Four features we expect to see on Apple Watch Series 8
José Adorno
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 dont 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.
block quote
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.
block quote end
By the beginning of 2022, Bloombergs Mark Gurman said body temperature was
on this years roadmap, but chatter about it has slowed down recently.
While it doesnt 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
Bloombergs Mark Gurman.
block quote
I think this year will be the biggest in the history of the Apple Watch
since the original model. Im 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 wouldnt expect any major new health sensors this year,
besides the possible inclusion of the oft-discussed body temperature
feature. But look out for major updates to activity tracking and faster
chips across the board.
Also, the Apple Watch Series 3 may finally be retired.
block quote end
Better sleep-tracking tech
After years of waiting, Apple finally brought a built-in solution for those
who like to track their sleep. Unfortunately, the stock app isnt as good as
third-party 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. The publication says that one
challenge for Apple in terms of expanding sleep tracking capabilities,
however, 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, well have a better look at
upcoming functions with the preview of watchOS 9 in June, during WWDC 2022.
watchOS 9: Heres what we know so far about new features, supported devices,
and more
José Adorno
Now that WWDC 2022 has officially been announced, were gearing up for the
release of watchOS 9. This will mark the next major release of Apples
software platform for the Apple Watch. Head below as we recap all of the
latest rumors and expectations for watchOS 9 this year, including new
features, release info, and more.
When will watchOS 9 be announced?
watchOS 9 will likely be announced on June 6, during WWDC 2022s keynote.
The event will be online, although some students and developers will be able
to attend the keynote in person at Apple Park.
Following the announcement, Apple will test the operating system for a few
months until its released for all users around September, as the company
has done over the past years.
watchOS 9 supported devices
One of the biggest questions people have every year is whether or not Apple
will drop support for any older Apple Watch model. With last years release
of watchOS 8, Apple maintained compatibility with all of the devices that
were supported by watchOS 7, although limiting many functions.
As rumors point out that Apple could finally ditch the Apple Watch Series 3
from its lineup, its most likely that watchOS 9 could be the last update
for the 2017 smartwatch. The reason why Apple could keep it going for
another year is its affordable price and compatibility with Apple Fitness+.
Heres the list of devices that should support watchOS 9:
Apple Watch Series 7
Apple Watch Series 6
Apple Watch SE
Apple Watch Series 5
Apple Watch Series 4
Apple Watch Series 3
New features in watchOS 9
Although little is known about watchOS 9, Bloombergs Mark Gurman gives a
few tidbits about what to expect from this years watchOS thanks to rumors
about Apple Watch Series 8. Here are some of the features that we should
expect with the next operating system for the Apple Watch, as posted in his
Power On newsletter:
Afib burden detection, or the ability to monitor how often a user is in a
state of atrial fibrillation over a particular period;
A low-power mode that works with apps and features, expanding upon the
Power Reserve toggle;
Satellite connectivity for sending short text messages and SOS alerts to
emergency services when away from cellular connectivity;
New sleep tracking feature;
New womens health and medication tracking features within the Health app;
New workouts;
New and revamped watch faces.
9to5Macs Take
We expect more details on watchOS 9 to emerge as we approach WWDC 2022
kicking off on June 6. In the meantime, however, it looks like watchOS 9
could be an interesting upgrade, with Apple focusing on the bigger screens
with better fitness tracking.
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