Apple is well known for improving its products with small yet impactful updates, and the Apple Watch Series 8, launched in September 2022, is a prime example.
At first glance, the Series 8 looks almost identical to its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 7. The design of this is not much changed, but under the hood, Apple packed in several meaningful upgrades that made the Series 8 a significant step forward for many users.
There are several other important upgradations of this watch that you should know about. Here, I will discuss them comprehensively in this article.
A Quick Overview of Apple Watch 8 Key Features
- Skin Temperature Sensor: Tracks wrist temperature changes during sleep for health insights and cycle tracking.
- Crash Detection: Detects severe car accidents and automatically calls emergency services if unresponsive.
- Low Power Mode: Extends battery life up to 36 hours by disabling non-essential features.
- watchOS 9 Enhancements: Adds new watch faces, advanced fitness metrics, sleep stages, and medication reminders.
- S8 Processor: Delivers smooth performance and efficient multitasking across apps.
- Blood Oxygen (SpO₂) Monitoring: Measures oxygen saturation levels to support fitness and wellness tracking.
- ECG (Electrocardiogram): Provides medical-grade heart rhythm readings for AFib detection.
- Sleep Tracking: Monitors light, deep, and REM stages for better sleep insights.
- Women’s Health Tracking: Offers ovulation estimates and cycle irregularity alerts using temperature data.
- International Roaming (Cellular Models): Keeps you connected abroad without your iPhone.
- Faster Charging: Charges up to 80% in ~45 minutes or 8 hours of sleep tracking in 8 minutes.
- Car Key and Wallet Integration: Stores digital keys, payment cards, and boarding passes for daily convenience.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Improves connectivity stability and power efficiency with accessories.
- Safety Tools: Includes Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, and Noise Monitoring for added protection.
Key Specs of Apple Watch 8
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 41mm, 45mm |
| Processor | Apple S8 SiP |
| Durability | IP6X dust resistance, WR50 water resistance |
| Sensors | Skin temperature, heart rate, ECG, SpO₂, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours (regular use) |
| Battery Life (Low Power Mode) | Up to 36 hours |
| Connectivity | GPS, optional Cellular model |
| Operating System | watchOS 9 (upgradable) |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Product Red |
Design and Build Quality
Apple did not reinvent the wheel with the Series 8’s design. It continues the sleek, rounded-rectangle look that has become iconic for the Apple Watch. If you have seen or tried the Series 7, you will instantly recognize the Series 8 – it’s nearly identical.
Key Design Points
- Display: The Series 8 retains the larger Always-On Retina display that debuted in Series 7.
- Bezels: Thin bezels give it a modern, edge-to-edge aesthetic.
- Case Sizes: Two available sizes are 41mm and 45mm to fit different wrists.
- Durability: Rated IP6X for dust resistance and WR50 water resistance.
Available colors: Midnight (black), Starlight (a gold-silver mix), Silver, and Product Red. Various bands can be swapped for customization.
📌If you’re upgrading from Series 6 or older, the design feels fresh. If you already own a Series 7, the differences are subtle.
Amazing Features of Apple Watch 8
1. Skin Temperature Sensor
The headline feature of the Apple Watch 8 is the new skin temperature sensing system. While other smartwatches had temperature sensors earlier, Apple took a more precise approach.
- Dual-sensor setup:
- One sensor is located on the back of the watch, near the skin.
- The other is under the display.
- This dual system minimizes environmental bias and gives more accurate readings.
However, this sensor is not designed to display your body temperature like a thermometer. Instead, Apple uses it for long-term health tracking:
- Establishes a baseline temperature after five nights of sleep tracking.
- Can detect variations in body temperature, useful for:
- Cycle and ovulation tracking (big plus for women’s health).
- Identifying possible illness or health changes.
- Sleep analysis.
Although you do not have immediate “live” temperature readings, the integration of the feature in Apple Health makes it one of the most helpful long-term health tools.
2. Crash Detection
Apple’s smartwatches have the features of fall detection and emergency SOS for a while now. However, the Crash Detection is the new feature that the Apple Watch 8 received.
There are different pieces of technology installed within the app for this purpose. They include two motion sensors, a gyroscope, and an accelerometer.
Their capabilities allow the watch to sense motion four times faster than before. Once you’re in a crash (I deeply hope that you don’t face this), the watch will detect it and call emergency services. They will also notify your emergency contacts as well.
3. Low Power Mode
Battery life has always been one of the biggest complaints about Apple Watches. The Series 8 does not suddenly offer multi-day life in normal mode, but Apple finally introduced a Low Power Mode to stretch things further.
- Normal battery: 18 hours (about a day).
- With Low Power Mode: Up to 36 hours.
What it disables:
- Always-On Display.
- Background heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring.
- Some notifications.
The core features like activity tracking and fall detection remain active. For travel, hiking, or times when charging is not convenient, this mode is a worth in it.
4. watchOS 9 Enhancements
The Apple Watch 8 ships with watchOS 9, which brings software-level upgrades:
- New watch faces (including Lunar, Metropolitan, and Playtime).
- Sleep tracking improvements: Stages of sleep (light, deep, REM).
- Medication reminders: Log and track your daily prescriptions.
- AFib history tracking: For users with atrial fibrillation.
- Advanced workout metrics: Heart rate zones, running power, stride length, vertical oscillation.
Such software updates render the Series 8 more adaptable even in case the hardware has not changed dramatically compared to Series 7.
5. Performance with the S8 Processor
The Series 8 is developed on the S8 chip that is basically the same performance as the S7 and even S6 before it. It is not a radical jump, but still, it is smooth and dependable to use daily.
- Apps open quickly.
- Animations are fluid.
- No lag in navigation, notifications, or workouts.
The performance is no highlight upgrade, but Apple Watches are already the fastest and most refined smartwatches available.
Apple Watch 8 in Daily Life
To understand why the Apple Watch 8 is such a powerful wearable, it helps to look at how its features fit into everyday use:
- Fitness Tracking: Step counts, calories burned, heart rate monitoring, SpO₂, and new advanced metrics make it a strong fitness companion.
- Health Tracking: From ECG to cycle tracking to sleep stages, the Series 8 works as a mini health lab on your wrist.
- Safety Features: Crash detection, fall detection, and SOS make it a serious safety tool.
- Smart Features: Apple Pay, Siri, notifications, and music streaming keep you connected without your phone.
- Customization: Swap bands, change watch faces, and personalize notifications.
Pros and Cons of Apple Watch 8
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| New skin temperature sensor for women’s health and long-term wellness insights | Design unchanged from Series 7 |
| Crash Detection could be life-saving | Battery still only 18 hours without Low Power Mode |
| Low Power Mode doubles battery life | Limited to iPhone users only |
| Bright, Always-On Retina display with thin bezels | |
| Rich health tracking (ECG, SpO₂, heart rate, sleep stages) | |
| watchOS 9 brings new faces, better workouts, AFib tracking | |
| Wide range of case colors and band options |
Should You Upgrade to Apple Watch 8?
This depends on what model you currently own:
- From Series 7: Probably not worth it beacuse design and performance are nearly identical.
- From Series 6 or earlier: Definitely worth it as you’ll get a bigger display, new sensors, crash detection, and watchOS 9 improvements.
- New Apple Watch buyers: The Series 8 is a great all-around choice if you want something more advanced than the SE but don’t need the Ultra’s rugged build.
Where to Buy Apple Watch 8?
If you’re planning to get your hands on the Apple Watch Series 8, you have several options depending on your preference for convenience, pricing, or deals.
- Apple Store (Online & Retail): The most reliable place to buy directly from Apple, with the benefit of customization (bands, finishes) and warranty support.
- Authorized Retailers: Stores like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart often carry the Series 8, sometimes with discounts or bundle deals.
- Online Marketplaces: Websites like Amazon often have competitive prices and seasonal sales, though make sure you’re purchasing from an authorized seller.
- Refurbished Options: Apple’s official refurbished store and trusted resellers provide certified refurbished models at lower prices with warranty coverage.
Conclusion
Apple Watch 8 has a similar design to the previous model. Still, it has received some major specifications upgrades. It includes new features of low-power mode and temperature sensors. Besides this, the app also contains a crash-detection feature.
What makes it unique is not just the data it gathers but the stories it tells about your health and habits. Over time, those small insights add up, shaping better decisions and a more balanced way of living.
In that sense, the Series 8 is more than a smartwatch, it’s a personal coach, health guardian, and everyday assistant, wrapped around your wrist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can you swim with the Apple Watch Series 8?
Yes, the Series 8 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it safe for swimming and water workouts.
Can I use Apple Watch 8 without an iPhone?
You’ll need an iPhone to set it up, but after that, the cellular model can handle calls, messages, and apps independently.
Does the Apple Watch 8 work with Android phones?
No, Apple Watch 8 only works with iPhones. You’ll need an iPhone 8 or later running iOS 16 or newer.
Does Apple Watch 8 have fall detection?
Yes, fall detection is built-in, alongside the new crash detection feature, for extra safety in emergencies.
How much storage does Apple Watch 8 have?
It comes with 32GB of storage, allowing you to keep apps, music, and audiobooks directly on the watch.
