Version: 8
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3+
Introduction and announcement; not a sales date.
Apple source ↗watchOS 8
Apple previewed watchOS 8 on June 7, 2021, and released the free update on September 20 for Series 3 and later. The announcement retained iPhone 6s or later and required iOS 15. This software date is not the Series 7 sales date; its hardware had its own schedule.
- Family
- watchOS
- Version
- 8
- Platform
- Apple Watch Series 3+
Apple · Security release register 2020-2021 · Apple · watchOS 8 preview · 2021-06-07 · Apple · watchOS 8 release · 2021-09-20
Breathe became Mindfulness with Breathe and Reflect sessions; Workout added Tai Chi and Pilates. Sleep tracking added respiratory rate estimated with the accelerometer. It is not presented as an apnea diagnosis or later sleep stages backdated to this addition.
Apple · watchOS 8 preview · 2021-06-07 · Apple · watchOS 8 release · 2021-09-20
Home was redesigned for accessories, scenes and HomeKit cameras; Messages combined Scribble, dictation and emoji. Portraits used iPhone photos and had its own watch requirements. Wallet keys depended on compatible cars, locks and providers, not guaranteed access to every car, hotel or country.
Apple · watchOS 8 preview · 2021-06-07 · Apple · watchOS 8 release · 2021-09-20 · Apple · watchOS 8 notes
Notes place improved workout fall detection in 8.1 for Series 4 and later. The register restricts 8.1.1 to Series 7 GPS + Cellular and 8.7.1 to Series 3. In 2026, 8.8.2 extended the certificate for certain services after January 2027, not a new health feature and not omitted because it arrived late.
Apple · Security release register 2020-2021 · Apple · watchOS 8 release · 2021-09-20 · Apple · watchOS 8 notes · Apple · Security release register 2022-2023 · Apple · Security release register
Dates documented by Apple
Selected releases, not a complete history. Dates follow Apple's release records, not the latest page edit. No builds are included.
ISO date: year-month-day.
Version: 8
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3+
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.0.1
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3+
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.1
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3+
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.1.1
Platform: Apple Watch Series 7 (GPS + Cellular)
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.3
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3+
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.4
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3+
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.4.1
Platform: Apple Watch Series 4+
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.4.2
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3+
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.5
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3+
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.5.1
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3+
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.6
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3+
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.7
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3+
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.7.1
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.8.1
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / SE
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗Version: 8.8.2
Platform: Apple Watch Series 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / SE
Release date recorded by Apple, not the document revision date.
Apple source ↗