Apple Finally Seeds watchOS 8.5 RC For Public Beta Testers, Developers | What's New About This?

Apple announced that the upcoming watch OS 8.5 RC with a 19T242 version build will be finally seeded prior to its launch in the next few days.

At this period, the select beta testers and developers can now begin the testing for this new Apple Watch software. Here's what you need to know about this final release watch OS.

Apple Watch OS 8.5 Final Release

Apple Finally Seeds watchOS 8.5 RC For Public Beta Testers, Developers | What's New About This?
Apple announced that the upcoming watch OS 8.5 RC with a 19T242 version build will be finally seeded prior to its launch in the next few days. Simon Daoudi from Unsplash

As 9to5Mac spotted on Tuesday, March 8, the Cupertino giant is leaning on the possibility of releasing the latest watch OS next week if there are no changes that will be implemented.

The tech site added that as early as now, the watchOS 8.5's Release Candidate version is now up for a few testers who can try the software.

One notable disparity that the watchOS 8.5 showcases is the absence of huge updates. For the part of iPhone users, the iOS 15.4 beta 4 has more features to introduce than its wearable software counterpart.

For instance, the tech giant is set to release a new American Siri voice for its newest update. Interestingly, this update will also become available to the Apple Watch.

9to5Mac also pointed out the weakness that watchOS updates have.

Particularly for its watchOS 8.3, the patch only delivered a fix for a bug that halts the wearable from charging when "cheap" third-party chargers are used, per Tech Times' story in December 2021.

With the entrance of the iOS 15.4 beta earlier this week, expect to see more updates that will arrive including the new emojis and support for Face ID with masks.

On top of that, the spring release will include the Universal Control feature and the Monterey OS 12.3 update. In addition, Apple is not only seeding the watchOS 8.5. It's also doing the same thing with the HomePod and tvOS under the 15.4 update.

Related Article: Apple Watch Health Features: watchOS 8.1 brings Upgrades, Vaccination Card Wallet, and MORE

watchOS 8.5 Improvements and Bug Fixes

Aside from that, the watchOS 8.5 is set to release some improvements as cited by iClarified.

The Fitness+ update, for instance, allows the users to listen to audio commentary of important workout steps. There are also health feature updates including the revamped identification of atrial fibrillation. The said changes will be available to the US, Hongkong, and more countries.

Furthermore, the new Watch software build will bring authorization for Apple TV subscriptions and purchases. For those who have COVID-19 vaccination cards, the EU Digital COVID Certificate format is now supported by Apple's digital wallet.

With these features, we expect more announcements from the iPhone maker in the next few months.

If you have any questions about Apple's software and security updates, you can visit the company's support page for more details regarding your concern.

Read Also: Qualcomm: Wear OS 3.0 to be Supported by Snapdragon Wear Platforms

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Written by Joseph Henry

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