The Apple Watch Series 8 could be just a few months away from debuting at the next Apple event, which is expected to take place in September.
But what if you want to buy an Apple Watch beforehand? Right now, the Apple Watch Series 7 is the best smartwatch you can buy. However, if it’s due for a replacement any time soon, you might be wondering whether it’s worth buying one now or waiting for the Apple Watch Series 8. Buyer’s remorse is a real thing, after all.
We’ve seen the best Apple Watch deals drop the price of the Apple Watch 7 significantly this summer, making it an enticing buy – and with good reason. The current Apple Watch is the best Apple Watch ever, thanks to a larger display and faster charging, among other small upgrades.
However, there could be some key differences between the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Series 7 that would make the wait worthwhile. Thanks to the Apple Watch 8 rumors we’ve heard so far, and what we know about the Apple Watch after all these years, we can give you an idea of which move is better for you: onto the Apple Watch Series 8 wait or buy the Apple Watch Series 7 now.
Apple Watch Series 8: Rumored new features
We’ve heard a handful of Apple Watch 8 rumors telling us that some changes could be planned for this year. Here are the top things we think you should know if you’re wondering whether to wait or buy.
Skin Temperature Reader: While the Apple Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch 6 didn’t introduce a new health sensor, the Apple Watch 8’s rumored body temperature sensor could bring new wellness tracking abilities to Apple’s next smartwatch. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggested this Temperature sensor could be used to inform selected features like fertility, although we’ve seen it used for sleep tracking metrics on other wearables. Finally, your skin temperature could be used to tell you when you might be getting sick by detecting a change in typical readings.
Power saving mode: As it turns out, a surprise watchOS 9 upgrade could be the best thing about the Apple Watch 8. Another report from Mark Gurman states that Apple is working on a power saving mode for the Apple Watch that could potentially extend battery life beyond the 18 hours we’ve come to expect. Chipset improvements or small changes to the display, GPS, or even the battery cell itself could help make this rumored power saving mode possible for the Apple Watch Series 8. We envision it working in a similar way to how battery saver works for the iPhone – fewer notifications and less demanding screen settings.
Flat-edged redesign: Rumors of a flat-edged Apple Watch started before the Apple Watch Series 7, and while we’re not optimistic they’ll materialize, tipster Jon Prosser has shared renders of a redesigned Apple Watch Series 8. The drastic change would make the next Apple take a closer look at the design of the iPhone. (That’s something the Apple Watch could borrow from the iPhone, since the iOS 16 lock screen appears to be watch face-inspired.) So there’s a chance the Apple Watch 8 might not look like an Apple Watch before it, although we’re like would say it’s a relatively small chance.
What about the Apple Watch 8 Pro?
We still have to mention the Apple Watch 8 Pro or the rumored rugged Apple Watch. Mark Gurman was also the source for Apple Watch 8 Pro tips and said we’ll be seeing an extreme sports smartwatch from Apple this year alongside the Apple Watch 8 (and Apple Watch SE 2).
Compared to the standard Apple Watch 8, the 8 Pro might feature premium or ultra-durable materials suitable for outdoor adventures. They would try to complement the largest Apple Watch display yet with several tips for a 2-inch screen.
It could also achieve battery life better on par with the best GPS watches or the best Garmin watches. Because the last thing you need on a road trip is a smartwatch that can’t keep up.
Those increased specs will reportedly come with a hefty price tag. Rumor has it that the Apple Watch 8 Pro could cost $1,000 – possibly the same as the iPhone 14 Pro.
Buy Apple Watch 7 or wait for Apple Watch 8?
If you want a new smartwatch right now, get the Apple Watch Series 7. It’s a great device that’s built to last for years thanks to software updates. In the fall, it will be eligible for watchOS 9 or the same software that ships on the Apple Watch Series 8. Plus, get a great piece of tech for less with the current discounts.
However, if you’re the type who likes to own the latest and greatest, it might be best to wait for what the Apple Watch Series 8 has to offer. Rumors of a new sensor, improved battery life, and refreshed design could be true. And if they’re sounding like you’d expect from a smartwatch, it might pay off to be patient.
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