Although the Apple Watch Series 8 is still a few months away from release, we’re already hearing specifics about Apple’s next-generation wrist-worn device.
Based on reports, this article compiles all we know about the Apple Watch Series 8 thus far. It’s worth noting that these features haven’t been confirmed yet because it’s still early.
Options for Design and Size
At this time, nothing is known about the design of the Apple Watch Series 8, although it might resemble the Apple Watch Series 7 because Apple just raised the display size on the Series 7 devices, and Apple often sticks with a display size for a couple of years.
Apple Watch Series 8 might arrive in three sizes instead of two, according to display analyst Ross Young, with Apple introducing a bigger size to join the 41mm and 45mm versions.
Multiple speculations stated Apple was working on a revamped design with flat edges comparable to the flat sides of the iPhone 13 and iPad Pro prior to the arrival of the Apple Watch Series 7, but that didn’t materialise.
Given the amount of reports that Apple was working on a design like this, it’s possible it’ll come, but for the Series 8 rather than the Series 7.
Apple Watch with a Rugged Design
According to Bloomberg, Apple is working on an Apple Watch “with a tough case” geared at sports, hikers, and those who use the watch in more harsh settings than everyday usage. It will have the same functionality as an Apple Watch, but it will be more impact resistant and protected. In 2022, Apple is likely to release the tough Apple Watch.
Health Benefits
According to The Wall Street Journal and other sources, Apple is developing several new health features for future Apple Watch models. These include blood-pressure monitoring, a thermometer for fertility and sleep tracking, sleep apnea detection, and diabetes detection.
Some of these features could be introduced in the Apple Watch Series 8, but it is not clear if all of these sensors are ready so Apple could also hold the functionality until a later date.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Apple is said to have a team of biomedical experts working on a method for non-invasively measuring blood glucose levels using optical sensors, which might eventually make its way into the Apple Watch. Because it would not need puncturing the skin, such a feature would make diabetes control considerably easier.
According to speculations, Apple has been working on a blood glucose monitoring tool for years, but it is a critical health feature that would almost certainly require regulation.
Apple is working on short wavelength infrared sensors, according to DigiTimes, which might allow the Apple Watch Series 8 to monitor blood glucose by analysing the quantity of sugar in the blood. Blood glucose monitoring is a function that Apple has been working on for some time, but DigiTimes isn’t often the most trustworthy source, so this isn’t a guaranteed inclusion for the Series 8, but it is a feature that Apple has been working on for some time.
Blood Pressure Measurements
Rockley Photonics, an Apple supplier, is developing an advanced digital sensor system that uses optical sensors to monitor biomarkers such as core body temperature, blood pressure, body hydration, alcohol, lactate, glucose trends, and more in wearable devices.
Given Apple’s collaboration with Rockley, this technology might ultimately make its way into the Apple Watch, and reports imply that blood pressure monitoring features will be included at some time.
When blood pressure is rising, a wrist-worn blood pressure monitor may detect it, and the function can identify hypertension. Apple plans to introduce this feature in 2022, but it may be delayed while the company works out the details.
Blood pressure monitoring would work by measuring the speed of the wave of a heartbeat through a user’s arteries using sensors. It would tell a user how their blood pressure is trending, but it won’t be able to provide baseline systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements.
Temperature Sensor
Apple was considering adding a body temperature sensor in the 2021 Apple Watch, but Bloomberg says it is instead likely to be introduced in the 2022 update.
A temperature measuring function would be useful for fertility tracking and keeping track of sleep, and in the future, it could also detect when a user has a fever.
Sleep Apnea Detection
Apple is aiming to use the existing blood oxygen sensor to detect sleep apnea, but there are issues with taking frequent readings without significantly impacting battery life.
Apple Watch Patents
Apple has patented a number of fascinating technologies that might be included in future Apple Watch devices, including a biometric identification function that verifies identity using the wearer’s skin pattern. When wearing the Apple Watch, this functionality would eliminate the need for a passcode.
Another patent envisions a self-tightening Apple Watch band that would adapt for accurate heart rate readings during intense activities like jogging or working out, and then ease up afterward. Directions, workout reps, and more might all benefit from the tightening.
A third patent outlines an Apple Watch band having an LED indication that may be used to view the progress of an activity or task, such as while finishing a workout or an Activity ring.
The Apple Watch might help doctors monitor the symptoms of Parkinson’s patients using sensors to keep track of tremors, according to a patent released by Apple in December 2019. Apple hopes that by using this kind of data collection, users will be able to better track their symptoms and schedule activities around symptom patterns.
Apple is reportedly working on Touch ID and an under-display camera for the Apple Watch, according to two patents filed in 2020. A side button with an integrated Touch ID fingerprint sensor might be utilised for user authentication and device unlocking, according to Apple. Currently, the Apple Watch may be opened with a passcode or by unlocking the associated iPhone.
The patent for an under-display camera outlines a two-stage display technology that incorporates a camera that is only visible from the outside when it is active.
In a patent application from 2021, Apple proposed a drastic makeover of the Apple Watch, with a rounder watch face, wrap-around flexible display, and digitally adjustable watch bands.
Apple has also submitted patents for batteries, speakers, kinetic power generators, haptic feedback devices, and even cameras, all of which might be included into the Apple Watch’s band.
There’s no indication on whether or not these patented features will find their it into a future Apple Watch, but it’s fascinating to see what Apple is working on and contemplating behind the scenes.
Feedback as a guide
Have a question regarding the upcoming Apple Watch Series 8, spotted a feature we missed, or want to share your thoughts on our guide?