Apple Watch Series 8: Everything we know so far

Update: The Apple Watch Series 8 is official! Check out our launch event roundup for all the details.

Original article: May 15, 2022: Apple’s formula doesn’t leave much room for out-of-the-box thinking. Each new generation of Apple Watch tends to look, cost, and function essentially the same as the year before. However, the company consistently makes improvements large and small, and we anticipate the Series 8 to be much the same. From a rumored low-power mode to a possible rugged model, there is plenty to keep an eye out for in the coming months. Let’s take a look at everything we know about the Apple Watch Series 8 so far, and run down some of the features that we hope to see.

Will there be an Apple Watch Series 8?

A new Apple Watch arrives each year like clockwork, so it’s pretty safe to assume an Apple Watch Series 8 is on its way in 2022. There are already heaps of rumors swirling about the new device. The new generation will likely replace the Apple Watch Series 7 in terms of widescale availability, particularly from Apple itself.

When will the Apple Watch Series 8 release date be?

While we don’t have an official Apple Watch Series 8 release date, we do have a very good guess. It is popularly speculated that the new device will launch alongside the iPhone 14 at Apple’s September event. Android Authority has received an invitation to the iPhone 14 launch event and can now confirm that it is scheduled for September 7, 2022, at 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET).

September 7 is over a month earlier than the date of last year’s launch and beats out the Series 6 by over a week. The current flagship device, the Apple Watch Series 7, launched on October 15, 2021. The Series 6 launched on September 18, 2020. This year’s model will also arrive in front of a live audience as Apple returns to an in-person format for the launch.

Our verdict: Apple Watch Series 7 review | Apple Watch Series 6 review

What features and specs will the Apple Watch Series 8 have?

To start, it’s likely that Apple Watch fans can expect three models instead of two. A new “rugged version aimed at extreme-sports enthusiasts” is rumored to debut alongside the Apple Watch Series 8. We cover this particular model in more detail below. Hopefuls also anticipate a possible Apple Watch SE 2.

Design

As far as the standard Series 8 design, the latest speculation suggests that the device will mirror the look of the Apple Watch Series 7 with minimal changes. If that’s the case, our hope is that few external changes simply mean there will be a lot to keep our attention on the inside. It is always possible however that Apple will introduce additional colors and band designs.

A rumor cited by MacRumors suggests a new shade will be used for the Product Red colorway. At the same time, Midnight, Starlight, and Silver may also be included as options for the aluminum model.

For what it’s worth, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman claimed on June 26 that the new SE model will keep the same screen size as the previous SE device.

Features

According to Gurman, shoppers should expect a variety of software features to arrive on the Apple Watch line, some of which will launch with the Series 8 device. These include a new low power mode that will work with apps and other features, instead of only showing the clock face. Additionally, satellite connectivity for certain situations may also be imminent. Supposedly, Apple will use satellites for short messages and emergency alerts in areas without cellular connectivity.

These upgrades, Gurman says, are in addition to AFib burden detection for measuring how often someone is in a state of atrial fibrillation, as well as new workouts and watch faces. Meanwhile, the iPhone Health app will see improvements related to sleep tracking, women’s health, and medication management. Staying with software, the Series 8 will offer multisport workouts to seamlessly switch between sports as well as new training experiences, metrics, and workout views with watchOS 9.

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Another rumor circulating is that the Series 8 may bring a brand new safety feature to users’ wrists. According to the Wall Street Journal, in addition to Fall Detection, Apple hopes to add car crash detection to the device.

As for more traditional specs, the Bloomberg journalist claims that the Series 8 chip will be the same as the chip inside the Series 7. Thankfully, the new SE model is expected to get the same chip as the Series 8, which would be an upgrade over the S5 chip used in the original SE model.

Body temperature

One of the most consistent rumors regarding the Apple Watch Series 8 is the possible introduction of a body temperature sensor. This tool would alert users if their temperature registers as higher than normal. If included on the Apple Watch Series 8, it could make the device especially helpful to women monitoring their fertility. While newer details hint that the sensor may also be used to detect if the wearer has a fever, this functionality may not be available at launch.

On August 10, MacRumors reported a newly granted Apple patent titled “Temperature gradient sensing in electronic devices.” It describes a variety of possible shapes a temperature sensor and differential temperature probe could take and describes how the sensor would work. Most telling, an Apple Watch is front and center in the patent’s illustrations.

Will there be an Apple Watch Pro model?

Much like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, there are rumors that Apple will launch a range-topping Pro model of the Apple Watch. Per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Apple Watch Pro may use titanium in its construction, pack a slightly revised design, and a larger display possibly measuring nearly two-inches from corner to corner.

On September 6, alleged CAD renders of the Pro’s design broke cover, seemingly confirming the larger display. The lens reportedly spans 49mm, which would make it the largest Apple Watch to date, and one of the biggest smartwatches on the market. There are other details we can glean from the renders. The digital crown also protrudes from a noticeable nub on the watch’s right-hand side. More interestingly, the device may bring a programmable button on its left-hand side flank, allowing users to launch apps, specific workouts, and more. See the renders below.

The use of tougher materials should make the device a little more durable than its standard aluminum and stainless steel siblings. It remains unclear if Apple would also market the Pro model as an outdoor smartwatch, and kit it with similar smarts to the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. However, there are murmurs that Apple plans to court hikers, runners, and bikers with the watch’s offerings.

Interestingly, outdoor enthusiasts may not be the only interested party. Per Gurman (via 9to5Mac), the Watch Pro could also include a larger battery. This paired with the tipped low-powered mode could give the Apple Watch Pro impressive multi-day battery life.

What will the Apple Watch Series 8 price be?

Consistency has been key for Apple and that extends to pricing as well. We’d expect the Series 8 to launch at $399 for the smaller 41mm version and $429 for the 45mm model. These are the prices Apple set for the Series 7 in 2021.

The Apple Watch Pro, if it does arrive, won’t be as cheap. According to Mark Gurman, the price could come in at around $1,000, challenging the likes of Garmin’s premium outdoor watches. However, this would make it substantially more expensive than the $450 Galaxy Watch 5 Pro.

Apple Watch Series 8: What we want to see

The Apple Watch is arguably the most popular wearable in the market, but that doesn’t mean it’s flawless. Below are a number of improvements we would love to see on the company’s next model.

Longer battery life

We’re probably beating a dead horse here, but the battery life on Apple’s wearables leaves a lot to be desired. We’ve seen a consistent offer of 18 hours between charges for several generations now. Rumors that the Series 7’s battery would last longer between charges went unfulfilled, so we’re back to crossing our fingers. It’s possible that with an improved processor, the Series 8 could be the one to break the mold. With new competition from the massive battery cell now available in the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro we hope Apple has something up its sleeve.

Additional health tracking

As mentioned above, rumors are circulating about a body temperature sensor, but there are some concerns about its viability. Apple is known to hold back on features until they can be implemented with accuracy and that may turn out to be the case with this sensor. We hope not. Reliable body temperature monitoring would bring huge benefits to Apple Watch users, from tracking illnesses to fertility.

We have also been following rumors related to possible glucose tracking and blood pressure monitoring. These health tracking tools feel much less likely this time around, but we’ll keep them on our wish list for future generations.

Improved sleep tracking

On a related note, current Apple Watches fall short in sleep tracking compared to competitors like Garmin and Fitbit. We were pleased to see Apple add the ability to measure respiratory rate in watchOS 8. However, while this metric may help users detect signs of sleep apnea, it isn’t approved for medical use. We hope to see Apple beef up its overnight offerings with more metrics and insights.

Of course, this brings us back to the line’s currently limited battery life. Improvements in that arena would make sleep tracking even more useful on the Apple Watch Series 8.

See also: The best sleep trackers you can buy

That’s everything we want to see on the Apple Watch Series 8. Which features do you hope for most? Be sure to vote in our poll below.