watchOS 26 Beta 8: What to Expect from the Latest Apple Watch Software Update

watchOS 26 beta 8 is now available for Apple Watch developers, bringing new features such as the Activity app redesign, new watch faces, and improved notification management. The final beta version is expected to ship after Apple's September event, where new Watch models and iPhone 17 lineup are unveiled.

Apple Watch developers can now access watchOS 26 beta 8, which introduces several new features and enhancements. This beta release follows two and a half months of testing and is expected to be the most stable version before the final release candidate (RC) [1].

The upcoming watchOS 26 includes notable improvements such as a Liquid Glass redesign, a new Notes app, an upgraded Control Center, and several AI features. The Activity app has also undergone a redesign, offering a more intuitive interface and better tracking capabilities. Additionally, new watch faces are being introduced, providing users with more customization options [1].

The beta 8 release is likely to be the final one before the RC version, which is expected to be released following Apple's September event. This event is anticipated to unveil new Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11, as well as the iPhone 17 lineup [1].

In other news, Apple has reintroduced the blood-oxygen monitoring feature to its Apple Watch lineup after U.S. Customs and Border Protection approved the imports of the devices. This decision comes after a long-running patent dispute with Masimo Corp., which has filed a lawsuit alleging that Customs improperly reversed its ruling without notifying the company [2].

The lawsuit highlights the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Masimo over patent infringement and trade secret theft. Apple first added blood-oxygen monitoring to its smartwatches in 2020, and the feature was disabled on U.S. models due to the patent dispute. Apple Watch users can now expect the feature to return via a software update for Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 devices running watchOS 11.6.1 paired with iOS 18.6.1 [2].

The reinstatement of the blood-oxygen feature is significant for Apple's health and wellness initiatives, positioning the Watch as a critical device in the digital health space. Competitors such as Samsung and Alphabet's Google are also advancing health-focused smartwatch features, intensifying competition in the wearable market [2].

References:
[1] https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/25/watchos-26-beta-8-available-now-for-apple-watch/
[2] https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/08/47252149/apple-restores-blood-oxygen-tracking-to-watch-after-customs-ruling-masimo-strikes-back-with-lawsuit-over-patent-rights