price, release date, design, news, everything you need to know
The Apple Watch Series 8 brings new features to the American brand’s connected watches with a very important change this year: the introduction of the Ultra model, equipped with a more durable case for extreme sports. Apple Watch SE 2022 is also coming to fill the catalog of the American brand.
Over the past few years, Apple has been pretty conservative when it comes to the evolution of its smartwatches. The Apple Watch Series 7 was a good product, but it did not revolutionize the market or the range, settling for a larger screen without design changes or 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 performance of the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE.
How much does the Apple Watch Series 8 cost?
The price of the iPhone 14 has increased significantly in France compared to the iPhone 13, here are the prices announced for the different versions of the new Apple Watch:
- Apple Watch SE: From 299 euros
- Apple Watch Series 8: From 499 euros For GPS version or 619 euros for the mobile version
- Apple Watch Ultra: from 999 euros
These are minimum prices that may increase depending on connection options, case material or wristband type selected.
When will the Apple Watch Series 8 be released?
Different models of the Apple Watch Series 8 are announced at the launch event on September 7, 2022, with the iPhone 14 as the star. The Cupertino company often follows the same schedule for the release of its products: they are released on the second Friday, 10 days after their official release. Therefore, the release date of Apple Watch Series 8 is planned for 2010 September 16, 2022. Apple Watch SE will also be available on this date. The Apple Watch Ultra will go on sale a week later, on September 23.
What screen and what design for Apple Watch Series 8?
The overall design of the Apple Watch Series 8 is very similar to that of the Apple Watch Series 7. That’s why we keep the rounded edges and the wheel on the right. As for the screen, the American group bets on 41 and 45 mm cases with a choice of two materials: aluminum or stainless steel. Standard colors are limited to black, red, bronze and silver. Special Nike and Hermes editions are also planned.
New chip and increased performance for Apple Watch Series 8
For this new generation of connected watches, the Apple brand has developed a SoC that provides higher performance:Apple S8. This guarantees more effective fluidity and better multitasking. The more powerful chip will also introduce computational capabilities to algorithms to make sports and health measurements more accurate.
How long is the Apple Watch Series 8 battery life?
Nothing is better than tests to verify the real autonomy of the terminal, but the first information on this topic invites optimism. The new chip that powers the Apple Watch Series 8 is not only more powerful, but also powerful saves more energy. The increase in power therefore does not lead to a decrease in autonomy due to higher energy consumption.
In addition, Apple introduces a new product low power mode To extend the battery life of the Watch 8. This mode is advanced because it allows you to enjoy your connected watch almost normally, which is why some brands remove almost all options from their watches to increase endurance. Most Apple Watch features and apps will remain available this way, with power saving mode only reducing overall performance and shutting down background processes.
Apple claims up to 36 hours of battery life with moderate use and low power mode enabled. This does not change, autonomy remains the weak point of the Apple Watch.
What are the new features of Apple Watch Series 8?
As with the Apple Watch Series 7, the Apple Watch Series 8 has been heavily rumored to integrate new sensors and new gauges. But again, innovations don’t really mix. For example, there is no blood pressure measurement. Apple is working on it, but developing such a feature is complicated. At the time of writing, the Apple Watch Series 8 also lacks a blood pressure monitor or blood glucose sensor. Moreover, these sensors should not see the light of day in the Apple Watch Series 9 next year either. We have to wait until this hour. at least to see them land on Apple smartwatches in 2024.
Apple Watch Series 8 has a body temperature sensor. It cannot show body temperature accurately, skin temperature varies greatly according to the environment. But Apple Watch will still detect risky situations and send notifications to users, advising them to take their temperature properly to check if they have a fever. A rise in temperature can also be a sign of the onset of ovulation in women.
A connected watch can now detect traffic accidents based on influence. This can help to automatically call emergency services and send the status of the accident to allow for faster intervention.
Apple Watch Series 8 Ultra for senior athletes
iPhone, MacBook, AirPods… many Apple devices are available in Pro versions. Sold at a higher price, they provide advanced features that not all users need, but which meet certain demands of more discerning consumers. Connected watches have been preserved until now, but the Apple Watch will finally be eligible for its latest model. This time, it’s not the Apple Watch Pro, but the Apple Watch Ultra, already used by Samsung, among others.
The Apple Watch Ultra plays the extreme sports card, with a titanium case that is stronger than the aluminum of other Apple watches and more resistant to bumps and scratches. Even if it is compatible with the classic Apple Watch, special bracelets are also planned for this model. The design of the Apple Watch Ultra will undergo some changes, including the integration of a new button on the left side. Programmable to trigger the manipulation of your choice, it makes it easier to navigate and trigger actions mid-motion than a smartwatch’s touchscreen.
As with the Apple Watch Series 7, the edges are rounded and not flat. This Ultra model is also larger. There is this bigger screen, 49 mm and brighter, up to 2000 nits, for better viewing of the screen during activities in direct sunlight. This larger format allows Apple to equip the watch with a larger battery, which significantly improves the watch’s autonomy: up to 60 hours, according to Apple.
Apple Watch Ultra also has some additional and exclusive features even though it shares many features with Apple Watch Series 8. There is a GPS tracking mode to avoid getting lost, and a siren mode that sounds the watch in case of danger. , or even a mode for diving, which helps users understand decompression stops.
Be aware that even though it’s more durable than a classic watch, breaking the Apple Watch Ultra can cost you dearly. According to Apple’s website, if you have a problem with your Apple Watch Ultra’s battery or just want to replace it, then you will have to pay 129 euros If you decide to switch from Apple. For any other damage, the estimated repair cost rises to 619 eurosthat is, more than 60% of the watch’s original price.
Apple Watch SE: the new smart watch at a low price
The new Apple Watch SE adopts the design of its predecessor in the series, with 40 and 44 mm cases borrowed from the Apple Watch Series 4. An option that allows you to offer attractive pricing for entry-level connected watches. , as the manufacturer did with the iPhone SE, which uses the chassis of a product that is several years old.
This 2022 version still benefits from the updated Apple S8 chip, just like the latest models, which boosts the performance of the Apple Watch SE. However, it does not differ in terms of endurance, as it remains locked in 18 hours of autonomy.
What’s new in watchOS 9?
The Apple Watch Series 8 will launch natively on watchOS 9, the latest update to Apple’s smartwatch operating system. This version supports more training metrics like heart rate zones as well as some running data. Running activity mode now calculates vertical oscillation, stride length, ground contact time, and power (in watts). Audible alerts also encourage you to break records on your frequent rides, helping you maintain the pace you need to improve your performance. New function cardio recovery shows recovery time estimates after an outdoor walk, run, or walk.
watchOS 9 also improves it sleep tracking, with more precise periods between REM sleep, light sleep, and deep sleep. Triathlon is better catered for, with the ability to switch quickly between cycling, swimming and running. A medication reminder is also available for users with an interface to configure schedules and personalized reminders for each medication. Just scan the medicine box to add them to the appropriate app. Finally, a weekly alert provides information on time spent in atrial fibrillation.
