The watchOS 7.5 update for the Apple Watch has launched, bringing new features like Apple Card Family, expanded support for ECG and irregular heart rhythm notifications, and more.
watchOS 7.5 for Apple Watch Is Now Available
The new watchOS 7.5 software is now available globally to all users at no charge.
The latest software update is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 3 and newer as well as with the Apple Watch SE and later. As is customary for these things, the update brings a host of under-the-hood improvements and bug fixes as well as a few new features.
For detailed information about the new features and enhancements in watchOS 7.5, consult the "About watchOS 7 Updates" page on Apple's website. For information on the security content of watchOS 7, read a support document on Apple's website.
Apple also launched software updates for its other devices: iOS and iPadOS 14.6 for the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad; tvOS 14.6 for the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD; HomePod 14.6 for the HomePod and HomePod mini; and macOS 11.4 for the Mac.
What’s New in watchOS 7.5?
watchOS 7.5 brings a few new features to the table.
For example, Apple's standalone Podcasts app on the Apple Watch now supports subscription content. With Apple Podcasts subscriptions, Apple gives you a new way to directly support your favorite creators by subscribing to their shows.
Subscriptions are available for select channels and individual shows.
Related: How to Set Up an Apple Watch
watchOS 7.5 also brings support for Family Card sharing between up to five different people via Apple's existing Family Sharing feature. With Apple Card sharing, not only can your family members track expenses and manage spending but also build credit together.
The update also brings support for Apple's ECG app to customers in Malaysia and Peru. ECG functionality is supported on any Apple Watch model from Series 4 onward. Lastly, watchOS 7 adds support for irregular heart rhythm notifications in Malaysia and Peru.
With the irregular heart rhythm notification turned on in the Apple Watch settings, the device occasionally looks at your heartbeat to check for an irregular rhythm as that might point to a more serious condition, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib).
How to Update Apple Watch to watchOS 7.5
You can get these features right away by updating your Apple Watch to watchOS 7.
Before getting to it, check that your iPhone is running the latest version of the iOS software and uses Wi-Fi, not cellular, for internet connectivity. Also, the Apple Watch must be at least 50 percent charged so be sure to connect the device to its charger before continuing.
And don't forget to keep your iPhone next to the watch so they're in Bluetooth range.
You can update the Apple Watch to the latest available version of the watchOS software using your iPhone or the watch itself. To update the Apple Watch using its paired iPhone, open the Watch and hit the My Watch tab, then choose General > Software Update.
If you see a message saying there's an update available, download it.
You may be asked to your iPhone or Apple Watch passcode as part of the update process. Arm yourself with patience because watchOS updates can take anywhere from several minutes to an hour or even more to complete.
To update to watchOS 7.5 directly on your Apple Watch, verify that the wearable device is connected to Wi-Fi by going to Settings > WI-Fi. With that done, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If a message appears saying an update is available, choose the option Install and follow the onscreen instructions.
