Release date, rumors, specs, price, feature wishlist

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, even though it hasn’t been officially confirmed. While it’s still somewhat early in the development timeline, 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?

As of yet, we don’t have an official Apple Watch Series 8 release date. Based on the launch dates of previous Apple Watches, we’d expect to see the device drop sometime this fall. The current flagship device, the Apple Watch Series 7, launched on October 15, 2021. The Series 6 launched on September 18, 2020.

It’s most likely that the watch will launch in September like the majority of Apple’s past generations. The Apple Watch Series 7 only broke this mold after facing a number of delays as well as an unprecedented year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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. Hopefuls also anticipate a possible Apple Watch SE 2.

Design

As far as the 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.

Features

According to Bloomberg‘s Mark 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.

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These upgrades, Gurman says, are in addition to possible 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 may also see improvements related to sleep tracking, women’s health, and medication management.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.