Apple announced the upgrade to the Series 7 smartwatch in the Watch Series 8, which sits below the Watch Ultra. Here are our first impressions.
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(Pocket-lint) – The Apple Watch Series 8 was announced alongside the next generation of the Watch SE and the rugged Apple Watch Ultra. With the Ultra model stealing the limelight for being the new and shiny toy, the Series 8 sat humbly in the background.
Offering a similar design to its predecessor, along with the same chipset, the Apple Watch Series 8 has played it safe this year, like the iPhone 14 has compared to the iPhone 14 Pro.
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But does that mean it’s a model to skip over? Or is the Apple Watch Series 8 a great upgrade for those on older Apple Watch models, and the perfect start for those looking to take the leap into Apple’s smartwatch ecosystem? Here are our first impressions.
Our quick take
While the Apple Watch Series 8 doesn’t offer huge change compared to the Watch Series 7, there’s still a lot to be said for this smartwatch. If you’re considering upgrading from the Series 7, then no, it’s possibly not worth it this time around unless you really want that body temperature sensor, international roaming or car crash detection.
For anyone looking to take the Apple Watch leap though, or looking to upgrade from an older model, the Series 8 offers plenty. It’s got a great design, heaps of sensors, more features than you’ll probably know what to do with and while its battery life won’t be the best on the smartwatch market, fast charging makes charging it daily a little less painful.
We will need to test the Apple Watch Series 8 out properly before we pass final judgement, but from what we’ve seen so far, it’s a solid upgrade for those with a Series 6 or older, and a great starting place for those new to the Apple Watch world who have decided the Watch SE isn’t enough.
Apple Watch Series 8
For
Familiar design
Lovely display
Some new features
Good updates with watchOS 9
Against
No huge changes
Action button from Ultra would have been nice
squirrel_widget_12855336 Familiar design
41mm or 45mm options
Aluminium or stainless steel options
IP6X rated
Nike, Hermès options
You’d be forgiven for mistaking the Apple Watch Series 8 for the Apple Watch Series 7. While the Watch Ultra is clearly distinguishable from its siblings, the Watch Series 8 adopts an identical design to its predecessors.
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If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it right? The Apple Watch design has been pretty much the same since the first model launched in 2015. There’s a rectangular face with rounded corners and curved edges, offering a soft and approachable design with no harsh angles. Would we have liked to see flat edges like the rest of Apple’s most recent products? Sure, but mainly for a little change.
The Apple Watch design works well as it is so it’s no huge surprise it has not changed again. Like the Series 7, the Series 8 was comfortable when we put it on our wrist, and lightweight enough that it doesn’t cause too much distraction.
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The aluminium models are lighter than the stainless steel models, as you might expect, but the stainless steel models do offer a more premium appeal, especially in the case of the Hermès edition.
