For example, you cannot browse through the different app categories and there are no recommendations available. Let’s hope Apple aligns the iPhone and Apple Watch App Stores a little more with watchOS 8.

→ Also interesting: watchOS 8 concept: dimmed screen, improved Remote app and more

5. More for the sports enthusiasts

Apple is marketing the Apple Watch as a sports accessory. The message is clear: those who want to live a healthier life wear a smart Apple watch.

It is therefore no wild guess that watchOS 8 will reinforce this slogan in the form of new apps and functions for sports enthusiasts. We are thinking of new sports that you can track, such as skiing.

Can I download watchOS 8 on my Apple Watch?

It is still unclear which Apple Watches will soon be able to download watchOS 8. With the previous version, watchOS 7, at least some watches fell off.

Since watchOS 8 mainly promises to be a continuation of its predecessor, we think that is why it will be available for the same watches. That means that probably the following Apple Watches can download watchOS 8:

WatchOS 8 release

The release date of watchOS 8 is also still in the middle. The update will be officially announced on June 7 during WWDC 2021, but what the timeline will look like after that is still unknown.

Apple will probably use the following months to release test versions, to see which innovations still need to be tinkered with.

We expect the final version of watchOS 8 in the fall of 2021. Apple will always release the final version of software updates at the same time as new hardware. We expect to be able to buy the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro and Apple Watch Series 7 at the end of this year.

Don’t want to miss anything?

Those who want to stay up to date with all the rumors, news and the eventual announcement of watchOS 8 will follow iPhone. You can keep an eye on us for free via our app, newsletter, or via social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

Our editorial team is on top of all the Apple news and will be happy to update you on the most important developments.