watchOS 8 brings redesigned Photos app, new Portrait watch face

Apple just announced watchOS 8, which will become available to developers now and to the general public this Fall.

Starting with the new Portraits watch face, which puts an iPhone-captured portrait mode shot in front of the time and date.

The Photos app features a new redesigned grid view of your photos, categorized into shared, favorites and memories. Starting with watchOS 8, Apple Watch users will be able to share photos through the iMessage and Mail apps and add text through Scribble on the Watch and Dictation. Emoji and GIF are supported too.

The new Mindfulness app will remind you to relax through breathing exercises and through mindfulness training (like prompting you to think positive thoughts).

Speaking of breathing, with watchOS 8 the Apple Watch will track your sleeping respiratory rate (the number of breaths per minute you take while under) and notify you of any noteworthy changes.

The Fitness app gets new Tai Chi and Pilates exercise modes.

watchOS 8 will allow the Apple Watch to use Ultra Wideband technology to connect with smart car keys and Smart Home keys. using the redesigned Home app users can broadcast messages throughout a home to a HomePod or HomePod mini, access smart cameras and smart home appliances, and even see who is at the door.

The public beta of watchOS 8 is expected in July with a stable release scheduled for the Fall.