Apple Watch 8 pro. Apple Watch 8 pro
Apple Watch Series 8: Release Date, Specs, Price, and News
Tim Fisher has more than 30 years’ of professional technology experience. He’s been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the SVP and General Manager of Lifewire.
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12 years’ experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
The Apple Watch 8 was released on September 16, 2022. Below is everything you need to know about this Apple Watch iteration, including its body temperature sensor and other health features.
Apple Watch Series 8 Release Date
Apple has come out with a new smartwatch every year since the first edition in 2015. Yet again, the company announced the “best Apple Watch lineup yet,” Series 8, on September 7, 2022, during a pre-recorded event.
The same event announced the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE 2, the former of which became available on September 23, 2022, while the Series 8 and SE 2 arrived on September 16, 2022.
Apple Watch Series 8 Price
Apple Watch Series 8 start at 399 for Wi-Fi only and 499 for cellular. Three months of Fitness is included. For comparison, the base model starts at the same price as Series 4 through 7.
The lower-cost Apple Watch SE 2 is 249 instead of 279 like the first edition, or 299 for cellular.
Apple Watch Series 8 Features
Below are some notable Apple Watch 8 features. They go hand-in-hand with improvements like longer battery life, better screens, and an upgraded operating system (watchOS 9).
- Temperature reader: A new wrist temperature feature works overnight to determine your body temperature. The iPhone Health app shows temperature differences from the baseline (not your actual temperature).
- Cycle tracking: Cycle Tracking tells you if you have prolonged periods or abnormal cycles.
- Crash detection: The Apple Watch already has fall detection that can tell when you’ve had a bad fall. The Apple Watch Series 8 includes an upgrade that will do the same for car crashes; it will dial emergency services if necessary and contact your emergency contacts.
- Low Power Mode: Save battery life by having some features turn off when the battery is low, like the always-on display and automatic workout detection. Low Power Mode doubles the battery life from 18 hours to 36 hours and works on all Apple Watches running watchOS 9 (Series 4 and newer).
- International roaming: This feature is now available on cellular models, starting with the Series 5.
- watchOS 9: The new watchOS will bring four new watch faces, an updated Siri UI and banner notifications, additional metrics in the Workout app, Sleep Stages for the Sleep app, AFib History, health data sharing, the Medications app to track medications and learn about drug interactions, new keyboard languages, and more.
Apple Watch Series 8 Specs and Hardware
The Apple Watch Series 8 keeps the Series 7’s 41 and 45mm screen sizes, but 2022’s other models offer more variety. The pared-down Apple Watch SE has 40 and 44mm options, while the Ultra bumps the screen up to 49mm.
The Series 8 boasts an edge-to-edge, always-on Retina display to make the most of its case; Apple says it has 20% more screen area than the smaller SE.
The Series 8 includes various new hardware and features. It still monitors your heart rate, including on-demand ECG and blood oxygen readings using an updated, third-generation sensor. Temperature monitoring is the main health update, but it will also include accelerometer features like fall and crash detection. The GPS will also work with the updated Compass app to let you set waypoints and backtrack if you lose your way.
Apple Watch Series 8 keeps the 32GB storage capacity that has been the standard since the Series 5. It also uses the W3 wireless chip that originated with the Series 4. Its ultra-wideband U1 chip is the same as the one that’s been in the past few models, but Apple has upgraded the “system on a chip” to the S8, which also appears in the SE 2 and Ultra models.
The Apple Watch 8 is available with various aluminum and stainless steel cases, each with several color options. Aluminum cases come in Moonlight (black), Starlight (white), silver, and red; the stainless steel colors are graphite, silver, and gold.
Apple also introduced some new bands for the Ultra model, but some of them also work with certain sizes of the Series 8. The 45mm version can use the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and Ocean Loop bands (below). The smaller case only works with the older bands.
The Latest News About the Apple Watch Series 8
You can get more Smart and Connected Life news from Lifewire. Here are some stories about this Apple Watch, specifically:
Apple Watch Ultra vs Series 8: Which should you buy?
Wondering how the Apple Watch Ultra and Watch Series 8 compare and what the differences are? We’ve got you covered.
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Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra is the Apple Watch Series 8 on steroids, plus so much more. It’s bulked up to offer a more rough and ready device with not only a tougher casing, but a bigger one too, alongside a bigger display, more tactile buttons and extra buttons too.
Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 has a great design, heaps of sensors, and more features than you’ll probably know what to do with. Its battery life isn’t the best on the smartwatch market, but fast charging makes it easy to charge daily and the fitness features are superb.
- No Action button like Ultra
- Not much change from Series 7
- Battery life not as good as Ultra
Apple announced three smartwatches during its September 2022 launch in the form of the Apple Watch Ultra, the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE.
The Apple Watch Ultra is more rugged and larger than the Series 8, designed for more extreme environments and sports. or indeed just those that want a larger device on their wrist. It is significantly more expensive though, so do you need it, or is the Series 8 enough?
Here is how the Apple Watch Ultra and the Watch Series 8 compare. We also have a feature on how all the Apple Watch models compare, as well as how the Series 8 compares to the Watch SE if you want to do a bit more research on which model you should buy.
Price, availability, specs
The Apple Watch Ultra is the more expensive of the two smartwatch models being compared in this feature. In fact, it’s not just more expensive, it is double the cost of the Apple Watch Series 8. The Ultra costs 799 in the US and £849 in the UK, while the Apple Watch Series 8 starts at 399 in the US and £419 in the UK.
There are differences in the sizes and finishes available too, which we go into more detail on throughout this feature, but in a nutshell, there is just one size, material and finish of the Watch Ultra, while the Series 8 comes in two sizes, two materials and several finishes.
You can see a quick overview of how the Apple Watch Ultra and the Watch Series 8 specs compare in the table below but if you want more detail on their differences and the features they offer, keep reading.
| Titanium | Aluminium or Stainless Steel |
| 49mm | 41mm, 45mm |
| 1164sq mm, 502 x 410 pixel resolution, 2000nits | 904sq mm, 430 x 352 pixel resolution, 1000nits (41mm), 1143sq mm, 484 x 396 pixel resolution, 1000nits (45mm) |
| W3 chip, U1 chip | W3 chip, U1 chip |
| Up to 36-hours | Up to 18-hours |
| GPS Cellular | GPS only, GPS Cellular |
| IP6X rated, MIL-STD-810H tested, EN13319, 10ATM | IPX8, 5ATM |
| watchOS 9 | watchOS 9 |
| Body temperature, Blood oxygen, Optical heart rate, Electrical heart rate, 86dB siren, Depth Gauge | Body temperature, Blood oxygen, Optical heart rate, Electrical heart rate |
| Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, Ocean Loop | Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop, Sport Band, Sport Loop, Nike Sport Loop, Leather, Stainless Steel, Woven Nylon |
| 49 x 44 x 14.4mm | 41 x 35 x 10.7mm (41mm model), 45 x 38 x 10.7mm (45mm model) |
| 61.3g | 41mm. 32g (aluminium), 42.3g (stainless steel), 45mm. 38.8g (aluminium), 51.5G (stainless steel) |
| Apple Pay | Apple Pay |
| Natural Titanium | Midnight, Starlight, Gold, Silver, Graphite, Space Black, (PRODUCT)RED |
Design and build
The Apple Watch Ultra and the Watch Series 8 share similarities in their design, but the Watch Ultra is larger and chunkier than the Series 8. Made from titanium, it is designed to be able to withstand more extreme environments.
The Digital Crown on the Watch Ultra is more tactile than on the Watch Series 8, allowing it to be used when wearing gloves, and the function button below is more prominent too. There is also an extra programmable Action button on the left side, along with a dual speaker.
The Watch Ultra also has a flat display, designed to protect the screen. It’s also only available in a 49mm casing option, so this needs to be considered for those with slightly smaller wrists but it is a fantastic looking device and it attracts a lot of attention when you wear it.
The Series 8 meanwhile, is made from either aluminium or stainless steel, depending on the model and it comes in 41mm and 45mm case options, so quite a bit smaller than the Watch Ultra. It is also more streamlined in its design, with a curved display and a more understated Digital Crown and side button. It also looks pretty much identical to the models that have gone before it.
The Watch Series 8 is water resistant to 50-metres, while the Watch Ultra is water resistant to 100-metres. Both are IP6X rated, though the Watch Ultra is also MIL-STD-810H tested. There is also a built-in siren on the Watch Ultra, along with International Orange accents, while the Series 8 is more muted in its finish.
Display
Both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Watch Series 8 offer an Always-On Retina Display so there is always some information being shown on the screen, even when your wrist is down, rather than just a black rectangle like the Apple Watch SE. The Watch Ultra has a larger display than the Series 8, and it is brighter too.
ТОП фишек Apple Watch
The Watch Series 8 offers up to 1000nits brightness, while the Watch Ultra has up to 2000nits brightness, meaning the Ultra is better in direct sunlight, though the Series 8 doesn’t have any problems in our experience and both have fantastic displays.
Meanwhile, the bezels around the Watch Ultra’s display are slightly wider than the Watch Series 8, though both deliver a full screen experience. In terms of resolution, the Watch Ultra has a 502 x 410 pixel resolution, while the Watch Series 8 has a 430 x 353 pixel resolution on its 41mm model and 484 x 396 pixel resolution.
Both the Watch Ultra and Series 8 both offer punchy colours and black blacks, though the Watch Ultra has a Night Mode too when on the Wayfinder face. for when you might be hiking or outdoors for example. which is accessed by swiping the Digital Crown upwards, switching the face to red.
Models
The Apple Watch Ultra comes in titanium only, as we briefly mentioned. This is Natural Titanium so there is only one colour option available too, as well as one size option of 49mm. The Watch Ultra also only comes in GPS Cellular, with no GPS only model.
The Apple Watch Series 8 meanwhile, has a lot more options. Not only does it come in aluminium and stainless steel models, but there are four aluminium colours to choose from and three stainless steel colours.
The Watch Series 8 is also available in GPS only and GPS Cellular models and there are Nike models and Hermés models too, with the same hardware but different Watch faces and different straps.
Hardware and sensors
The Apple Watch Ultra and the Watch Series 8 both run on the S8 processor with 64-bit dual-core processor, the W3 chip and they also both have a U1 chip on board too.
They also both offer many of the same sensors, including a body temperature sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, optical heart rate sensor and electrical heart rate sensor. The Watch Ultra has a built-in 86dB siren as we mentioned though, and it also has a Depth Gauge, neither of which the Series 8 doesn’t offer. It is worth remembering that those kinds of features may not be necessary for many.
There are also dual speakers on the Watch Ultra, as well as a three-mic array with beamforming, while the Series 8 has a single speaker and microphone. Both have a Compass on board, always-on altimeter, gyroscope and an accelerometer offering up to 256 g-forces.
The Watch Ultra offers precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 and L5), while the Watch Series 8 offers L1 only. The Watch Ultra also has a dive computer in the Oceanic app, and EN13319 certification. Again though, while these features will be great for some, they will be overkill for others.
In terms of battery, the Watch Ultra has a 36-hour battery life, while the Watch Series 8 has an 18-hour battery life so the Watch Ultra significantly outperforms the Series 8 in this department and that’s evident in practice too. Both have a low-battery mode, which reduces some features, but the Watch Ultra takes this mode one step further and offers a 60-hour battery option.
Software experience
Both the Apple Watch Ultra and the Watch Series 8 run on watchOS 9, so they offer a similar user experience, along with many of the same features.
Both have an ECG app and a Blood Oxygen app, and they both offer features like Fall Detection, Car Crash detection, high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications and cycle tracking with ovulation estimates.
They also both have Compass Backtrack, advanced sleep tracking with sleep stages and access to the Apple Watch app store, among the usual Apple Watch features like smartphone notifications and multiple exercise modes.
The Watch Ultra does have a couple of extra features over the Watch Series 8, like the siren, Night Mode on the Wayfinder face and the programmable Action button, as well as the ability to use it as a dive computer, but on the whole, the features transfer across both devices.
Watch Ultra vs Series 8: Which should you buy?
The Apple Watch Ultra and the Watch Series 8 share many of the same core features, though the Watch Ultra has a few extras, along with a larger and more rugged build.
Apple Watch Pro: Everything we know ahead of tomorrow’s unveil
The Apple Watch lineup is getting a big expansion this fall with the addition of a new so-called Apple Watch Pro. This new Apple Watch Pro is said to feature a new design, longer battery life, and improved durability and will be announced tomorrow.
Head below for all of the latest details on what we know about the Apple Watch Pro so far.
Apple Watch Pro: Design and screen
According to reporting from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, the Apple Watch Pro will visually differentiate itself from the Apple Watch Series 8 with a new design. The Apple Watch Pro won’t feature the flat edges that were once rumored for the Apple Watch Series 7, but there are apparently some design changes on the horizon.
Bloomberg reports that the Apple Watch Pro will be an “evolution of the current rectangular shape.” It’s not immediately clear what this means in terms of design, other than the fact that the Apple Watch Pro won’t be a rounded smartwatch.
One of the key changes to the Apple Watch Pro will be the materials from which it’s made. Currently, the Apple Watch is available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. The Apple Watch Pro will reportedly feature a “more durable formulation of titanium” as part of Apple’s efforts to make it as rugged as possible.
The Apple Watch Pro will also be larger than the current Apple Watch models. The Apple Watch Series 7 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes. Those sizes refer to the physical case size of the Apple Watch, not the size of the screen. According to Bloomberg, the Apple Watch Pro case will be larger than 45mm, and could be “big enough that it might only appeal to a subset of customers.”
In addition to the larger case, the Apple Watch Pro will also get a larger display. Bloomberg reports that the screen will be about 7% bigger than the current Apple Watch Series 7, with a resolution of about 410 pixels by 502 pixels. For context, the 45mm version of the Apple Watch Series 7 features a resolution of 396 by 484 pixels.
Leaked CAD images of the Apple Watch Pro showcased this new design and the larger form factor. In these renders, we can see the flat display that lacks the “waterfall” edges of other Apple Watch models. On the right-hand side, there’s a new protruding bulge that houses the Digital Crown and side button.
The new design for the Digital Crown and side button is likely part of Apple’s efforts to improve durability while also freeing up internal space for a larger battery. The design, however, does significantly increase the overall size of the watch.
One of the more interesting changes is that there appears to be a new button on the left-hand side. The expectation is that this button will be programmable, allowing you to assign it to a specific workout type or application.
Designer Ian Zelbo created some very slick renders of the Apple Watch Pro based on these CAD schematics. These renders bring the new Apple Watch Pro design to life, showing off the larger form factor, information-rich watch faces, and much more.
Battery life
Alongside that larger design, the Apple Watch Pro is also reportedly set to feature improved battery life. Longer battery life is going to be a key factor for the “extreme sports” buyers of this Apple Watch, and that is seemingly something of which Apple is aware.
We don’t have exact statistics on how much larger the battery inside the Apple Watch Pro will be. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman has simply said the device will feature improved battery life. In fact, Gurman speculated that the Apple Watch Pro could last “multiple days on one charge via the new low-power mode.”
A new low-power mode for the Apple Watch has been rumored for several months. It didn’t make an appearance when watchOS 9 was introduced at WWDC in June. Now, reports say the new low-power mode could be exclusive to the Apple Watch models launching this fall.
A new low-power mode on the Apple Watch would reportedly allow users to keep using Apple Watch apps and features without draining too much power. Apple can reduce the power consumption by pausing background activities, reducing screen brightness, and limiting other features like it does with low-power mode on the iPhone and Mac.
Apple Watch Pro: Sensors and chips
Much like the Apple Watch Series 8, this new Apple Watch Pro is expected to add support for body temperature measurements. The Apple Watch won’t be able to give you an exact measurement of your body temperature, but rather it would send you an alert when it detected that your temperature is elevated. Then, you could take your temperature using a traditional thermometer.
The Apple Watch Pro could also offer exclusive features for fitness and health tracking. This could include additional metrics gathered using existing sensors, different workout types, and much more.
Other new health features are expected for the Apple Watch next year and going forward, including things like blood pressure monitoring and glucose measurements. These features aren’t expected to launch with this year’s Apple Watch Series 8 or Apple Watch Pro.
Finally, the Apple Watch Pro will be powered by a “new” S8 processor on the inside. This chip will reportedly offer “similar performance” to the S7 chip inside the Apple Watch Series 7, which is also similar to the S6 chip inside the Apple Watch Series 6. This means we shouldn’t expect any major performance improvements with this year’s updates.
Naming
This new variant of the Apple Watch could ultimately end up being called a number of different things. The clear FOCUS is on making this Apple Watch more rugged, durable, and optimized for extreme sports. If Apple wanted to lean into that idea, this version of the Apple Watch could be called something like “Apple Watch Extreme.”
In addition to being optimized for rugged and extreme sports lifestyles, however, this Apple Watch will also be ultra-premium with a new design, larger display, and improved battery life.
So if Apple wanted to target a broader audience of consumers, including those who simply want the “best” version of the Apple Watch, something like the “Apple Watch Pro” or “Apple Watch Max” might make the most sense.
The Apple Watch Series 8 and “Apple Watch Pro” are set to be announced tomorrow alongside the iPhone 14. What are your thoughts on these rumors? Would you buy a so-called Apple Watch Pro? Let us know down in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев.
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Apple Watch Series 8 review: Another year, another Apple Watch
is a jack of all trades for your average user, though a lack of new features is a bit more apparent than in years past.
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm in silver
The rate of iteration on the standard Apple Watch seems to be slowing. The biggest changes in 2022 come from watchOS 9 which delivered long-awaited features such as low power mode, improved workouts, and better tracking with the Compass app.
Even though there are fewer flashy features in the Apple Watch Series 8, it is still the smartwatch to beat.
Pick out your Apple Watch
Even with the addition of the Apple Watch Ultra to the lineup, users have fewer choices this year than they typically would. Which is probably for the best.
Apple Watch Series 8
Use coupon code APINSIDER with this pricing link in the same browsing session to save 10 on AppleCare.
The Apple Watch Series 8 can be picked up in Midnight, Starlight, silver, and (Product)RED if you opt for the aluminum and if the stainless steel is more your style, there are gold, silver, and graphite to choose from.
Titanium is now solely reserved for Apple Watch Ultra owners and the green and blue versions of the aluminum Apple Watch are a thing of the past. Not to mention the discontinuation of the Nike Edition.
Lots of apps on our Apple Watch Series 8
When choosing your Apple Watch, you can pair it with any of the Nike bands, including the stainless steel versions.
With the Nike Edition gone by the wayside, titanium no longer available, and two colorways being discontinued, there are far fewer options for users at retail.
But, silver is back. This much-requested color was absent last year as Apple transitioned to Starlight. The slight gold hue was a put-off to people who wanted a more neutral silver.- and they seem to have had their requests heard.
Silver Apple Watch Series 8
We’re taking a look at the 45mm silver aluminum Apple Watch Series 8.
A solid recipe for success
Apple Watch has been following a reliable recipe for success for the past few years, with incremental improvements bolstered by ever-improving software.
This year, watchOS 9 was a great update for new and existing owners. Low power mode can nearly double the promised battery life of your Apple Watch, enough for a weekend getaway depending on your usage.
There’s a host of new workout features such as triathlon and duathlon support, the ability to race yourself while running, and new workout views with heart rate zones, Activity rings, and more.
Even if Apple Watch Series 8 doesn’t have that rumored redesign, it works with the same bands it has supported for years, works reliably, and is more capable than the Apple Watch before it.
What is actually new
Let’s talk about what is new, instead of harping on Apple’s tried-and-true technology.
Crash detection is one of those new features, and it’s one Apple openly says it hopes you never have to use. There is no denying that in some instances, this new crash detection will most certainly save a life.
It works by tying into a host of sensors integrated into the Apple Watch. First, it relies on the all-new accelerometer that can detect sudden changes in speeds up to 256 g.
Crash detection toggle on Apple Watch Series 8
Then there is the updated gyroscope that will detect when there has been a sudden shift in motion.- such as when suffering an impact to the front, rear or side.
The barometer will detect a shift in air pressure caused by airbag deployment. Finally, the microphone listens for loud sounds that accompany a crash. All of this comes together to (hopefully) reliably detect when you’ve been in an automobile crash.
Should a crash be detected, your Apple Watch will fire up, asking you if you’re ok. If it can’t get you to respond, it will automatically call emergency services with your location and send an alert to your emergency contacts. Granted, you need a cellular Apple Watch or your iPhone nearby for this to work.
Crash detection is a fantastic feature to bring to Apple Watch and is an incredible example of Apple fully utilizing the existing sensors by applying creative software. It will only be a matter of time before we start hearing stories of people saved by this addition.
The Apple Watch Series 8 runs on a new S8 SiP, but you won’t any real speed boost here. The S8 relies on the same CPU as the S7 found in the Series 7 Apple Watch.
As we opened apps, navigated the watch, and typed, we noticed no lag, which is precisely our experience on the Series 7 too. The S8 just includes Apple’s new sensors we outlined above, as well as the upgraded Bluetooth 5.3 radio.
The last new feature Apple is touting is its temperature sensor, or rather, its pair of sensors. Apple placed two temp sensors in Apple Watch Series 8.- one against your wrist and the other the screen, used for measuring surroundings.
These sensors don’t act like a traditional thermometer, though. You won’t see an alert emerge from the top of your Apple Watch telling you that you’ve run a fever and should check with your doctor.
Instead, Apple provides two primary use cases for temperature sensors.
Side view of Apple Watch Series 8
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There are typical body temperature deviations during certain points in a menstrual cycle that may indicate ovulation. The Apple cycle tracking app uses data from this sensor to determine ovulation, retroactively.
Otherwise, the temperature sensor will track a wearer’s body temp overnight, assuming you wear your Apple Watch to bed. We’ve been using our Apple Watch for sleep tracking for years so this was no issue.
After several days of data collection, Apple Watch was then able to flag when our body temperature deviated by roughly two degrees or more from our baseline measurements. This can be indicative of illness, stress, diet, exercise, alcohol, and more.
This feels like a very Apple approach. Rather than overpromising to its users, Apple has hedges its bets and only delivers what it can be confident about.
Far too many fitness trackers make dubious claims backed by questionable science and Apple has made a concerted effort to steer clear of this pitfall.
We wouldn’t be surprised to see Apple add additional benefits to the temperature sensor via software going forward, and developers will ultimately help tell the full tale. As of September 2022, it’s another nice-to-have metric
Apple’s biggest Apple Watch problems
With its wearable, Apple has a few issues to tackle. Sensors are becoming increasingly difficult to integrate into the tiny body of the Apple Watch.- or they’re prohibitively expensive.- and Apple isn’t competing with more dedicated fitness trackers.
One of the most oft-rumored sensors Apple has been exploring is a glucose monitor. We’ve been adamant that anyone expecting this in the near future, should temper their expectations.
Wearing the Apple Watch Series 8
A non-invasive glucose monitor is still years away from showing up in Apple Watch and even then, it’s more likely it will be general values and not something as accurate as a prescribed monitor like the Dexcom G6 or Medtronic Enlite.
Apple settled this year for something more feasible: a temperature sensor. Still, Apple is being cautious here only using it for background readings at night and retrospective ovulation predictions.
Then we have the problem of Apple’s lack of competition with more dedicated fitness trackers. Garmin’s Fenix line is a favorite for weekend warriors and triathletes that want something more powerful than what Apple Watch offers.
In this case, though, Apple did have an answer. It just wasn’t the Apple Watch Series 8. It’s the Apple Watch Ultra, and we’ll leave that conversation for a different review
Should you buy the Apple Watch Series 8?
Annual upgraders are going to upgrade anyway. There isn’t necessarily a killer feature that makes this a must-have upgrade from the Series 7 or even the Series 6. It’s meant to be the best, most capable Apple Watch for your average user, and be readily available.- which the Apple Watch Ultra will probably not be for a while.
The new Apple Watch Series 8 now sits in the middle of the lineup. It’s (barely) more capable than the new Apple Watch SE which we will be talking about soon, but won’t set you back as much as the Apple Watch Ultra.
For most people, that’s the sweet spot.
Where to buy the Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 is on sale now, with exclusive Apple Watch deals available when you tack on AppleCare.
Save 15 on AppleCare when you shop through this activation link at Apple Authorized Reseller Adorama and enter promo code APINSIDER in the same browsing session. Need help with the code? Here’s how to activate it.
You can also order the Series 8 at Amazon and Best Buy, with easy price comparison at your fingertips in our Apple Watch Series 8 Price Guide.
What we already know about Apple Watch Series 8
You don’t have to wait until September to get the details on the next-gen Apple Watch. Many of them leaked out already.
Here’s what to expect out of the upcoming Series 8, and a new “extreme sports” Apple Watch. An updated Apple Watch SE is also supposedly in the offing.
Apple Watch rumors: Peering into the future
The days when Tim Cook and Co. could unveil a new product and expect everyone to be surprised are long over. Leaks reveal many of the details of upcoming iPhones and MacBooks well before they launch. That’s true of the 2022 Apple Watch lineup, too.
These unconfirmed reports are useful for consumers who are deciding whether they want to wait for this fall’s Series 8 or would be happier with a Series 7 purchased now at a bargain.
That said, leaks about Apple’s next wearables are somewhat sketchy and occasionally contradictory. And we certainly don’t know as much about the upcoming larger, rugged model as we’d like.
Apple Watch Series 8: Don’t expect big changes
This isn’t the year for big changes in the standard Apple Watch. According to the latest info, Series 8 will have the same design as the 2021 model, with the usual 41mm and 45mm sizes to choose from.
That dovetails with the scarcity of rumors. Most leaks come from Apple’s component suppliers, oftentimes because someone noticed a difference in design. This won’t happen if Series 8 components look much like Series 7 parts.
There supposedly will not be a titanium option for Apple Watch Series 8. The aluminum version will be available in midnight, starlight, red and silver, while the stainless steel one will come in silver and graphite. That’s fewer color options than before.
Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to run on a new Apple S8 chip … but the processor supposedly will deliver roughly the same performance as last year’s S7 chip.
Despite a limited number of changes, the wearable won’t be identical to its predecessor. Series 8 is rumored to feature a body temperature sensor. This supposedly won’t give a specific number, but will instead support reproductive health features and warn wearers that they might be running a fever.
Apple reportedly will unveil an updated Apple Watch SE at the same time as Series 8. That’s not surprising, as the original one came out in 2020.
But the new model is expected to stick with the same design as its predecessor in either 40mm or 44mm sizes.
The big change will supposedly be the aforementioned Apple S8 chip.
All attention is on the Apple Watch Pro
Many people wear an Apple Watch for health and fitness, and Apple is allegedly prepping a model designed for hardcore athletes. The leaks indicate Apple will call it the Explorer Edition or the Pro.
The device supposedly will be made of titanium to be more rugged, and sport a larger battery for longer workouts. And it’ll have the largest screen yet in a watchOS wearable: up about 7% bigger than the largest Series 7 model.
Expect it to have … everything. The latest processor, the new temperature sensor, everything.
Coming in September for … how much?
All sources point to Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Pro/Explorer Edition coming in September, as usual, alongside the iPhone 14 lineup.
Unfortunately, no tipster has been able to say anything definitive about pricing for any of the three 2022 Apple Watch models. But given that Series 8 and SE 2 sound like only slightly improved versions of their predecessors, it might prove difficult for Apple to justify a significant price hike, despite inflationary pressures. If that’s the way it works out, Series 7 will start around 399 while the base model SE 2 will be in the neighborhood of 279.
But the Apple Watch Explorer Edition (or Pro or whatever it’s called) will be entirely new — and likely more expensive. The Titanium Series 7 versions start at 799, so expect the upcoming rugged model to cost at least that much.
These wearables almost certainly will debut at the same time as watchOS 9, which puts a strong FOCUS on new fitness features. After the September iPhone/Apple Watch unveiling, the company reportedly will discontinue Apple Watch Series 3, a move that’s long overdue.
