The Design And Specifications Of The Apple Watch Series 8

 

The Apple Watch Series 8 won’t be available for several months, but we’re already learning more about Apple’s next-generation wrist-worn device. This guide compiles everything we know so far about the Apple Watch Series 8 based on rumours. Because the product is still in its early stages, these features have yet to be confirmed.

The Apple Watch Series 7 may have disappointed those expecting a major redesign. Sure, the slightly larger display made the screen much easier to use, but other than that, it was only a minor improvement over the Series 6. All eyes are on the Apple Watch Series 8, which could finally provide the radical update that fans have been hoping for.

For the time being, definitive information on the Apple Watch Series 8 is scarce, but there have been some tantalising leaks and rumours. They range from rumours that the watch will be redesigned to claims that a completely new model will be released. If this is true, 2022 could be a watershed moment for Apple Watch fans. If you can’t wait for the next release, the Apple Watch 7 is a great option right now. Check out the best Apple deals to see what is currently on sale.

Design of the Apple Watch Series 8

The Apple Watch Series 7 was said to have a flat-edged design inspired by the iPhone 13 and iPad Pro, according to persistent rumours. In the end, that wasn’t the case, but the rumours are still circulating, this time in relation to the Apple Series 8. It’s been suggested that Apple had to postpone the rumoured redesign due to production issues, but it’s also possible that it was always intended only for the 8. Despite this, conflicting rumours suggest that the design will remain unchanged from the Series 7’s round edges.

In terms of new designs, rumours suggest that a brand new Apple Watch model will be released in 2022. In addition to the Series 8 and an updated Apple Watch SE, Apple is rumoured to be working on a special ‘rugged’ edition of the Apple Watch aimed at extreme sports. This version is said to have “a rugged design with impact shock resistance and a protective exterior, similar to a Casio G-Shock watch,” as first reported by Bloomberg. We’d love to see how that looks and how it differs from the Apple Watch design.

Aside from that, Apple usually releases at least one new colour for the Apple Watch each year, and there’s no reason to think the Series 8 will be any different. One leaker claims that next year’s colour will be light green, similar to the colour of the iPad Air 4.

At this point, little is known about the design of the Apple Watch Series 8, but it could resemble the Apple Watch Series 7 because Apple increased the display size with the Series 7 models and Apple typically sticks with a display size for a couple of years.

 According to display analyst Ross Young, the Apple Watch Series 8 could come in three sizes rather than two, with Apple adding a larger size to join the 41mm and 45mm size options.

Multiple rumours surfaced prior to the release of the Apple Watch Series 7, claiming that Apple was working on a refreshed design with flat edges similar to the flat edges of the iPhone 13 and iPad Pro, but this did not materialise.

Given the number of rumours that confirmed Apple was working on such a design, it could still happen, but for the Series 8 instead of the Series 7.

Apple Watch Series 8: Specifications

Apple is working on several new health features for future new Apple Watch models, according to The Wall Street Journal and other sources. Blood pressure monitoring, a thermometer for fertility and sleep tracking, sleep apnea detection, and diabetes detection are among them.

Some of these features may be included in the Apple Watch Series 8, but it is unclear whether all of these sensors are ready, so Apple may defer the functionality until later. 

Ming-Chi Kuo, a seasoned Apple leaker, has claimed that the Apple Watch Series 8 could be capable of body temperature monitoring, allowing users to check their temperature simply by glancing at their wrist. Meanwhile, new sleep tracking features, such as the ability to detect advanced sleep patterns and sleep apnea, are expected to be added next year.

Temperature Sensor

The Apple Watch could get a body temperature sensor as early as 2022, with the temperature sensor initially being used for fertility planning. It could be used in future Apple Watch versions to determine if a user’s body temperature is higher than normal, but it is unlikely to show an actual measurement.

Detecting Sleep Apnea

Apple hopes to detect sleep apnea using the existing blood oxygen sensor, but there are issues with taking frequent readings without significantly reducing battery life.

Detection of Car Crash

Apple is developing a crash detection feature for the iPhone and Apple Watch, which is expected to be released in 2022. It will detect car accidents by measuring a spike in gravitational force with sensors such as the accelerometer.

When a car accident is detected, the iPhone or Apple Watch will automatically call 911 for assistance. Because it’s scheduled for 2022, this could be a feature designed for iPhone 14 models and the Apple Watch Series 8, though it’s unlikely to be limited to those devices. It will be an expansion of the existing Apple Watch and iPhone models’ Fall Detection feature.

Improvements in Atrial Fibrillation

Apple is expanding atrial fibrillation detection in watchOS 9 to calculate “burden,” or how frequently a person is in an atrial fibrillation state over a given time period.

Activity Tracking Update

The Apple Watch Series 8 will have “major updates” to activity tracking, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

There is no word on what might change specifically.

Chips with increased speed

The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to feature a faster system-on-a-chip, resulting in improved performance.

Apple made no changes to the S7 chip, but the S8 chip will be enhanced.

Apple Watch Patents

Apple has patented a number of intriguing technologies that could be used in future Apple Watch devices, including a biometric authentication feature that authenticates identity-based on the wearer’s skin pattern.

When wearing the Apple Watch, such a feature would eliminate the need for a passcode.

Another patent describes a self-tightening Apple Watch band that tightens during strenuous activities such as running or working out to provide accurate heart rate readings and then relaxes. Tightening could also be used for directions, workout reps, and other purposes.

A third patent envisions an Apple Watch band with an LED indicator that would show the progress of an activity or task, such as when completing a workout or an Activity ring.

The Apple Watch could help doctors monitor the symptoms of Parkinson’s patients using sensors to keep track of tremors, according to a patent filed by Apple in December 2019. Apple believes that by tracking data in this way, users will be able to better track their symptoms and plan activities around them.

Apple is working on a Touch ID and an under-display camera for the Apple Watch, according to two patents filed in 2020. A side button with an integrated Touch ID fingerprint sensor that could be used for user identification and device unlocking is described by Apple. The Apple Watch currently requires a passcode to unlock, as well as the unlocking of the paired iPhone.

The patent describes a two-stage display technology that includes an under-display camera that is only visible from the outside when it is engaged. In a patent application filed in 2021, Apple detailed a radical redesign of the Apple Watch, which included a rounded watch face, wrap-around flexible display, and digitally customizable watch bands.

Apple has also filed patents for batteries, speakers, kinetic power generators, haptic feedback devices, and even cameras, all of which could be incorporated into the Apple Watch’s band.

There’s no word on whether or not these patented features will make their way into a future Apple Watch, but it’s fascinating to see what Apple is working on and considering behind the scenes.

Apple Watch SE

The Apple Watch Series 8 will be released alongside a new rugged model and a new version of the entry-level Apple Watch SE.

We don’t yet know what the Apple Watch SE will include, but it will most likely have a faster processor.

Future Apple Watch Functions

Monitoring of Blood Glucose

Apple is said to have a team of biomedical engineers working on a method for non-invasively monitoring blood glucose levels with optical sensors, which could eventually make its way into the Apple Watch.

Because it does not require puncturing the skin, such a feature would greatly simplify diabetes management.

According to rumours, Apple has been working on a blood glucose monitoring feature for years, but it is a serious health feature that would almost certainly necessitate regulation.

According to DigiTimes, Apple is developing short wavelength infrared sensors that could allow the Apple Watch Series 8 to monitor blood glucose levels by measuring the amount of sugar in the blood. DigiTimes isn’t always the most trustworthy source, and Bloomberg claims that blood glucose monitoring will be available in many years.

Noninvasive blood sugar monitoring is a feature that will be available in a few years but has no set release date. Meanwhile, Apple may enhance support for third-party glucose monitors.

Blood Pressure Measurements

Blood pressure monitoring technology will not be available until at least 2024, and a launch date of 2025 is possible. Apple is developing a new sensor and accompanying software to detect high blood pressure, but testing has revealed that it is ineffective.

Apple is experimenting with blood pressure monitoring among employees. The feature will not provide specific systolic and diastolic readings, but will instead alert Apple Watch users that they may have hypertension and should seek further evaluation.

Rockley Photonics, an Apple supplier, is developing an advanced digital sensor system that will enable wearable devices to monitor biomarkers such as core body temperature, blood pressure, body hydration, alcohol, lactate, glucose trends, and other parameters using optical sensors. Given the partnership between Apple and Rockley, this technology could eventually make its way to the Apple Watch, and rumours suggest that blood pressure monitoring capabilities will be added at some point.

Satellite Access

Apple intends to add satellite connectivity to the Apple Watch in the future, allowing for emergency texting and SOS response features to be accessed directly from the wrist. Satellite connectivity will be available on the iPhone 14 and, later, the Apple Watch.

Apple Watch Series 8: Price and release date

While there is no information available at this time, it is fairly easy to make an educated guess as to when the Apple Watch Series 8 will be released and how much it will cost.

Apple usually releases new Watch models in September, along with iPhone updates, so we can expect the same in 2022.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to cost £369/US$399/AU$599 for the 41mm model and £399/US$429/AU$649 for the larger 45mm model.

It appears unlikely that Apple will deviate from this pattern, though the rumoured new model may have a different price point.