On September 7, 2022, Apple unveiled its latest version of the popular wearable, the Apple Watch 8, and concluded its launch with the introduction of the new Apple Watch Ultra.
Currently, the global smartwatch market is dominated by Apple Watch by a large margin. In 2021 alone, Apple captured 30% of the smartwatch market, while Samsung came in second with a smaller 10% share. This confirms the importance of the new generation of Watch 8 series watches in the market.
So, what is the Apple Watch 8 series, and what are the differences between it and older models?
While some people may be disappointed that the Apple Watch Series 8 looks a lot like the Series 7, there are some notable upgrades.
The Series 8 comes in the same 41mm and 45mm case sizes as the Series 7, which means all your old accessories will work with the new models. It’s also available in the same three colors: midnight, starlight, and silver.
The screens on the Series 8 are also the same, with rounded edges that reach almost to the edges of the device. It’s just as durable as the Series 7, with a crack-resistant screen, IP6X dust resistance, and WR50 water resistance (which means it can survive up to 50 meters underwater).
Overall, the Series 8 features an all-in-one formula that works perfectly. The screen is great and easy to read outdoors, and the form factor is slim and lightweight, and doesn’t get in the way during workouts. While it would be nice to see a more exciting redesign later on, the Series 8 is still an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality smartwatch.
Apple has launched three new models in its latest generation of smartwatches:
- the Apple Watch 8
- the Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch 8 is the standard model, with a range of features and functions that make it the perfect choice for most users. The Apple Watch SE is a more budget-friendly option, offering many of the same features as the Apple Watch 8 at a lower price point. Finally, the Apple Watch Ultra is a premium model designed for durability and toughness, with enhanced water resistance and other features that make it ideal for use in rugged environments.
Apple Watch 8:
The last smartwatch released by Apple was the Apple Watch Series 7 in 2021, which boasted significant upgrades compared to its predecessors. This latest version features a larger screen with narrower bezels, along with new features such as temperature and blood oxygen detection, and electronic processing to detect cardiac fibrillation.
The watch is available in two sizes and can be made of either aluminum or stainless steel. The eighth generation of the smartwatch offers several features:
- IP6X certification for dust and water protection
- an always-on Retina display with up to 1,000 nits of brightness
- a blood oxygen sensor
- ECG application
- temperature detection with two temperature sensors.
It is essential to note that the new temperature sensors only measure outside temperatures and calculate body temperature.
Who should buy the Apple Watch 8?
If you are considering buying an Apple Watch 8, and wondering if it’s worth the upgrade, the latest update to the Apple Watch is somewhat disappointing. The only notable addition is new gyroscope sensors that can detect car crashes, a feature that could have been added to the Series 7 through a simple software update. The Apple Watch 8 now also includes two temperature sensors for tracking menstrual cycles, but if you don’t have a period or are upgrading from the Series 7, there won’t be any noticeable differences aside from the new color options.
If you’re a woman who wants to track your menstrual cycle and stages of fertility, or if it’s your first time buying an Apple Watch, it might be worth considering the Apple Watch 8. However, for everyone else, it might be more cost-effective to choose a cheaper, better-value version such as the Apple Watch SE or invest in the Ultra version to increase battery life.
Apple Watch SE:
The Apple Watch SE is an entry-level smartwatch produced by Apple. It features a larger screen than the previous generation and has been updated from the third to the fourth generation this year. This update has resulted in smaller screen edges and a back that matches the bezel color. The watch is available in silver, polar star, and midnight colors, with the latter resembling black. It comes in two sizes, 40 mm and 44 mm.
Who should buy the Apple Watch SE?
This smartwatch is designed to be an affordable option for everyone, priced at only 300 euros. It can perform all basic functions at the same speed as higher-end models. Although it has a slightly thicker bezel and lacks additional sensors like ECG, blood oxygen detection, and temperature sensors, most users may not need these features in their daily lives. In fact, many users tend to use these functions only a few times and then forget about them. Overall, the Apple Watch SE is the best choice for those who want a new generation smartwatch without spending a lot of money. Even when compared to the more advanced Apple Watch 8, the Apple Watch SE still comes out on top.
Apple Watch Ultra:
The Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s flagship smartwatch of the year, featuring a 49mm all-titanium case and water resistance up to 100m. It also has an orange side action button, an always-on Retina display, and can reach up to 2,000 nits of brightness. The screen protrudes slightly from the case to protect the glass, and the watch comes with three new straps. This watch is designed for extreme use.
Who should consider buying the Apple Watch Ultra?
Actually, the smartwatch is not ideal for any particular person, but Apple, as always, understands the art of marketing well. Extreme mountain climbers often take solar-powered watches or smartwatches with a battery life of several weeks on their treks. Endurance athletes or marathon runners may find the watch bulky, and divers may lose touch with their oxygen tank. The smartwatch simply lacks the battery capacity because the 49mm screen, sensors, and software functions consume energy.
However, the Ultra model is ideal for “average” people with larger wrists. If you were put off by the 18-hour battery life of previous models, you’ll get double that with the Ultra model.
When is it worth investing in an Apple Watch?
Before delving into the specific features of each model in the Apple Watch lineup, it’s important to consider whether the watch is a practical option for you. Here are some factors to take into consideration:
You own an iPhone.
The Apple Watch is designed exclusively to work with iPhones, so owning an iPhone is a prerequisite for using the smartwatch.
Looking for a daily companion.
The Apple Watch is primarily a watch. If you’re not a regular watch-wearer or tend to forget to charge your devices regularly, a watch may not be a necessity for you.
Want to track your workouts?
As a mini computer for your wrist, the Apple Watch can track a wide variety of activities, including cycling, yoga, swimming, and more. However, if you’re primarily looking for a regular watch, it might be worth reconsidering your purchase.
Prioritize health monitoring.
Equipped with advanced sensors, such as an ECG, temperature sensor, heart rate monitor, and blood oxygen sensor, the Apple Watch 8 can monitor various aspects of your health. This feature alone makes it a valuable investment for those who want to detect and manage any potential health risks.
Want to receive notifications on your wrist
Whether it’s appointments, WhatsApp messages, or reminders, Apple Watch delivers notifications right to your wrist. While it’s important to manage notifications to prevent constant buzzing, this feature is especially useful for elderly or forgetful individuals who may need reminders for medications or appointments. Plus, even if your iPhone is out of reach, you can still access important notifications and even make calls from your watch.
Would buying an older version be better?
Perhaps it is better to buy last year’s model of the Apple Watch. The Series 7 has the same chassis, chip, and battery life as the Apple Watch 8, with the only difference being the lack of a temperature sensor. Plus, despite inflation, the Series 7 is much cheaper than the Apple Watch 8. All of these factors make the Series 7 a better option for those looking to save money while still getting a high-quality Apple Watch.