The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to be released soon after the Apple Watch Series 7 is released. Will the Series 8 have features that were rumored for the Series 7? Will the Series 8 have the freshly patented optical sensor?
When Will Apple Watch Series 8 Be Released?
Since the first one in 2015, Apple has released a new smartwatch every year, or at least they have in the past. If the current trend continues, a new watch will be released in 2022.
A tough sports model and an upgraded Apple Watch SE are expected to be released alongside the basic edition.
Release Date Estimate
September has been the release month for the Apple Watch Series 1 (which should not be confused with the first iteration of the Apple Watch, which is referred to as Series 0 by many (but not Apple). For Series 8, we anticipate the same schedule. We’ll learn more about the Apple event as the date approaches, but according to iDrop News, it will take place on September 13, 2022.
Apple Watch Series 8 Price Rumors
Apple has yet to provide any concrete details on the Series 8, but one thing we may not have to guess about is its price. We predict the base model for Apple Watch Series 8 to start at the same price as Series 4 through 7: $399, according to the yearly release cycle (US). Also: How to delete a workout on Apple Watch?
If the Apple Watch SE 2 is released alongside the Series 8, it will most likely cost $279, much like the first iteration.
Pre-Order Information
Pre-orders for the Apple Watch 8 will begin when Apple reveals the new watch. Again, this won’t happen until the fall, so stay tuned for more information as the debut date approaches.
Apple Watch Series 8 Features
The following are some features we’re hoping to see in the next Apple Watch. They go hand in hand with the features that come standard with improved hardware, such as longer battery life, larger/better screens, and an upgraded operating system (watchOS 9).
Drawings from the US Patent Office demonstrate how the input components can be used.
Figure 9 depicts direct user interaction, whereas Figure 10 depicts components that may accept input from up to 90 feet away.
- Optical sensor: While this function may be reserved for a later version of the watch, Apple’s recently awarded patent (December 2021) reveals that the company intends to deploy an optical sensor that can receive input from a wearer up to 90 feet away. The concept appears to be to replace the traditional rotating/translatable watch crown with a system that allows the watch to recognize motions and gestures.
- Temperature reader: While carrying around thermometers would make checking body temperature considerably easier, including it into something we already have on us all day is far more convenient. The Series 7 was rumored to have this capability, but Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says it’s “more likely to be introduced in the 2022 update.” (However, a more recent report by Gurman casts doubt on this.) A built-in body temperature sensor would flesh out Apple Watch’s health and wellness capabilities, but it may be a year or two before it can collect actual skin temperature readings; this version is expected to be used mostly for fertility and cycle tracks.
- Flat-edged design: Based on Apple Watch renders by Jon Prosser, this was previously assumed to be true of the 2021 watch. In retrospect, those details could have been early Series 8 leaks, but a current source who claims to have what appears to be the final design of the watch believes that it will resemble the Series 7. (i.e., no flat edge).
Read also: New iPad Pro 2022: Price, Release Date, Specs, News, and Rumors
- MicroLED: Instead of OLED, the Apple Watch Series 8 screen may employ MicroLED. Because of the basic differences in how these technologies work, a MicroLED Apple Watch might be thinner, brighter, and less power-hungry than earlier generations.
- Wrist unlocks or Touch ID: While it doesn’t sound as frequent as fingerprint unlock if this light field camera patent is used with the upcoming Apple Watch, this could be the case. You might use your forearm or wrist to authenticate that you own the watch, similar to how you unlock your phone with your finger or face. If wrist unlocking technology isn’t included, we can hope for Touch ID.
- Blood glucose monitoring: Whether you’re diabetic or just want to keep track of your blood sugar, being able to do so without having to use a separate gadget would be important. It’s unclear whether this Apple patent refers to blood glucose in particular, although it does mention a “system for measuring a chemical concentration.” However, as useful as glucose monitoring might be, we may have to wait several years to see it.
- Blood pressure monitoring: Apple Watch can already be coupled with other devices to track blood pressure, just like glucose tracking. The built-in capacity to read blood pressure was visible in Series 8. Several patents reveal Apple’s interest in this technology.
- Crash detection: The Apple Watch already supports fall detection, which can detect when you’ve taken a bad fall and, if necessary, contact 911. The 2022 Apple Watch is expected to contain a feature that does the same thing for car accidents.
- Connectivity via satellite: Mark Gurman of MySmartPrice believes the Apple Watch in 2022 or 2023 “is bound to gain that feature.” However, as that source points out, satellite connectivity was predicted to come with the iPhone 13 but never materialized, so we shouldn’t get our hopes up just yet.
Apple Watch Series 8 Specs and Hardware
We’re hoping for a somewhat larger watch so we can accomplish more things without having to whip out our phones. The Apple Watch 7 sizes of 41mm and 47mm are an increase from the Series 6 sizes of 40mm and 44mm, so this might grow again.
The Series 3 will be phased out due to its inability to run the forthcoming watchOS version, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This points to a more powerful operating system and Apple Watch. Mark Gurman agrees, forecasting that watchOS 9 will be a “major” release.
Patently discovered a patent Apple mentions a pressure-sensitive hardware feature that could be included in this watch. This could allow the watch’s capabilities to be expanded without the need for additional buttons.
Any realistic look at specs will have to wait till some major leaks or until Apple makes them public. Any new information will be added to this page as it becomes available.
