Apple Watch 8 with body temperature sensor is here, will the price give you fever?
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Alongside the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro series, during Apple’s Far Out event today, the company introduced the new generation of its class-leading wearable – the Apple Watch Series 8.
Coming in the familiar 45mm and 41mm case sizes, the Apple Watch Series 8 retains the same exact external design of the Series 7. There were previously some rumors calling for the first major redesign of the smartwatch, but that’s obviously not going to take place this year. Well, that's if you don't count the brand new Watch Ultra!
The Watch Series 8 has the same elegant, polished and rounded squircle shape that we know and love. That said, there are some changes to the Watch Series 8 color options this year:
Apple Watch 8 does come with a host of improvements under the hood, though, but before we get to those, you probably want to know the essentials: when it’ll be available and how much it’s going to cost!
For the cheaper aluminum case models, you can choose between GPS-only and GPS + cellular connectivity, while all stainless steel case models come with GPS + cellular connections.
That’s a great question!
Although it can’t quite measure your blood pressure yet, the Watch Series 8 is adding a new body temperature sensor, which will be able to accurately detect ovulation periods. The temperature sensor will also enhance the detection of the various sleep stages, but it's not clear yet if it'll be used for the generic purpose of taking your temperature. Apple hasn't talked about this yet, but rumors said this capability will be coming at a later date. The new body temperature sensor will also be used for better female period prediction.
As the Watch Series 8 will arrive with the latest watchOS 9, it’ll come straight with some next-gen smartwatch functionality.
Coming in the familiar 45mm and 41mm case sizes, the Apple Watch Series 8 retains the same exact external design of the Series 7. There were previously some rumors calling for the first major redesign of the smartwatch, but that’s obviously not going to take place this year. Well, that's if you don't count the brand new Watch Ultra!
- Aluminum case: Starlight, Midnight, Product RED, and Silver
- Stainless steel case: Silver, Graphite, and Gold
Apple Watch Series 8 release date and price
The Apple Watch Series 8 release date is set for September 16. You’ll be able to pre-order one starting today, September 7. Doing so might be a smart move if you’ve been waiting for this product, because initial supplies don’t tend to last very long in the beginning.
Thankfully, Apple isn't inflating Watch Series 8 prices this year! Here is the current pricing structure:
- Watch Series 8 aluminum 41mm GPS: starts at $399
- Watch Series 8 aluminum 45mm GPS: starts at $429
- Watch Series 8 aluminum 41mm GPS + cellular: starts at $499
- Watch Series 8 aluminum 45mm GPS + cellular: starts at $529
- Watch Series 8 stainless steel 41mm GPS + cellular: starts at $799
- Watch Series 8 stainless steel 45mm GPS + cellular: starts at $849
What’s new in Apple Watch Series 8?
Although it can’t quite measure your blood pressure yet, the Watch Series 8 is adding a new body temperature sensor, which will be able to accurately detect ovulation periods. The temperature sensor will also enhance the detection of the various sleep stages, but it's not clear yet if it'll be used for the generic purpose of taking your temperature. Apple hasn't talked about this yet, but rumors said this capability will be coming at a later date. The new body temperature sensor will also be used for better female period prediction.
Car crash detection! Yep, that's right. Powered by the new 3-axis gyroscope and g-force accelerometer inside the Watch 8, Apple's new wearable is promised to reliably detect if you ever happened to be in a car crash. If so, the Watch will automatically initiate an emergency call.
WatchOS 9’s new features
As the Watch Series 8 will arrive with the latest watchOS 9, it’ll come straight with some next-gen smartwatch functionality.
watchOS 9 doubles down on workout features, as it brings massive improvements to the area of sports tracking. In addition to the ability to set up custom workouts, watchOS 9 takes a big step towards endurance sports tracking with its new Multisport feature, designed to automatically detect the current discipline (such as running, biking or swimming) during a triathlon workout.
The new Heart Rate Zones feature will allow you to quickly get a sense of just how high your intensity level is.
As mentioned, initial Apple Watch supply isn’t super solid, so if you’re eying any of the new Watch Series 8 models, you should consider pre-ordering the health-obsessed smartwatch starting today, September 7. Afterwards, the actual watches will hit store shelves on September 16.
Things that are NOT allowed: