By far, the most widely used smartwatch worldwide is the Apple Watch. Get this: Apple held a 30% market share for smartwatches in 2021 alone, with Samsung trailing as the best business with a 10% share. This is a significant development that increases the significance and intrigue of the upcoming Watch Series 8.
Following the launch of the Apple Watch Series 7, speculations for the Apple Watch 8 are now available. Will the Series 8 have the features rumored for the Series 7? Will the Series 8 have the freshly patented optical sensor?
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Apple Watch Series 8 release date
Since the release of their first wristwatch in 2015, Apple has released a new model every year, at least historically speaking. In 2022, if they plan to keep up this pattern, there will be another watch.
There are rumors that the company will also release a tough sports variant and an improved Apple Watch SE in addition to the ordinary edition.
According to rumors, the iPhone 14 family and Apple Watch 8 will be revealed together on stage in September 2022. This matches with past Apple Watch releases and fits within the customary Apple Watch announcement window.
We anticipate that on September 13, Apple will host an event where it will display the iPhone 14 series and the Apple Watch 8.
Here is how those announcements would compare to earlier ones.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 5 | September 10, 2019 | September 25, 2019 |
| Apple Watch Series 6 | September 15, 2020 | September 18, 2020 |
| Apple Watch SE | September 15, 2020 | September 18, 2020 |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | September 14, 2021 | September 24, 2021 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | September 13, 2022* | September 23, 2022* |
Apple Watch 8 price
We typically don’t anticipate any shocks when it comes to the Apple Watch 8’s price. Since the release of the Apple Watch Series 5, Apple has entered a period of predictive pricing that is unlikely to end in 2022.
Every model of the Apple Watch since 2019 has been priced the same, with the exception of the Apple Watch SE, whose lower price is justified by the fact that it is a distinct gadget and starts at $399 for the standard, GPS-only version and $499 for the base GPS + cellular version.
We anticipate that the base model of Apple Watch Series 8 will start at the same price as Series 4 through 7: $399. This is similar to the yearly release cycle without changing (US).
If the Series 8 includes the less expensive Apple Watch SE 2, it will likely cost $279, much like the original model. As a result, we don’t anticipate any noticeable deviations from this pattern: the Apple Watch 8 will probably start at $399, and the GPS+cellular version may undoubtedly cost $499. There will, of course, be more expensive stainless steel and unique Apple Watch Series 8 models that will cost more to purchase.
| iPhone model | GPS | GPS + Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 5 | $399 | $499 |
| Apple Watch Series 6 | $399 | $499 |
| Apple Watch SE | $279 | $329 |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | $399 | $499 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | $399* | $499* |
We expect the Apple Watch Series 8 will cost the same since, as we said, Apple has been pretty consistent with the pricing on the Watch line (although some countries may see price rises in line with inflation). Both the 41mm and 45mm models of the Apple Watch Series 7 are priced at $399, £369, and $599, respectively. Moreover, a 50mm variant is rumored to be on the way; we anticipate that it will be the new tough or extreme sports Apple Watch rather than a Series 8. This larger model is also expected to be more expensive. The Apple Watch SE (2022) will likely cost less if the Watch 8’s starting price is too high. The price of the current model is £249 (US$249/AU$429 for the 40mm and £279 (US$279/AU$479 for the 44mm).
The Apple Watch Series 3 costs $199/£179/AU$299 for the 38mm model and $229/£209/AU$349 for the 42mm variant. However, we anticipate that Apple will stop making that model because it will not be able to run the newest software.
For the most recent savings on the entire range, check out the best Apple Watch offers directory, which is updated frequently.
Pre-Order Details
Pre-orders for the Apple Watch 8 will begin soon after the new watch is announced by Apple. Again, this won’t happen until the fall. As the launch month approaches, check back for additional information.
The Apple Watch series 8 versions
According to our current predictions, there will be two different Apple Watch 8 models: a regular one that will come in a variety of sizes and construction materials, and a separate rugged model that will be more durable and able to withstand more wear and tear, much like a G-Shock or a Garmin smartwatch. The latter would be a first for Apple, which has only produced standard smartwatches that are prone to scuffing and scratching under more rigorous use.
There is currently no hard evidence indicating what the actual differences between the normal and tough Apple Watches are.
Apple Watch Series 8 Features
We’re looking forward to the features listed below in the upcoming Apple Watch. They complement improvements associated with new hardware, such as improved screens, longer battery life, and updated operating systems (watchOS 9).
- MicroLED: OLED could be replaced with MicroLED on the Apple Watch Series 8 display. A MicroLED Apple Watch might result in a smaller, brighter, and less power-hungry watch than current models because of fundamental changes in how these technologies operate.
- Optical sensor: However, a recently awarded patent for Apple (December 2021) reveals that the firm intends to utilize an optical sensor that can receive input from a wearer as far away as 90 feet. This functionality may be planned for an even later version of the watch. The concept appears to be to do away with the conventional rotating/translatable watch crown and instead enable the watch to recognize motions and gestures.
- watchOS 9: Four new watch faces, a redesigned Siri user interface, banner notifications, AFib History, extra metrics in the Workout app, sleep stages in the Sleep app, new keyboard languages, the Prescriptions app to manage medications and learn about drug interactions, and more will be included in the new OS.
- Temperature reader: If we all carried thermometers, it would be much simpler to check our body temperatures, but it is far more practical to incorporate this function into something we already carry about with us all day. This function was rumored to be available on the Series 7, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says it’s “more likely to be added in the 2022 upgrade.” The Apple Watch could benefit from having a built-in body temperature sensor, but it might be a year or two before it really measures skin temperature; this model is allegedly primarily intended for tracking menstruation and conception.
- Blood pressure monitoring: Apple Watch can already be coupled with other devices to track blood pressure, just like glucose levels. The Series 8 may come with a built-in capability to read blood pressure. Apple has shown interest in this technology in a number of patents.
- Flat-edged design: Previously, based on Jon Prosser’s Apple Watch renders, this rumor was assumed to be accurate for the watch that will be released in 2021. It’s possible that those specifics were early Series 8 leaks, but a current source claims to have what seems to be the watch’s final design and claims that it will match the Series 7 in appearance (i.e., no flat edge)
- Satellite connectivity: According to Mark Gurman, the Apple Watch is “destined to receive such feature” in 2022 or 2023, according to MySmartPrice. It might be premature to get our hopes up, as the source notes, given satellite connectivity was rumored to come with the iPhone 13 but never materialized.
- Wrist unlock or Touch ID: Although it doesn’t sound as routine as fingerprint unlock, if this light field camera patent is implemented with the upcoming Apple Watch, this may be what we may expect. You might use your forearm or wrist to demonstrate that you are the watch owner, much to how your finger or face unlocks your phone. If this watch doesn’t have wrist unlock technology, we can hope for Touch ID.
- Crash detection: The Apple Watch already has fall detection built in, which can identify when you’ve fallen hard and can call 911 if necessary. According to rumors, the Apple Watch update for 2022 would also detect car accidents.
- Blood glucose tracking: Whether you have diabetes or are just interested in keeping track of your body’s functions, being able to track blood sugar levels directly from an Apple Watch without a second gadget would be big. This Apple patent mentions a “system for monitoring a concentration of a chemical,” though it’s unclear if that explicitly refers to blood glucose. Even though it would be useful, glucose monitoring might not be available for some years.
- Wrist unlock or Touch ID: Although it doesn’t sound as routine as fingerprint unlock, if this light field camera patent is implemented with the upcoming Apple Watch, this may be what we may expect. You might use your forearm or wrist to demonstrate that you are the watch owner, much to how your finger or face unlocks your phone. If this watch doesn’t have wrist unlock technology, we can hope for Touch ID.
Apple Watch Series 8 Design and screen size
The most significant design change in the history of Apple’s wearable appears to be the Apple Watch Series 8. What we believed would happen last year—a switch from a curved to a fully flat design akin to the iPhone 12/13—actually is predicted to happen in 2022. In fact, we anticipate that the Apple Watch 8 will appear very different from its predecessors and have a more flat, less curved design. The wearable will ultimately resemble the newest iPhones, which will help maintain consistency. Even while the sides and screens will be mostly flat, one crucial component of the wearable will not change: the bottom, which actually contacts your arm and contains all the sensors, will undoubtedly continue to be slightly curved for optimum performance.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is anticipated to have a display that is 5% larger than the Apple Watch Series 7’s, according to previous leaks. That may be exceeding the capabilities of Cupertino’s wildly popular smartwatch’s form factor.
There haven’t been any particular rumors about the Apple Watch Series 8’s design, although there were a lot of rumors about a new Series 7 design that never materialized. According to a May 2021 claim by Front Page Tech’s Jon Prosser, Apple was developing a new Apple Watch design with flat edges similar to the iPhone 13 and iPad mini. Furthermore, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the 2021 watch would have a “enhanced form factor.”
Meanwhile, Apple leaker Jon Prosser and Ian Zelbo’s designs from May 2021 (below) that were based on “a mixture of images as well as CAD files for this new design” sent to Prosser by sources, were used in Bloomberg’s Gurman’s August 2021 report that “a bit of a redesign, with flatter displays,” was expected.
Therefore, experts had predicted that the Apple Watch Series 7 would appear different before it was released, but there had been no noticeable changes other from a 1mm screen size increase. Prosser asserted that something “catastrophically wrong” occurred when the watch was mass produced in 2021. We have a feeling that the updated Apple Watch was delayed or abandoned. It seems likely that Apple simply chose a more straightforward design in 2021, whether this was because of the new design or because of a severe supply shortage that was affecting all of Apple’s products at the time (and still is).
Even if the regular Apple Watch Series 8 doesn’t have a larger screen, screen technology may still advance. The Series 7 watch will have “updated screen technology,” according to Mark Gurman’s mid-2021 report. 91mobiles also speculated that Apple may be employing “a new lamination technique that is likely to bring the panel closer to the front cover.” The Apple Watch Series 7 appears to use the same general display technology as the earlier versions, despite the fact that we did receive reduced bezels and a tougher coating. Therefore, we’ll be on the lookout for a new screen method in the flagship model of 2022.
There’s a chance that the Apple Watch will use Mini-LED displays. This would be a big new feature if it were to materialize, but it might be too early in terms of cost and production.
New colour options
Because it’s simple for commentators to picture their preferred device in a different color, this design myth persists. Choosing which color finishes will actually sell is the problem for Apple.
So be skeptical when we present to you some concept art from the Instagram account Appledsign. These look excellent and depict the Apple Watch Series 7 “as it could have been” with a new and more striking color scheme. A different question is whether Apple will pay attention in time for the Series 8’s release.
We may anticipate new Apple Watch bands, which should work with all current Watch models, along with new Watch colors. The Series 7 watch brought a fresh batch of colors but no new band designs.
Apple Watch 8 battery
The Apple Watch Series 8 battery capacity is unknown at this time, but if the new design doesn’t drastically alter the wearable’s functionality, it shouldn’t differ significantly from that of the Series 7 battery.
Overall, we anticipate that the next wristwatch will have a battery life of one to one and a half days, although Apple might undoubtedly work some magic and provide a significantly longer battery life than we had anticipated. There’s always a potential that an Apple Watch would feature a larger and denser battery since the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is expected to have a battery capacity of around 500mAh.
Apple Watch Series 8 Specs and Hardware
We anticipate a somewhat larger watch to further decrease the necessity of using our phones for a variety of tasks. The Series 6’s 40mm and 44mm Apple Watch 7 sizes are an improvement, thus this could expand once again.
This is implied by analyst Ross Young, who also suggests that a third size might exist. The entry-level Apple Watch SE and a tough Extreme Edition, the latter of which will reportedly have a larger screen, longer battery life, and a metal shell, may also be released alongside the Apple Watch Series 8.
The Series 3 will become obsolete since it cannot run the future watchOS version, claims analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This points to an upgraded OS and Apple Watch. This assessment is echoed by Mark Gurman, who believes that watchOS 9 will be a “major” update.
Gurman further claims that this Apple Watch will only have a low-power mode. You will still be able to use your apps and other functions, but they will operate in a lower power mode, similar to the mode seen on iOS.
A patent that Patently unearthed Apple mentions a pressure-activated hardware upgrade that might be incorporated into this watch. Without the need for additional buttons, this could assist increase the watch’s functionality.
Until there are some fantastic leaks or until Apple releases the specifications, we won’t get any realistic look at them. Any additional details that come to light will be added to this page as they are made available.
Apple Watch 8 health features and software
The most recent watchOS wearable operating system, watchOS 9, will be running on the Apple Watch 8. During Apple’s WWDC 2022 conference, the watchOS 9 was unveiled. The fall will see a significant update to the Apple Watch operating system that includes new features and aesthetic improvements. AFib monitoring, which has the potential to save many lives, is probably the most crucial of them all. A few new watch faces will undoubtedly be offered as well.
The Huawei Watch GT3 and other Garmin wearables, as well as the speculated Galaxy Watch 5 series, both have body temperature sensors, and Mark Gurman of Bloomberg claims that the Watch Series 8 will as well. Additionally, Gurman anticipates that the Apple Watch Series 8 will offer greater atrial fibrillation monitoring.
The wearable may come with new watch faces, training modes, and a low-power mode to extend battery life and improve satellite connectivity. The reported temperature, blood sugar, and blood pressure measurements that Apple has been working on will not be included in the Series 8, but it will still be able to detect your heart rate and blood oxygen saturation.
Frequently Asked Question
When Apple Watch 8 will be released?
September 13, 2022
Apple Watch 8 release date
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 6 | September 15, 2020 | September 18, 2020 |
| Apple Watch SE | September 15, 2020 | September 18, 2020 |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | September 14, 2021 | September 24, 2021 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | September 13, 2022* | September 23, 2022* |
How much is the Series 8?
$399
For Apple, maintaining consistency has been essential, and this includes pricing. The Series 8 is anticipated to go on sale for $399 for the 41mm variant and $429 for the 45mm model. For the Series 7 in 2021, Apple established these prices.
Is Apple Watch 8 waterproof?
Although it is not waterproof, your Apple Watch is water resistant. You can wear and use your Apple Watch, for instance, while exercising (sweat exposure is acceptable), outside in the rain, and while doing the dishes.
How much does Apple Watch update cost?
Prepare an update
Next, make sure that: Install the most recent iOS on your iPhone. Make sure your Apple Watch has a minimum 50% charge.
Is Apple releasing a new watch in 2022?
In September 2022, we anticipate the release of the Apple Watch Series 8. Apple’s smartwatches weren’t always as predictable as its iPhones, but it now appears that the company has decided on September as the Watches’ launch month.
Will Apple Watch 8 have blood pressure monitor?
According to certain reports about Apple’s future wristwatch, the Apple Watch 8, blood pressure and blood glucose sensors won’t be included. Both instruments are still many years away, with the blood pressure sensor being scheduled for 2024, according to a recent study (though subject to further delay.)
What was added in iOS 14?
With revamped widgets on the Home Screen, a new way to automatically arrange apps with the App Library, and a condensed design for calls and Siri, iOS 14 changes the fundamental functionality of the iPhone. Pinned discussions are a feature of Messages, which also enhances Groups and Memoji.
Does Apple Watch work with Android?
You must use the Apple Watch as a stand-alone smartwatch because it is incompatible with Android. To do this, you must first make sure that you get the wearable’s cellular version; otherwise, you will severely restrict what it can do. After that, you must use an iPhone to configure your new Apple Watch.
How long does Apple Watch battery last?
18 hours or more
With the following usage over the course of 18 hours, the all-day battery life is calculated: 90 time checks, 90 notifications, 45 minutes of app use, and a 60-minute workout with music played via the Apple Watch over Bluetooth.
Does Apple Watch need cellular?
Calling, answering, sending, or receiving messages can all be done without a cellular device. However, in order for the watch to function, the linked iPhone must be turned on, and you must have either a cellular data connection or wifi available, or, if the iPhone is not nearby, a Wifi connection.
What does the newest Apple Watch look like?
The 45mm Apple Watch Series 7 has a diagonal display size of 1.901 inches; the Apple Watch is rumored to feature a diagonal display size of 1.99 inches. The more substantial Apple Watch will be the upcoming “rugged” model, claims Mark Gurman of Bloomberg.
Can I wear Apple Watch in ocean?
Wearing the watch in fresh or salt water is acceptable, however after swimming in salt water, remember to rinse it off with fresh water (from a low-flow faucet). As you do so, make sure to spin the Digital Crown to clear any debris. According to Apple, it’s not a good idea to wear it in the shower.