Will Apple Watch Series 8 look like Series 7 or something completely different?
A new report claims that there will be a bonanza of Apple Watch models this fall, and the designs aren’t what other rumors have told us. When leaks and rumors all head in the same direction, it’s easy to get an idea of what’s coming. Although, let’s remember, last year there was a consensus among respected analysts that we were about to see a new, flat-edged, flat-screened Apple Watch Series 7 due to arrive last fall.
That didn’t happen, though Apple trumpeted a new, tougher design that was subtly different from Series 6.
Now, @AppleLeaksPro, in iDropNews, has made a series of claims about what’s coming. Here’s what we’ve learnt.
There are three Watches coming
This ties in with some other rumors, so that’s a good start. Of course, there’ll be an Apple Watch Series 8, that’s a shoo-in. Then, a new Apple Watch SE is predicted, which makes sense given that the original SE is now two years old. And this fits with other reports that Apple Watch Series 3 will likely be retired this year, meaning that Apple Watch SE will slide into the position of entry-level Watch.
The third watch will be aimed at those who like playing sports and will be suitably ruggedized as a result. That’s also in line with other reports, but after that, @LeaksApplePro diverges from others.
Is this the look for the Apple Watch Series 8? Or not?
What about the design?
The latest rumors are that a new flat-edged design, which was rumored to arrive last year but didn’t, will arrive this year. It makes sense, bringing the industrial design language of the Watch in line with that of the iPhone and iPad (apart from the entry-level tablet).
However, this report flatly contradicts these rumors, saying: “You should not expect a redesign or flat edges, just a simple internal update.”
When the flat-edged design was leaked and then didn’t appear, it was quickly decided by those who’d seen the designs that they were genuine and since they didn’t turn up for Apple Watch Series 7, it must mean they were designs meant for another year. Such as 2022.
However, @LeaksApplePro is clear that none of the new models, not even the ruggedized model, which he calls “an Extreme Edition”, will be redesigned.
Although I like new designs, this claim makes sense to me. Apple has never introduced a Watch design one year only to drop it the next. That said, if it kept the Series 7 design for Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE, but introduced the new, flatter design for the Extreme Edition, that also seems to make sense to me.
Pricing
Finally, there’s a word on pricing. “I have not heard many details about the Extreme Edition yet, but do not expect it to be cheaper than the Series 8, which will be priced at $399.”
I guess that’s not surprising: if it’s going to offer something extra in the form of greater resistance in sporty situations, it’s probably not going to be cheaper, right? Although, let’s remember, the very first Apple Watch came in three versions, Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition, and the Sport was the cheapest.
But things have changed and I think we have to find out more about what the new Extreme Edition is made of as materials play a big part in Apple’s pricing. Also, if the Extreme Edition is meant to be a higher-end model, as previous Apple Watch Editions have been, then perhaps the prices will be higher.
There’s plenty of time between now and the release of this year’s Apple Watch, so we can expect more leaks.
