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Apple Releases watchOS 8.1 With Enhanced Fall Detection and More

October 25, 2021

Apple has just released watchOS 8.1 to all Apple Watch users.

Here are the release notes:

watchOS 8.1 includes the following improvements and bug fixes for your Apple Watch:
– Enhanced algorithms to detect falls during workouts and option to enable fall detection during workouts only (Apple Watch Series 4 and later)
– COVID-19 vaccination card support allows you to present verifiable vaccination information from Apple Wallet
– Fitness+ supports SharePlay to allow subscribers to invite up to 32 people to workout together through a FaceTime call using iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV
– Always On may not display the time accurately for some users when their wrist is down (Apple Watch Series 5 and later)

The update can be downloaded now through the companion Watch app on your iPhone by heading to General > Software Update in the My Watch portion of the app. You can also go to Settings > General > Software Update on an Apple Watch

Your watch needs to have more than 50 percent power and connected to a charger. Like most Apple Watch updates, it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to complete, so be patient.

It’s compatible with the Apple Watch Series 3 and later.