Allowing with its bevy of other major software updates this week, Apple also released watchOS 8.5, which adds a number of handy new features.
The update added support for 14 emoji characters in addition to new emojis such as biting lip, melting face, coral, lotus, and more. Apple also introduced some improvements on the irregular heart rhythm feature that notifies Apple Watch users when the device detects atrial fibrillation. This feature is available in the United States, Chile, Hong Kong, South Africa, and other regions where the ECG feature is available in the Health app.
Apple Watch users can also use watchOS 8.5 to authorize purchases of TV episodes and movies purchased through the Apple TV iTunes Store service, while Apple Fitness+ subscribers can also enjoy audio commentary on Apple Watch of visually demonstrated moves during workouts.
Other features include support for the EU Digital COVID Certificate format, which is useful for travelers heading to or from Europe. The feature allows users to record COVID-19 vaccination certificates and present them when needed.
Users can also now restore an Apple Watch running watchOS 8.5 with an iPhone running iOS 15.4. Apple did not specifically highlight this on the release note but recently issued a support document about the new feature.
Per Apple, when an Apple Watch suddenly displays an animation asking the user to bring the Apple Watch closer to an iPhone, it means that the wearable device needs to be restored. To do restore the Watch using an iPhone, Apple gave the following instructions:
1. Make sure that an iPhone is nearby. The iPhone needs to be running iOS 15.4 or later. Make sure to connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, and unlock the smartphone.
2. Put your Apple Watch on its charger.
3. Double-click the side button (the button below the circular Digital Crown) on your Apple Watch.
4. Follow the steps that appear on the iPhone.
Apple has stated that if the steps didn’t work at first, that users should check their Wi-Fi connection, opt for a 2.4GHz network instead of a 5GHz network, and should also avoid 802.1X or captive Wi-Fi networks, like those found in hotel rooms.
Aside from all those new features, watchOS 8.5, includes a number of bug fixes and security updates.
As usual, you can update your version of watchOS by updating your iPhone or iPad to iPadOS 15.4 or iPadOS 15.4, then navigate to Watch > General > Software Update. Your Apple Watch should be on its charger mode and be charged to at least 50 percent to install the update.
If you’ve tried the watchOS 8.5 update, please let us know about your experience in the comments.
Via The Mac Observer