Apple Watch Series 8: Apple is expected to upgrade the Apple Watch later this year, alongside a revamped iPhone 14 series. Unlike last year, competition from Google’s Wear OS is becoming more intense. When it is released, it will compete with the Pixel Watch and the Galaxy Watch 5, and a slew of WearOS 3 watches are expected to begin trickling out. It will be difficult, but the wearables market is still Apple’s to lose.
Rumors about Apple’s hardware lineup have circulated in the run-up to this year’s big fall event. The Apple Watch Series 8 has gotten short shrift on this, at least in comparison to the iPhone, but here’s what we know so far from Apple and third-party sources.
Apple Watch Series 8 Design
Rumors circulated that Apple was working on a squared-off design for the Apple Watch Series 7. That obviously did not happen with the release of the Apple Watch Series 7. Still, there may have been some truth to the rumor. ShrimpApplePro, a new but rising leaker, shared a report that Apple would include a flat display for the Series 8. With the iPhone having flat edges and the MacBook Air and Pro recently joining them, it’s possible that these plans indicate that the company was considering bringing a similar look to the Watch at some point.
Unfortunately, a flat Apple Watch might not be available by 2022. According to ShrimpApplePro, the Series 8 is “staying the same as the Series 7 with no design improvement.” This is later supported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman’s reporting in the August edition of the PowerOn newsletter.
“The regular Apple Watch Series 8 will include a body-temperature sensor, but will look similar to the previous generation, as will the new Apple Watch SE.” “The big smartwatch announcement will be an Apple Watch Pro with a tough titanium casing, a larger screen, and a beefier battery,” Gurman wrote.
For the first time in a long time, Apple is said to be introducing three sizes of the Apple Watch. Apple currently offers a 41mm and a 45mm Series 7 watch in 1.7 and 1.9-inch sizes. The Series 8 could include a 47mm watch, with display analysts Ross Young and Jeff Wu both agreeing that the new size would have a 2-inch display.
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Models
Along with the main Apple Watch Series 8, Gurman claims that Apple will release a rugged Series 8 edition as well as a low-end Apple Watch SE refresh. The Apple Watch SE would be an update to the last SE, bringing the new S8 processor but little else as far as we know. The Watch SE 2 is expected to have a larger display, better sleep tracking, and an always-on display, but it is up to Apple to deliver on those promises.
As for the rugged Series 8, that’s an Apple Watch that’s built for those who like extreme sports. There have been rugged smartwatches in the past from companies such as Samsung, but this would be the first time Apple would enter the market.
Apple Watch Series 8 Software
Apple announced WatchOS 9 earlier this year at WWDC, which will power the Series 8. The new update includes more of the company’s ‘rich complications’ as well as new watch faces such as Utility, Simple, and Activity Analog. New focus mode features for the Watch will be added, allowing you to link specific watch faces to specific focus modes. The Apple Watch, like the iPhone, will become much more personal this fall.
Updates to the ECG functionality, a new Medications app, and Workout app updates will also improve fitness and health features.
“Users all over the world love Apple Watch because it helps them stay connected to those they care about, be more active throughout the day, and better manage their health,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, at the launch. “This fall, WatchOS 9 elevates the Apple Watch experience with scientifically validated insights across fitness, sleep, and heart health, while also giving users more creative ways to personalize their Apple Watch.”
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Hardware and sensors
The Watch Series 8 is expected to include a compass, GPS, a blood oxygen sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG), a gyroscope, and other similar features. According to reports, Apple was testing a blood glucose sensor as well as one to help with temperature sensing, but the glucose sensor appears to be unlikely this year. While the temperature sensor was originally scheduled for release next year because it was not yet ready, a subsequent report claims that Apple will include it in the Series 8 this year. At the very least, it’s much more likely to show up than it was earlier in the year.
In terms of power, Bloomberg’s Gurman has also stated that the chip powering the Apple Watch Series 7 will be the same as the chip powering the Apple Watch Series 8, putting an end to hopes of a processor upgrade.
“Those hoping for a faster chip in this year’s Apple Watch will be disappointed to learn that the S8 chip will have the same specifications as the S7, which was also the same as the S6.” “However, next year’s models will feature an entirely new processor,” he wrote.
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Apple Watch Series 8 price and availability
The Series 8 Watch is expected to cost the same as the Series 7 of the Watch. This means that it will begin at $399. In terms of availability, Apple typically launches its Watch alongside the iPhone in September, so we expect this to be available then. It may be made available later as production allows, but we would anticipate an announcement in the fall.
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