Apple has finally unveiled its latest and greatest smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 8 represents a relatively big upgrade for the series, bringing with it new fitness-tracking features, new sensors, and better battery-saving features.
The device does not offer the redesign that some have been waiting for for a while. Instead, it keeps the look and feel that users loved from previous-generation models.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new Apple Watch Series 8. Note, we’ll talk about the new Apple Watch Ultra in a separate post. Read more about the Apple Watch Ultra here.
Apple Watch Series 8 price and availability
Want the new Apple Watch? You can now get one for yourself. The pre-order period for the Apple Watch Series 8 has ended, and the device is now fully available. It starts at $399 for the GPS model, and $499 for the cellular model.
Of course, you don’t have to buy the device from Apple itself if you don’t want to. You can also get the Apple Watch Series 8 through your carrier. Here’s a list of carriers that are selling the Apple Watch Series 8 in the U.S.
Apple Watch Series 8 design
Despite some rumors, the latest and greatest Apple Watch keeps the overall design of the previous-generation model. There are no flat edges here, folks. You’ll still get the rounded edges with the slightly curved display, and it’s still available in the same sizes as before.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Many were excited about the rumored redesign, but most Apple Watch users still like the design on offer by the current-generation model.
The new Apple Watch Ultra is different in design than the standard Apple Watch Series 8 models though — to learn more, head to our guide on the new Apple Watch Ultra.
Apple Watch Series 8 specs
Apple doesn’t really focus on things like processing power for the Apple Watch, but it’s relatively safe to assume that the Apple Watch Series 8 has received a small spec-bump. The new device has Apple’s new S8 chip, which Apple says is faster than the S7. It also has a few new advanced sensors, including a new temperature sensor.
We’ll focus a little more on fitness-tracking features later, but rest assured that the Apple Watch will easily be able to keep up with everything you throw at it.
Apple Watch Series 8 battery
Apple wants to help make the Watch last longer, and has introduced a new Low Power Mode to all Apple Watch models after the Apple Watch Series 4. This feature will disable things like the always-on display and some of the more power-hungry sensors while retaining most of the fitness-tracking and fall detection features. Apple says this will help the Watch last up to 36 hours on a charge.
Apple Watch Series 8 fitness tracking
Apple has added some new fitness-tracking features to the Apple Watch — in the form of new, advanced menstrual cycle tracking features. Notably, the new Apple Watch Series 8 has a new temperature sensor that can better track ovulation, and give ovulation estimates — which could be handy for those trying to conceive.
The temperature sensor will likely end up being used for other fitness-tracking situations, but Apple mainly highlighted advanced cycle tracking at its event.
It’s not exactly fitness-tracking, but the Apple Watch Series 8 also has a new car crash detection feature, that will alert emergency services and your emergency contacts in the event of a car crash.
More Apple coverage: See the best Apple Watch deals now!
