Four features we expect to see on Apple Watch Series 8

In less than six months, Apple will announce the upcoming Apple Watch Series 8. Rumors so far are a bit sparse, but there are some features very likely to be available with this new generation of smartwatches. Read on as we round up four of them that we expect to see on the Apple Watch Series 8.

Same screen sizes as the previous models

Apple has been pretty consistent in changing the screen size of the Apple Watch. The original Apple Watch until Series 3 had 38mm and 42mm options, Series 4 to Series 6, 40mm and 44mm, and starting now with Series 7, 41mm and 45mm.

For the Apple Watch Series 8, we expect Apple to maintain the same screen sizes as the Apple Watch Series 7. After analysts and leakers wrongly predicted the new design of Series 7, I don’t think anyone would say Apple will radically change how the upcoming Apple Watch Series 8 will look like.

At least a new sensor is coming to the Apple Watch Series 8

As of now, Bloomberg, the Wall Street Journal, and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted Apple Watch Series 8 will finally bring a new sensor. Both publications and the analyst say a body temperature sensor is in the works.

WSJ: “A planned use for the sensor in 2022 would be for fertility planning, the people said, giving women clues about where they are in their ovulation cycle.”

By the beginning of 2022, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said “body temperature was on this year’s roadmap, but chatter about it has slowed down recently.” While it doesn’t mean that Apple scrapped its plans to bring this new sensor, we still have to wait for new reports to make sure this feature will actually be released.

Better processor

After not updating the processor for Series 7, it seems like Apple is readying a new S8 SoC for the Apple Watch Series 8 bringing “major updates to activity tracking” with “faster chips across the board,” according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman.

I think this year will be the biggest in the history of the Apple Watch since the original model. I’m looking for three new models this fall: an Apple Watch Series 8, an Apple Watch SE and an Apple Watch geared toward extreme sports. I wouldn’t expect any major new health sensors this year, besides the possible inclusion of the oft-discussed body temperature feature. Keep an eye out for significant updates in activity tracking and faster chips all around. Also, the Apple Watch Series 3 may finally be retired.

Better sleep-tracking tech

After years of waiting, Apple finally brought a built-in solution for those who like to track their sleep. The stock app doesn’t have the same quality as other options.

With that in mind, the Wall Street Journal says the Apple Watch Series 8 could have new sleep tracking features, including the ability to detect advanced sleep patterns and sleep apnea. According to the publication, Apple’s biggest challenge in expanding its sleep tracking capabilities is battery life.

Wrap-up

So far, these are some of the features users can really look forward to in the new Apple Watch Series 8. Of course, we’ll have a better look at upcoming functions with the preview of watchOS 9 in June, during WWDC 2022.

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Related:

• watchOS 9: Here’s what we know so far about new features, supported devices, and more
• Kuo: Apple Watch Series 3 could finally be discontinued this year