watchOS 8 brings new health and messaging features to the Apple Watch this year

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Today, Apple detailed its plans for watchOS 8, the next major software update for the Apple Watch. Apple introduced some smaller updates to health and fitness features, improved texting and photo sharing, and new Homekit integrations.

The Apple Watch's Breathe app has new animations and adds "reflect," which gives you mindfulness prompts to accompany a calming animation while you reflect. These new features are found under the new Mindfulness app.

In the fitness section, Apple's adding two new workouts: Tai Chi and Pilates. Apple Fitness+ is adding another set of workouts focused on HIIT (high-intensity interval) training, along with Artist Spotlights, which suggests music to aid your workout. watchOS8 will also add respiratory rate tracking to sleep, but not workouts.

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