The current Apple Watch Series 7 is the best wearable Apple has ever made, but there’s always room for improvement. The improvement is what we’ve come to expect from the Apple Watch Series 8, although those hoping for a drastic redesign may be disappointed depending on what rumors you think.
We expect Apple to announce its next smartwatch in the fall of 2022 — here’s everything we think we know right now.
What will be called the Apple Watch 2022?
It’s a pretty safe bet that we should expect Apple to announce a new watch with the same naming convention as we know it – the Apple Watch Series 8. Additional Apple Watches may be announced at the same time, but the Apple Watch Series 8 is almost guaranteed to hit the market alongside Along with anything else Apple cooks.
The company is also expected to release an update for the Apple Watch SE, but the name change is unlikely. It is likely that the new generation will be simply called the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation).
A particular Apple Watch model can get a new name because it could be a completely new model. There are rumors that the company will be releasing a rugged version of the watch this year. The two names released so far are “Explorer Edition” and “Extreme Sports Edition”. Mark Gorman is going in a different direction, saying the company will likely use its “Pro” branding used in many of its other products and simply call it “Apple Watch Pro.”
Given that the powerful Apple Watch, codenamed N199 within the company, will apply to extreme sports enthusiasts and consumers who typically look forward to Apple’s professional offerings, I think the company will likely use the Apple Watch Pro name and marketing. Apple was already touting the durability of existing watches, so it’s clearly a selling point that believes in clicking with consumers.
Will the Apple Watch Series 8 be redesigned?
Designing the Apple Watch Series 8 is tricky because it can work in one of two ways. While there’s a very good chance the new wearable won’t look very different from the Apple Watch Series 7, last year’s offering was rumored to get a new design with flat sides but that didn’t come to fruition.
However, the redesign rumors are back! A recent report from Apple to leak ShrimpApplePro said that they “heard from a source today that there is a flat front glass display for the Apple Watch.” The leaker did not specify whether the flat screen glass means a different case for the entire Apple Watch or which models will get the new design.
I heard from the source today that there is a flat front glass screen for the Apple Watch. There is a good chance that this is the front glass of the Apple Watch Series 8.
I haven’t heard anything about how to remodel the housing nor any model yet.
Image is illustrative only, not real. https://t.co/uC6i22Q0aZ pic.twitter.com/DmWh8FOZGEI heard from the source today that there is a flat front glass screen for the Apple Watch. There is a good chance that this is the front glass of the Apple Watch Series 8.
I haven’t heard anything about how to remodel the housing nor any model yet.
Image is illustrative only, not real. https://t.co/uC6i22Q0aZ pic.twitter.com/DmWh8FOZGE– ShrimpApplePro 🍤 (VNchocoTaco) May 16, 2022May 16, 2022
Apple specifically advocated the new glass design on the Apple Watch Series 7 as a way to make the watch more durable, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see the company go all-out to improve durability even further. Such a design would also work well with a rugged version of the Apple Watch if this model came out.
In addition to the powerful model’s new width size, Bloomberg’s Mark Gorman says the new version will also ditch aluminum in favor of a more durable metal. It is currently unclear what exactly the company has chosen. Gurman also says the durable version will have a larger battery.
Apple Inc. plans to The smartwatch’s biggest screen yet, bigger battery, and durable metal case will be part of the upcoming Apple Watch geared toward extreme athletes, according to people familiar with the plans.
What Apple Watch models can we expect this year?
In addition to the standard Apple Watch Series 8, Apple may be looking to upgrade one model and add an entirely new model to the lineup.
According to a report by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the company plans to release an update for the Apple Watch SE this year. The reporter says that the new Apple Watch SE is not expected to be upgraded to larger screens that first appeared on the Apple Watch Series 7.
In addition to the Apple Watch SE getting an upgrade, Gurman also says that the company plans to release an entirely new version of the Apple Watch that will be designed for use in extreme conditions.
The other major announcement this year at WWDC was watchOS 9. And this update definitely heralds what we can expect from the Apple Watch Series 8 this fall. As I mentioned, Apple is preparing three new variants: a new low-end SE, a standard Series 8 version, and a ruggedized version targeting extreme sports.
Reports on the Apple Watch so far point to a possible “Explorer Edition” name and suggest that the new watch could feature a more durable design as well as a longer battery life. It would make sense for those who want to use the Apple Watch in extreme scenarios like triathlon, rock climbing, mountain biking, and other things that require gear that can take a beating.
Gurman’s reporting matches that of Ming-Chi Kuo’s and his own reports in 2021. Kuo also agreed that the company is ready to release the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch, an “Extreme Sports” version of the Apple Watch that drops.
What sizes can we expect from the Apple Watch Series 8 models?
Based on Apple’s last two releases, it seems likely that 41mm and 45mm are likely, although display analyst Ross Young has assumed things could go up a notch — the 41mm and 45mm options could be combined in an unknown third size.
Don’t be surprised if there are 3 sizes next year… Don’t be surprised if there are 3 sizes next year… – Ross Young (@DSCCRoss) October 12, 2021October 12, 2021
Young’s report is supported by Jeff Bo of Haitong Securities International. The analyst wrote a note to investors claiming that the company will add a new 1.99-inch model to the Apple Watch lineup:
According to a note to investors by Jeff Pu of Haitong International Securities, seen by MacRumors, the new addition will be a 2-inch part built exclusively by Luxshare. Young also backed that up with a new post on Twitter, suggesting that 1.99 inches could be the size — something that appears to be just a case of converging views rather than competing.
Mark Gorman of Bloomberg also said that the Apple Watch’s rugged-edition offering will be the biggest the company has to offer for the device. According to a report by Bloomberg, the display of the Extreme Sports version of the watch will measure approximately two inches diagonally and have a resolution of 410 x 502 pixels.
The powerful version of the Apple Watch will have a screen measuring approximately 2 inches diagonally.
What processor will power the Apple Watch Series 8?
While some were hoping to get an all-new processor with the Apple Watch Series 8, it looks like we’re in another year of incremental upgrade.
According to Mark Gorman, Apple will release a “new” S8 chip to power the Apple Watch Series 8, but that processor will be largely based on the S7 chip from the previous year.
With that, the reporter continues to hint that we can expect an “entire new processor” next year.
For those hoping to get a faster chip in this year’s Apple Watch, I’m told that the S8 chip will have the same specs as the S7, which was also identical to the S6. However, next year’s models are slated to get an all-new processor.
Will the Apple Watch Series 8 feature satellite connectivity?
Apple is again said to be working on a satellite communications feature and future products, likely the Apple Watch Series 8. This feature will allow wearers to send short emergency texts when they are outside the range of a cell phone tower.
According to Mark Gorman, satellite communications could reach the iPhone first but eventually make their way to the Apple Watch as well. Gurman says we may, however, have to wait until 2023 to see the watch get the advantage:
Since it was reported that the iPhone gained this feature, I’ve heard that the Apple Watch is also destined to get this functionality – either this year or in 2023. Whether it’s on an iPhone or an Apple Watch, the technology will provide an alternative to Garmin inReach Explorer and SPOT, mobile communication devices via Satellites with similar features.
Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to get new health features
Apple is again expected to focus on health this time around, and reports have suggested that car crash detection may come in the future Apple Watch and iPhone — likely the Apple Watch Series 8 and iPhone 14.
We heard about a year ago that Apple wanted to add sleep apnea tracking and detection to the Apple Watch in the future, although there are no rumors about such an addition to the Apple Watch Series 8.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo noted the addition of a new temperature sensor, something Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently confirmed, but the feature was coming to this year’s models. However, Gorman says the technology will provide a general reading rather than an accurate temperature, allowing for a feature that notifies the user if they have a fever.
The body temperature feature won’t give you a specific reading – like a forehead or wrist thermometer – but it should be able to tell if you think you have a fever. He or she can then recommend speaking with your doctor or using a dedicated thermometer.
How much does the Apple Watch Series 8 cost?
Pricing is tricky for various reasons, particularly with the current economic situation in which the United States – and the world – finds itself. Pricing is volatile, and we might get a handle on what to expect when Apple announces the price of its iPhone 14 ahead of the Apple Watch Series 8.
If the company sticks to Apple Watch Series 7 pricing, expect the 41mm Apple Watch Series 8 to start at $399 for 41mm and $429 for 45mm and increase from there, depending on bands and case options.
It’s also unclear what the rugged “Explorer Edition” of the Apple Watch will launch if it’s announced. This version is expected to come at a higher starting price than the Standard Edition and SE versions of the watch. Bloomberg’s Mark Gorman says the rugged Apple Watch could come in at a price that goes up to the iPhone 13 Pro at $999.
Given that the new, high-end Apple Watch will have a slightly larger screen, new sensors and higher-quality materials, I wouldn’t be surprised if it starts at $900 to $999, which is the starting price for the iPhone 13 Pro. We’re only two months away from knowing exactly where Apple has landed.
When will the Apple Watch Series 8 be launched?
We don’t know for sure, but we can make an informed guess based on past years. Last year saw Apple announce the Apple Watch Series 7 on September 14 before making it available for purchase on October 15. The Apple Watch is usually announced at the same iPhone event, so we can reasonably expect it to be unveiled in September along with the iPhone 14.
When you land, this will be the best Apple Watch ever, that’s for sure.