The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to arrive this fall alongside the iPhone 14 and AirPods Pro 2. If the rumors are true, Apple’s next smartwatch could feature temperature sensors, new size options and new models tailored for extreme sports.
The Series 7, which Apple introduced in September alongside the iPhone 13 series, didn’t receive many major changes other than a larger screen, faster charging and improved durability. The Series 8 will likely follow a similar route. Bloomberg reports that the hardware of the Series 8 is generally expected to be similar to that of the Series 7, except for the addition of a temperature sensor.
Health: Apple Watch Series 8 may debut with a temperature sensor
Apple had long-term health ambitions for its popular wrist accessory long before the pandemic. According to reports from Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal, Apple may further achieve these ambitions by adding a temperature sensor to the Apple Watch Series 8.
The temperature-sensing feature could reportedly bring new birth-planning tools to Apple’s smartwatch. A recent report from Bloomberg suggests that the Series 8 may be able to detect fever. But that doesn’t mean you should expect to get a specific temperature reading like you would with a standard thermometer. Instead, Bloomberg says it may be able to tell if you have a fever and recommends using a dedicated thermometer or consulting a doctor.
There are reportedly a number of other health features in Apple’s lineup, though the tools are said to be still in development. They include blood sugar monitoring, a tool that alerts users when blood oxygen levels drop, sleep apnea detection and blood pressure monitoring, according to The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg. But these features are expected to be far off, and likely won’t be in the Apple Watch for a few years.
Design: Apple Watch Series 8 could come in a new size
The overall aesthetic of the Apple Watch has barely changed since the first-generation Apple Watch was all the rage in 2015. But there are rumors that Apple may add another new Apple Watch size after expanding the Series 7’s display. According to a post on Twitter, display analyst Ross Young said a third size of the Apple Watch could come this year. Bloomberg also says there’s some internal talk about the Series 8 getting an updated display, but it’s unclear if that means its size will change.
New Model: Rugged Apple Watch
According to Gurman, Apple is considering a watch “with a rugged case” and a rubber case designed for use in more extreme conditions than everyday wear. Bloomberg said it will have the same features as the standard Apple Watch, but with better protection and impact resistance. Apple is expected to launch a rugged Apple Watch in 2022, which means we might see it this fall alongside the Series 8 and the new Apple Watch SE.
Performance: Similar to Series 7
Apple doesn’t plan to make major changes to the Series 8’s performance. The Series 8’s processor reportedly has the same specs as the Series 7’s chip, which already shares many similarities with the Series 6’s chip. According to Bloomberg, Apple is saving a more significant processor update for next year’s Apple Watch.
The decision to keep essentially the same processor for three generations of Apple Watch is significant. This shows that the Apple Watch has matured to the point where year-over-year performance changes are not very noticeable. Instead, the biggest areas where the Apple Watch is showing signs of growth involves health tracking and new software features, as Apple demonstrated with WatchOS 9.
Battery Life: A New Low-Power Mode
Since the Series 8 is expected to have a similar processor to the Series 7, battery life is also expected to remain the same. But the Series 8 could get a different update aimed at extending battery life: a new low-power mode. Bloomberg previously reported that WatchOS 9 will include a new low-power mode that allows the watch to run certain apps and features while saving battery life.
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