The Apple Watch Series 8 adds new features to the connected watches of the American brand, with a very important change this year: the introduction of an Ultra model equipped with a more resistant case for the practice of extreme sports. An Apple Watch SE 2022 will also fill the catalog of the American brand.
In recent years, Apple has been quite conservative when it comes to the evolution of its connected watches. The Apple Watch Series 7 was a good product, but it didn’t revolutionize the market or range, contenting itself with a larger screen, without any design changes or the integration of new sensors. Will the next generation of smartwatches be more innovative? Design, features, news, we tell you everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Series 8. We also discuss the case of Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE.
What is the price of the Apple Watch Series 8?
The price of the iPhone 14 has increased significantly in France compared to that of the iPhone 13, here are the announced prices for the different versions of the new Apple Watch:
- Apple Watch SE: from 299 euros
- Apple Watch Series 8: from 499 euros for the GPS version, or 619 euros for mobile version
- Apple Watch Ultra: from 999 euros
These are minimum prices, which may increase depending on connectivity options, case material or type of bracelet chosen. Note that Apple is currently rumored to be offering a connected watch band that changes color. Whether this accessory is sold as an option or not, there is no doubt that it will only increase the final bill.
When will the Apple Watch Series 8 be released?
The different models of Apple Watch Series 8 will be announced during a keynote organized on September 7, 2022, in which the iPhone 14 will be the stars. The Cupertino company often follows the same schedule for the launch of its products: they are put on the market on the second Friday after their formalization, ie 10 days later. Since then, Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE have been released September 16, 2022, while the Apple Watch Ultra has been on sale since September 23.
Which screen and which design for the Apple Watch Series 8?
The overall design of the Apple Watch Series 8 is very similar to that of the Apple Watch Series 7. We therefore keep both the rounded edges and the wheel on the right side. As for the screen, the American group bets on 41 and 45 mm cases, with two material choices: aluminum or stainless steel. Standard colors are limited to black, red, bronze and silver. Special Nike and Hermès editions are also planned.
New chip and improved performance for the Apple Watch Series 8
For this new generation of connected watches, the Apple brand has developed an SoC that delivers even better performance: theApple S8. This guarantees even more impressive fluidity and better management of multitasking. More powerful, the chip will also make its computing capabilities available to algorithms to make sports and health measurements more accurate.
What is the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 8?
There is nothing like tests to test the real autonomy of a terminal, but the first information on this subject invites optimism. The new chip that Apple Watch Series 8 watches are equipped with is not only more powerful, but also more powerful more energy efficient. The increase in power therefore does not lead to a reduction in autonomy due to higher energy consumption.
In addition, Apple introduces a new one energy saving mode to extend the battery life of the Watch 8. This mode is advanced because you can enjoy your connected watch almost in the normal way, so some brands remove almost all options from their watch to improve their endurance. Most Apple Watch features and apps remain accessible this way, with power saving mode only reducing overall performance and shutting down background processes.
Apple announces a day of use with moderate use and up to 36 hours with the activation of the energy saving mode. This does not change, autonomy remains a weak point of the Apple Watch.
What are the new features of the Apple Watch Series 8?
As with the Apple Watch Series 7, the Apple Watch Series 8 has been the subject of many rumors about the integration of new sensors and new stats. But again, the innovations aren’t really crowding. For example, no blood pressure is measured. Apple is working on it, but developing such a feature is complicated. Once mentioned, there is also no blood pressure monitor or blood glucose sensor on the Apple Watch Series 8. Moreover, these sensors will not see the light of day for the Apple Watch Series 9 next year either. at least 2024 to see them land on Apple smartwatches.
The Apple Watch Series 8, on the other hand, has a body temperature sensor. It is not able to display the exact temperature of the body, the temperature of the skin varies too much depending on the environment. But the Apple Watch still detects risky situations and sends notifications to users advising them to take their temperature properly to check if they have a fever. The detection of a rise in temperature can also be a sign of the onset of ovulation in women.
The connected watch can now do that detect traffic accidents based on the force of the impact. It can help to automatically call the emergency services and send the location of the accident in order to intervene more quickly.
An Apple Watch Series 8 Ultra for great athletes
iPhone, MacBook, AirPods… many Apple devices are available in Pro versions. They are sold at a higher price and offer advanced features that are not required by all users, but meet a certain demand from more demanding consumers. Connected watches have been spared so far, but the Apple Watch is finally getting its due on its ultimate model. This time it is not an Apple Watch Pro, but an Apple Watch Ultra, a designation already used by Samsung, among others.
The Apple Watch Ultra plays the extreme sports card, with a titanium case that’s stronger than the aluminum of other Apple Watches, and more resistant to impacts and scratches. Special bracelets are also planned for this model, even if it will be compatible with those of the classic Apple Watch. The design of the Apple Watch Ultra will see some changes, including the integration of a new button on the left side. This one, programmable to launch a manipulation of your choice, makes it easier to navigate and trigger actions in the middle of the action than with the smartwatch’s touchscreen.
As with the Apple Watch Series 7, the edges are rounded and not flat. This Ultra model is also more massive. It has a larger screen, up to 49mm, and brighter, up to 2000 nits, for better viewing of the screen during activity in direct sunlight. The hardness of the ultra-resistant sapphire crystal front is rated at 8 on the Mohs scale. This larger size allows Apple to equip the watch with a larger battery, which significantly improves the autonomy of the watch: up to 60 hours, according to Apple.
The Apple Watch Ultra also has some extra and exclusive features, even though it shares a lot of features with the Apple Watch Series 8. There’s a GPS tracking mode to avoid getting lost, a siren mode that sounds the watch in case of danger , or even a dive mode that helps users understand decompression stops.
Keep in mind that although it is more resistant than a classic watch, breaking the Apple Watch Ultra can cost you dearly. According to the Apple site, if your Apple Watch Ultra battery has a problem or you just want to replace it, you then have to pay 129 euros if you decide to go through Apple. For any other damage, the estimated repair costs rise to 619 eurosie more than 60% of the original price of the watch.
Apple Watch SE: a new smartwatch for a low price
The new Apple Watch SE takes over the design of its predecessor in the range, with 40 and 44mm cases borrowed from the Apple Watch Series 4. A choice that makes it possible to offer an attractive price for the entry-level connected model watch. , as the manufacturer does with its iPhone SE, which also uses the chassis of a product that is several years old.
This 2022 version still benefits from a refreshed chip, the Apple S8, just like the latest models, which boosts the performance of the Apple Watch SE. However, it does not stand out in terms of endurance, as it remains locked at 18 hours of autonomy.
What’s new in watchOS 9?
Apple Watch Series 8 launches natively on watchOS 9, the last major update to Apple’s smartwatch operating system. This version supports more training stats, such as heart rate zones, as well as some running-specific data. The running activity mode now calculates vertical oscillation, stride length, ground contact time and power (in watts). You’re also encouraged to break your records on your frequent rides, with spoken alerts helping you maintain the pace needed to improve your performance. A new feature of Cardio recovery Displays recovery time estimates after an outdoor walk, run, or hike.
watchOS 9 also improves its track sleep, with more accurate cycles between REM sleep, light sleep, and deep sleep. Triathlon is better catered for, with the ability to quickly switch between cycling, swimming and running. A medication reminder is also available to users, with an interface to configure schedules and personalized reminders for each medication. To add them to the respective application, all you have to do is scan the medicine box. Finally, a weekly alert provides information on the time spent in atrial fibrillation.
