Apple Releases watchOS 8.6 With ECG Support in Mexico

Apple today released watchOS 8.6, the fifth major update to the watchOS 8 operating system that launched in September 2021. watchOS 8.6 comes two months after the launch of watchOS 8.5, an update that brought new emojis, Apple TV purchase authorization, and more.

Apple watchOS 8 feature 2
‌‌watchOS ‌8.6 can be downloaded for free through the dedicated Apple Watch app on the iPhone by going to General > Software Update.

To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery, it needs to be placed on a charger, and it needs to be in range of the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌iPhone‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌.

According to Apple's release notes, watchOS 8.6 expands ECG functionality and irregular heart rhythm detection to Mexico.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
m5 macbook pro deal

Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

Tuesday February 10, 2026 4:27 pm PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works. We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, ...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...

Top Rated Comments

49 months ago

With all the drugs-related violence, I’d be happy to just have a heart rhythm in Mexico…
And believe it or not, I have lived my close to 40 years in Mexico, never had anything stolen and my family hasn't either had any issue, never seen anyone firing a gun (fingers crossed it continues like that).

Fortunately, unlike the mass shootings in other regions, the drug related violence in mostly between the competing cartels, but it does take innocent lives and bystanders as well. Worst part is that the government doesn't even acknowledge it as a problem - so it is not looking like will get better any time soon.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mr. Dee Avatar
49 months ago
I’m already groaning how painful this will be to upgrade. It’s the only aspect that sucks about the Apple Watch experience.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JM Avatar
49 months ago
I love that purple watchOS 8 graphic.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
49 months ago
fix Siri and HomeKit processes via Apple Watch!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
49 months ago
Well I guess it’s good news for Mexico today everyone else will be waiting for June’s announcement
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
49 months ago

8.5 resulted in noticeably worse battery life, hopefully this resolves that.
Same for me. I’ve also got my fingers crossed. I turned AOD back on and will give it a test run tomorrow.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)