The second version, watchOS 2, included support for native third-party apps and other improvements, and was released on September 21, 2015.

[5][6][7] The third version, watchOS 3, was released on September 13, 2016, to emphasize better performance and include new watch faces and stock apps.

The fifth version, watchOS 5, was released on September 17, 2018,[8] to add more third-party support and new workouts, along with the "Walkie-Talkie" feature.

[10] The seventh version, watchOS 7, was released on September 16, 2020, to support handwashing and sleep tracking.

[11][12] The eighth version, watchOS 8, was released on September 20, 2021, with updates in health monitoring, visuals, and apps.

The home screen, rendered by and also known as "Carousel",[4] consists of circular application icons that can be zoomed in and out with the Digital Crown and launched by touching the display, allowing users to access their favorite apps.

Prior to watchOS 3, "Glances" offered quick access to summaries of the most frequently used native and third-party applications.

In watchOS 3, Glances were replaced with a redesigned Control Center that mirrors the functionality seen in iOS, providing a more unified experience across Apple devices.

Prior to watchOS 7, different actions and options appeared depending on whether the user taps or deep-presses, which an Apple Watch detects with its pressure-sensitive (Force Touch) Display.

This feature was replaced by additional options in the Settings app and extended press gestures to accommodate all necessary interactions.

This change streamlined the interaction model, making it more consistent with other Apple devices that do not support Force Touch.

These updates demonstrate Apple's ongoing commitment to enhancing usability while maintaining the sleek, minimalist design that users appreciate.

Since its inception, watchOS has supported an increasing number and variety of health metrics for measurement and tracking.

He said that health was a crucial element in the Apple Watch since the day of its inception and that the developmental trajectory of the hardware and the watchOS were geared towards health-based capabilities.

[26] Ive pointed out that one of the primary apps that shipped with the first watchOS allowed users to track and communicate as well as encourage them to move, exercise, and stand.

For example, the app called DeepHeart, a deep-learning network that can detect atrial fibrillation, hypertension, sleep apnea, and diabetes.

Drops support for the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X Apple announced watchOS 11 at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference on June 10, 2024.