The Apple Watch Series 7 may still be relatively young, but we’re already turning our attention to the next model — tentatively titled the Apple Watch Series 8. The next-gen smartwatch could well offer a complete redesign over this year’s watch. Or, it could refine on what we already have. Either way, it’s likely to be the best smartwatch out there.
Rumors about the next-gen smartwatch have already started circulating. While we don’t necessarily know what it will look like, we can speculate. Interested in learning more? Here’s everything we know so far about the Apple Watch Series 8.
Apple Watch Series 8 design
Contrary to all the rumors, the Apple Watch Series 7 offered a design that was very similar to the Apple Watch Series 6. That’s to say, it had rounded edges, and an overall look similar to the previous-generation model, save for the larger display.
That could change for the Apple Watch Series 8. Some rumors indicate that the Apple Watch Series 7 redesign got pushed to next year due to manufacturing issues. That means that we could next year get a flat-sided Apple Watch that will match recent iPhone and iPad models.
Renders showing what was then thought to be the Apple Watch Series 7 were first published by Jon Prosser. They show an Apple Watch that’s available in a number of colors.
Of course, it’s entirely possible that the leaked renders are completely off, and that the Apple Watch Series 8 will end up looking much like the Series 7. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing — the Series 7 is still a great-looking device. But it might disappoint some users that were holding out hope for a radical redesign.
Apple Watch Series 8 specs
The Apple Watch Series 7 offered very little in the way of upgraded internals over the Series 6. That could change for the Series 8.
Really, the Apple Watch doesn’t need a much faster processor — but giving it one would ensure that it will stay relevant for longer. Some rumors suggested that Apple was pursuing a new double-sided System-on-a-Chip for the Series 7, which would reportedly give the device a battery boost. It’s possible we could see that tech on the Series 8. Only time will tell.
Whether that tech arrives in the Apple Watch Series 8 or not, it’s entirely possible that the device will get better battery life. Now that the Apple Watch tracks sleep, users need a better battery life than ever.
Apple Watch Series 8 fitness tracking
Rumors about better fitness tracking on the Apple Watch have been circulating for some time. Notably, Apple is reportedly working on a way to track blood glucose in the Apple Watch, which would help users detect or monitor diabetes. This would be a huge addition to the device.
A report from Bloomberg suggests that Apple is also working on a skin temperature sensor, which could potentially help with fertility planning. The body temperature sensor is a big boost to the features if it’s true. That said, most recent rumors suggest that Apple may skip the temperature sensor on the Apple Watch Series 8, with Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman noting that chatter about the temperature sensor has slowed down over the past few months. Bloomberg also reports that the much-awaited blood glucose monitor is set now for 2024.
That said, new reports suggest that the Apple Watch Series 8 will offer a better Atrial Fibrillation detection feature, even telling users how often they’re in AFib, known as the “AFib burden detection.”
We’ll have to wait and see what kinds of improved fitness tracking we do end up seeing in the Series 8. Regardless, it will likely continue to make the Apple Watch worth the money.
Apple Watch Series 8 cost and release date
We’re still a long way off from an official Apple Watch Series 8 release. The Apple Watch Series 7 was announced alongside the iPhone 13 series at an event in September 2021. It’s likely that the new device will be announced at a similar time in 2022. We expect the price to remain similar — with the smaller model starting at $399.
Features your watch can already do
Even if you are interested in the Series 8 watch, you should know what you can currently get in the Series 7 options. You can unlock your iPhone with your Watch. You can use Apple Pay. The Apple Watch lets you switch faces to best suit your needs. The Apple Watch works without an iPhone (although not every feature may work). It tracks your sleep as well as checks your heart rate. These are just a handful of the features you can use. An Apple Watch is worth the money because it allows you to do so much from your wrist. You don’t need a plan to work it, as it can work via Wi-Fi. But a plan is required if you want to use it for most of its functionality when you aren’t near Wi-Fi. Your watch won’t use your phone’s data, as it connects to your phone via Bluetooth. More popular questions include:
How do you pay with Apple Watch?
If you’re shopping in an app on your Apple Watch, see if there is an Apple Pay option. Double-tapping the side button brings up your Apple Pay as well, if there is a credit card machine that accepts tap to pay. It’s quite easy to hold your wrist up to it.
How do I receive phone calls on my Apple Watch?
If you’re getting a phone call, you can click Accept, the green button, or Reject, the red button that pops up on your Apple Watch. To dial out, you can click on the Phone Call button and scroll through your contacts or choose someone in your recent calls and click their name to call them. The volume will play through your watch’s speaker or through headphones if you have them connected. This works for Wi-Fi or cellular calls.
