The Apple Watch series has rapidly become the world‘s top-selling smartwatch five years running. Each September, tech enthusiasts eagerly await Apple‘s next unveiling to reveal the best new Apple Watch upgrades for the coming year.
As a veteran Apple watcher myself, I can confirm the rumors surrounding the upcoming Apple Watch Series 8 release suggest some truly exciting additions on the horizon. Read on for a comprehensive look at everything we know so far about the Series 8 based on insider reports.
When Will Apple Release the Series 8 Apple Watch?
Before speculating on what new features the Series 8 could introduce, let‘s establish a most likely release date. Apple has held September events for 5 consecutive years to announce new Apple Watch models. Typically, the keynote happens around the second week of September.
In the past, Apple made select models available for purchase shortly after the announcements. That changed slightly with the Series 7, which did not launch until the following month.
Will Apple return to allowing Series 8 purchases right away in September 2022? Or will supply chain issues once again delay wider availability?
Here is a complete history of previous unveilings and release timelines for perspective:
| Apple Watch Series | Announcement Date | Retail Launch Date |
|---|---|---|
| Original | March 2015 | April 2015 |
| Series 1 and 2 | September 7, 2016 | September 16, 2016 |
| Series 3 | September 12, 2017 | September 22, 2017 |
| Series 4 | September 12, 2018 | September 21, 2018 |
| Series 5 | September 10, 2019 | September 20, 2019 |
| Series 6 and SE | September 15, 2020 | September 18, 2020 |
| Series 7 | September 14, 2021 | October 15, 2021 |
Examining the dates above, Apple‘s consistent September Apple Watch event tradition leaves little doubt we‘ll see new models shown off in the 9th month of 2022.
My prediction is Tuesday, September 13 for the unveiling with preorders going live just a few days later. Wider retail availability hopefully hits before October, if supply chains cooperate!
Now that a prospective Apple Watch Series 8 release window is clear, let‘s explore what exciting changes this year‘s model could bring over the already exceptional Series 7.
How Much Will Apple Charge for the Series 8?
Over the past four generations, Apple‘s pricing structure for the flagship aluminum Apple Watch models has remained steadfast at:
- $399 for 41mm case
- $429 for 45mm case
The Apple Watch SE debuted in 2020 at $279 for 40mm and $309 for 44mm as a lower-cost option.
Apple has shown commitment to hitting the same price points year after year. Thus, its unlikely the aluminum Series 8 Apple Watches jump in cost. However, rumors do point to an all-new high-end "Extreme Sports" model on the horizon. What could a more rugged, adventure-focused Apple Watch cost?
Given the greater durability required, this rumored 50mm Apple Watch likely starts around $499 and exceeds $549 depending on the band. Though purely speculation for now. Those wanting the most advanced Apple Watch tech with price no concern may ultimately have three sizes ranging from 41mm to 50mm to select from this fall!
Insights on Apple Watch Series 8 Design Changes
Rumormongers suggest the Series 8 represents only an incremental upgrade to the industrial design used for both the Series 7 and Series 6 generations. Apple seems to be pursuing optimization over revolution with the Series 8 blueprint.
In reviewing leaked CAD renders and schematics, the case dimensions differ very little from current models. For now, 41mm depth by 35mm height and 45mm depth by 38mm appear unchanged.
However, the "Extreme Sports" Apple Watch detailed in rumors would break from tradition at 50mm by nearly 43 mm tall – dwarfing all past versions.
What about displays? Reports indicate Apple pondered switching both the Series 7 and 8 lineups from OLED to micro LED screens before deeming the technology insufficiently mature. Micro LED delivers better energy efficiency, brightness, and lifespan but remains years away from feasible mass production.
Accordingly, expect only modest display enhancements like 15% larger fonts and interface elements making text easier to read at a glance – an excellent quality of life change for users not seeking radical size increases.
While lacking major aesthetic changes, the Series 8 hardware updates under the hood where it counts. Let‘s investigate the new sensors and features likely to debut!
Series 8 Health Sensors and Safety Capabilities
The Apple Watch steadily becomes more intelligent at monitoring parameters critical to human health and safety. Rumors suggest the Series 8 furthers progress on both fronts through additions like:
Body Temperature Tracking – a new skin temperature sensor aids fertility planning and better period tracking for women. Also detects possible fevers or early signs of illness.
Blood Glucose Monitoring – though not expected until later models, Apple is allegedly integrating non-invasive blood sugar tracking to benefit diabetics.
Wrist Unlock – similar to Face ID on iPhones, future Apple Watches may scan wrist vein patterns as a biometric unlock alternative to passcodes.
Wrist-Based ECG – an improved sensor provides more robust atrial fibrillation detection. Better interprets irregular rhythms over time.
Crash Detection – an enhanced gyroscope automatically calls emergency services after severe accidents. May also improve existing fall detection.
Micro LED Display – while not ready yet, rumors persist Apple is eyeing a switch to this display technology for thinner, lighter, brighter, and more energy efficient screens.
Combining the innovative sensors above with watchOS 9 software expands health metrics and safety features in incredible ways!
watchOS 9 Brings New Faces, Workouts, and Language Support
Announced at 2022‘s Worldwide Developers Conference, watchOS 9 packs numerous upgrades:
New Faces – Portraits mode, lunar calendar tracker, metropolis, astronomia, playground, and night sky faces give users more customization options.
Running Metrics – Additional detail on stride length, ground contact time, vertical oscillation, and power!
Swimming Tracking – Enhanced swim workout analysis including efficiency metrics by stroke type alongside kickboard detection.
Medication Reminders – Log vitamins, supplements, pills and be notified when to take them. Sync reminders across Apple devices.
Sleep Stages Tracking – WatchOS 9 breaks sleep down by REM, core, and stages offering greater insight on restfulness.
International Keyboards – Support for French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish simplifies messaging without iPhone present.
Developers continue finding ways to extract maximum utility from Apple Watch sensors through ever-improving software updates like watchOS 9!
What‘s Under the Hood for Apple Watch Series 8?
An all-new processor typically emerges alongside revamped iPhone models each September. Does the same hold true for new Apple Watches? What performance gains might the S8 chip deliver? How about battery life – can we expect any notable improvements there?
According to Asian supply chain analysts, the S8 silicon destined for Series 8 Apple Watches will mirror the S7, offering only minor speed and efficiency gains over current models. Much like the modest hardware changes, Apple seems content with refinements versus innovation on the processing side at least for another generation.
Battery life is unlikely to take a leap forward either despite hopeful rumors suggesting otherwise. Upwards of 18 hours mixed usage per charge remains the target. However, tweaks to existing low power modes could stretch usage times slightly longer when needed.
All Apple Watch Series 7 and 8 models will share fast charge support capable of reaching 80% battery in just 45 minutes. So even if maximum runtime doesn‘t dramatically shift upwards, quickly topping off when running low remains convenient.
Parallel Apple Watch Launches More Likely Than Ever
When it first launched in 2015, buying an Apple Watch was simple with only a single model option in two sizes. Fast forward to 2022 and we may soon see four distinct Apple Watch families you can pick from this fall spanning:
Apple Watch SE – the most affordable Apple Watch maintains the essential features at $279+.
Apple Watch Series 8 – the flagship model discussed in-depth here starting again at $399.
Apple Watch Extreme – an all-new rugged Apple Watch tailored for outdoor sports and adventures.
Apple Watch Pro? – Multiple rumors suggest there may also be a higher-end stainless steel "Pro" variation alongside Series 8 for power users.
Apple‘s fall 2022 watch portfolio seemingly aims to hit every price point from cost-conscious first-time buyers to enthusiasts wanting best-in-class durability or premium materials.
But just how substantial of upgrades can reasonably be expected from the bread-and-butter Apple Watch Series 8 models versus last year‘s Series 7? Let‘s compare.
Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Series 7 – How Much Better Will It Be?
On the surface, the 2021 Apple Watch Series 7 did not overhaul its predecessor. But it still improved upon the user experience in meaningful ways that may forecast Series 8 changes:
Series 7 Upgrades
- 20% larger display
- 70% brighter always-on screen
- 33% faster charging
- IP6X dust resistance
- Stronger crack-resistant crystal
Series 8 Rumored Upgrades
- New health sensors (temperature)
- Safety feature expansion (crash detection)
- Potential wrist unlock biometrics
- Screen updates still possible
In reality, even the subtle year-over-year enhancements Apple makes to Apple Watch combine to be more worthwhile than they first appear.
Do the rumors indicate the Series 8 will blow away the Series 7 and everyone should upgrade? Not necessarily.
But when you add up faster charging, screen updates, the new health sensors, safety capabilities, and interface improvements in watchOS 9, the Series 8 still shapes up to be a compelling incremental upgrade continuing Apple Watch‘s excellence.
For buyers coming from older models like the Series 3 or Series 4, I have zero hesitations recommending jumping on the Series 8 when available. The advances across four generations combined make it a total game changer!
Even as an Apple Watch Series 7 owner myself, I remain excited enough by the Series 8 and watchOS 9 potential to keep me eager to upgrade come September!
How about you – what aspects of the Apple Watch Series 8 rumors stand out as most appealing or worth upgrading for? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
