Apple Event Recap: Apple Watch Series 8
September 8, 2022Apple announced its new products in the form of iPhone 14, Apple Smartwatch Series 8, and Airpods Pro 2nd Generation. The company unveiled its new product lineups during its online event on its official website.
Apple Watch Series 8
The company started off with the announcement of its new Apple Watch Series 8. The new generation Apple Watch will feature a new bigger screen with a more narrow borders, giving users more real estate for on-screen information.
Apple drops new updates on the health and safety feature of the Apple Watch Series 8. With crash detection being the most notable for safety, and ovulation tracking for health.
The Crash Detection feature automatically connects the user to emergency services and notifies the user’s emergency contacts when it detects a possible crash. This feature takes advantage of the new motion sensors of the Series 8.
It uses the new accelerometer to detect up to 256g force of impact. Moreover, the accelerometer also detects the exact moment of crash by sampling motion at over 3000 times per second. This feature focuses on four main crashes: front impact, side impact, rear impact, and roll over.
On the other hand, Ovulation tracking, as its name suggest, tracks ovulation cycles. This feature is built with the help of scientific research, and is achieved by utilizing the two temperature sensor design on the new Series 8. By tracking the changes in body temperature, the device estimates an ovulation cycle and notifies the user. As Apple is stellar in keeping user’s data private, the company keeps the data gathered through new feature private by using an end-to-end data encryption.
Low Power Mode
The new Apple Watch Series 8 features a Low Power Mode that expands its battery life. It disables unnecessary features, while keeping core features like Activity Tracking and Fall Detection enabled. With Low Power Mode enabled, the new Apple Watch Series 8 is reported to reach up to 36 hours of battery life. Additionally, Apple said that Low Power Mode is available to Series 4 and later running Watch OS 9.
International Roaming Capability
The cellular variant of the Apple Watch Series 8 will feature International Roaming. This enables the Apple Watch Series to stay connected with the user’s cellular network even when travelling abroad. To enable the feature, a user only needs to add the Apple Watch to his/her iPhone roaming plan with little to no cost. According to Apple, by the end of the year the service will be available to over 30 network providers worldwide.
Recycled Materials and Updated Bands
Apple built the Series 8 using recycled materials. The 100% recycled aluminum body of the Series 8 will be available in four colors: Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Product Red. It will also come in three stainless steel finishes: Silver, Gold, and Graphite. Even more, Apple also adds new colors to its popular band styles.
Furthermore, Apple updates its Nike and Hermès bands with new color and designs. The Nike sports band lineup get fresh new colors and will have a new sports loop that has a ‘Just Do It’ text woven into the textile.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Hermès will have two new bands, the H Diagonal and Gourmette Metal. The H Diagonal, as the name suggests, feature perforations that makes the iconic Hermès H logo. While, the Gourmette Metal is designed with a polished silver chain that wraps twice around the wrist, giving it a much bolder look. Apple also mentioned that there’s a new Hermès Lucky Horse watch face, which celebrates the brand’s equestrian roots, available.
Apple Watch Series 8: Price and Availability
New features such as Crash Detection, Ovulation Tracking, and Low Power Mode will be readily available on the new Apple Watch Series 8. These, along with Apple’s previous best-in-class health and safety features, make the new Apple Series 8 a must-have for those who have an active lifestyle and always on the go.
The Apple Watch Series 8 GPS variant will have a price tag of $399, while the Cellular variant will go for $499. Pre-order starts today and units will be available on September 16, 2022. Purchase of any new Apple Watch will get a free 3-month Fitness+ subscription.
