How watchOS 8 can get new apps and watch faces
A graphic designer has started working on watchOS 8, the new Apple Watch software that will be released later this year. In a concept, the designer shows how Apple can add widgets and new apps, among other things.
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The concept was created by Parker Ortolani, a graphic designer who regularly shows what new software from Apple might look like. Ortolani shows how the Apple Watch software can use a refresh and suggests three additions.
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1. New apps
First, according to Apple, Apple should also bring the Health app to the Apple Watch. That way you can also check from your wrist how many steps you have taken today, how effective your last workout was and whether your heart rate is normal.
Ortolani also proposes to add, for example, a Battery and Hiking app. Thus, the Apple Watch becomes more of a standalone device, rather than an iPhone extension.
2. Watch faces become apps
Ortolani also thinks Apple would be wise to convert the Astronomy and Sun Orientation watch faces into standalone apps. The designer believes that they have enough functions for this.
The Astronomy watch face shows a 3D model of the earth, moon or solar system and you use the Sun position watch face to check the position of the sun.
3. Widgets in Control Center
Since iOS 14, you can use widgets on the iPhone. Widgets are ‘expanded’ versions of apps containing the most important information or possibilities. Ortolani shows in the concept what widgets in watchOS 8 could look like.
Thanks to this preview you can control the music from your wrist, see if you should bring an umbrella today and what time your alarm goes off. Ortolani says it would be extra handy if you could sync widgets between iPhone and Apple Watch.
When will watchOS 8 be released?
The successor to watchOS 7 is likely to be released in September. Typically, Apple unveils its new software releases in the summer at WWDC, the annual app developers’ conference. For the time being, no rumors about the capabilities and functions of the new Apple Watch software have come out.
