Apple Watch Series 8: specs, price, availability

Q: What are the features of the Apple Watch Series 8?

Improved autonomy: The main defect of all previous models has finally been corrected. The Apple Watch Series 8 will finally display a correct autonomy allowing to go back through the charging box only after 36 hours. A real leap even if the Apple watch does not yet catch up with its competitors in this field. Lire la suite

Among Apple's flagship products, the Apple Watch still holds a prominent place. And for this new generation, Apple is thinking big with an Ultra reinforced model, designed for extreme sports and a updated Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 8.

It's not one, but three new Apple Watches that Tim Cook, Apple's boss, unveiled during his back-to-school keynote, in September live from Apple Park. Like every year, the firm renews its range of connected watches and takes the opportunity to multiply the functionalities. For this edition, it is the eighth generation that is revealed, available in three versions. The Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE and the new addition to the family, Apple Watch Ultra. But do these new watches mean a new design? Not entirely. The Apple Watch Series 8 and SE 2 adopt a design that is identical to previous generations, however the Apple Watch Ultra is all new!

What are the features of the Apple Watch Series 8?

Improved autonomy: The main defect of all previous models has finally been corrected. The Apple Watch Series 8 will finally display a correct autonomy allowing to go back through the charging box only after 36 hours. A real leap even if the Apple watch does not yet catch up with its competitors in this field. A gain obtained by WatchOS 9 which adds an energy saving mode. With it, the essential functions are maintained (detection of falls, or monitoring of sports activities, etc.). On the other hand, more anecdotal functions will be deactivated such as the Always On Display mode which keeps the display of the time and complications on the screen in standby.

Embedded thermometer: This function was at the top of the rumors circulating about the new Watch before its announcement. Apple has thus integrated body temperature sensors into the case. But beware, they are intended primarily for women to monitor their ovulation cycles. One is placed at the base of the case, the other under the screen. They analyze the temperature every 5 seconds (with an accuracy of 1°C). But they do not deliver the temperature in real time. The information collected is of course encrypted on the device and on iCloud.

Car Crash Detector: Previous Apple Watches are already capable of detecting accidental drops. In such cases, they make it possible to call for help or an emergency contact with a single press of the button. The 8 Series now brings car crash detection based on the same principle. The watch thus embeds an improved accelerometer which, supported by the movement sensors and the microphones of the device, makes it possible to detect accidents, to alert the emergency services and to send your position.

What are the features of the Apple Watch SE 2?

The most accessible Apple Watch in the Apple catalog is slowly evolving. On the program, new colors but also a new chip that makes it 20% faster than the previous version. Its screen is 30% larger than that of the Apple Watch Series 3. If this SE 2022 version also includes road accident detection, it ignores the Always on display.

What are the features of Apple Watch Series 8 Ultra?

An adventurer design Designed primarily for extreme sports enthusiasts and sports enthusiasts, the Apple Watch Ultra departs seriously from its little sisters. Its design is more massive. The shape remains rectangular but adopts a 49 mm titanium case and a flat sapphire crystal glass (and not curved like on other Apple Watches). On the edge, there is a large action button and the Digital crown, the size of which has been increased in order to be easier to use.

Substantial autonomy: The Apple Watch Ultra boasts an autonomy of 36 hours which increases to 60 hours with the energy saving mode. So much the better for extreme athletes who don't always have an electrical outlet nearby to charge their watch.

A brighter screen: Since it can be used in extreme conditions (in scuba diving for example), the Apple Watch Ultra adopts a brighter screen to remain readable in all circumstances. It thus climbs to a brightness of 2,000 nits, double that of previous Apple Watch models. In addition, it has a function to switch it to night mode. The display then changes to red on a black background.

A boosted GPS: To be able to locate you anywhere in the world, the watch uses two GPS signals (L1 and L5). This also allows it to obtain a more precise localization in an urban environment.

Ready for adventure: The Apple Watch ultra supports strong temperature variations: from -20°C to + 55°C. It is also ready to dive in depths (- 40 m) and therefore benefits from compliance with the international standard EN13319 which certifies diving accessories, in particular depth gauges used by recreational divers. An app called Oceanic+, dedicated to scuba diving, will also be delivered with the watch.