The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to be announced alongside the iPhone 14 lineup this year, and expectedly, we’ve already seen several leaked and rumored features of Apple‘s next smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 8 will succeed the Series 7 models which were announced in September 2021. The Series 7 didn’t bring any notable new features barring the screen, which was larger, brighter, and more durable than its predecessor.
The Apple Watch Series 7 currently offers the most advanced features in the lineup, but users who want something cheaper also have the Apple Watch SE as an option. The Watch SE was announced in 2020, making it nearly two years old and prime for a refresh. The cheaper Apple Watch has a smaller display and misses out on some key features like blood oxygen monitoring and an ECG app, but is otherwise mostly on par with the more expensive option.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to be announced in September this year at Apple’s annual iPhone launch event. The event is likely to take place on September 13, going by past Apple events which are usually scheduled for the second Tuesday of September. Apart from the Watch Series 8, Apple is also expected to announce the Watch SE 2, and an all-new rugged model that is likely to receive ‘Pro’ branding. It’s unclear if this is the top-end model in the Series 8 lineup, or a standalone smartwatch catered specifically to athletes.
Apple Watch Series 8 Design & Variants: Flat Edges, Finally
The Apple Watch Series 7 was expected to adopt the flat edges of the iPhone 13 series, but that didn’t end up happening. However, tipster Jon Prosser says that this design will now be used for the Series 8. According to Prosser, the leaks about the Apple Watch having flat sides were true, they were just a year too early. The concept renders of the Series 8 do look much sleeker than the Series 7, and it seems like Apple will also be using a flat display this year, making for a more cohesive geometric design. Unfortunately, another twist in the tale suggests that the flat design could be used solely for the rugged Apple Watch, in which case we might see another year of Apple recycling the same design for the Series 8.
As for the size options, the Apple Watch Series 8 was originally rumored to come in three size variants. The new large-screen variant will reportedly have a screen that measures 1.99-inches, according to display supply chain expert Ross Young. This model will join the already existing 41mm (1.69-inch) and 45mm (1.9-inch) case sizes. However, a separate report by Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman claims that this larger display size will be reserved for the rugged “extreme sports” Apple Watch, which will have a screen that is about 7 percent larger than the 45mm variant. According to Gurman, this variant will have a resolution of 410 x 502 pixels, with the larger screen used to show more fitness stats.
Additionally, it appears that the Series 8 watches will continue to use a stainless steel frame, but the rugged version will be made of a “strong metal” that could be titanium. It will also be more shatter-resistant than the standard Series 8 models.
Apple Watch Series 8 Performance & Battery: Same Old Chip
The Apple Watch Series 7 featured the S7 chip that had the same performance as the S6 chip on the Series 6. Apple changed the name, but didn’t offer any particular improvements. It looks like we’re going to see the same trend with the S8 chip, which appears to be a rebadged version of the S7. All the chipsets are based on the same core architecture, and 2022 will mark the third year that Apple is recycling the same chip for its smartwatches. It looks like a significant change in performance will only be available on the Series 9 in 2023. The good news though is that the new Apple Watch SE is also expected to feature the S8 chip, which will be a significant upgrade from the S5 chip used in the current model.
Since Apple is reusing the same chipset on the Watch Series 8, users can expect similar battery life. However, Gurman says that a low-power mode will make an appearance. Rather than being a feature built into watchOS 9, the low-power mode will be a hardware-exclusive feature for the Series 8 and the new rugged watch. In addition, it also appears that the rugged version will feature a larger battery, which it can accomodate given its bigger size.
Apple Watch Series 8 Health Features: Temperature Sensor Incoming
The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to get some new health-tracking features, and among these is a temperature sensor that can detect a fever. Instead of displaying the wearer’s body temperature, the Apple Watch will warn users if they have a fever and advise them if they need to seek medical care.
According to a previous Wall Street Journal report, Apple is also working on a number of other health-related Apple Watch features. Among these is a blood pressure monitor, which is expected to work in the same way as the temperature sensor – instead of providing a specific reading, the sensor will reportedly notify users of high blood pressure readings. Apart from this, Apple is also said to be working on a non-invasive form of blood sugar detection. Other features in the pipeline are a fertility tracker and advanced atrial fibrillation detection that can measure how often a person is in AFib over a time period. Unfortunately, it looks like none of these features will be ready in time for the Apple Watch Series 8, but a few could make it to the Series 9 in 2024.
As for the fitness-related features, the rugged Apple Watch model is expected to get improved hiking and swim tracking, according to Gurman. This is in addition to all the new workout features coming to compatible Apple Watch models in watchOS 9.
Apple Watch Series 8: Early Verdict
According to Gurman in his Power On newsletter, the Apple Watch Series 8 could start at $399 for the 41mm variant, just like the Series 7. The rugged watch however is expected to be much more expensive – priced between $900 and $999, it could cost the same as the iPhone 13 Pro. The Watch SE 2 on the other hand will retail for $279, the same price as the current model.
If the rumors pan out, it looks like Apple’s going to be adopting a new business model for its watches and iPhones. Like the iPhone 14 series where Apple is reserving the best new features only for the Pro models, the Apple Watch will also see a split. The Watch Series 8 will carry forward many features of the previous generation, while the new additions to build, battery, sensors, and even fitness-related features will be saved for the rugged Pro model. The price of the rugged Apple Watch will put it out of reach of many users, barring the most serious athletes or those who can afford to pay close to $1,000 for a smartwatch. As for the Apple Watch Series 8, it looks users will have to be content with minor upgrades for another year.
Source: Ross Young/Twitter, Bloomberg
About The Author
