Apple Watch Series 8 to bring ‘major updates,’ new rugged Apple Watch expected to launch in fall
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has said he expects this year to be “the biggest in the history of the Apple Watch,” reporting in the latest edition of his weekly “Power On” newsletter that Apple’s upcoming Apple Watch Series 8 will bring major updates to activity tracking, the Apple Watch Series 3 may finally be discontinued and Apple’s rumored rugged Apple Watch may finally be unveiled.
Starting with the Apple Watch Series 8, Gurman says he doesn’t expect the wearable to feature major new health sensors this year, besides the possible inclusion of body temperature monitoring however, he does expected the device to include major updates surrounding activity tracking, as well as a faster chip.
Touching on Apple’s rumored new “Explorer Edition” Apple Watch, Gurman believes this new wearable may make an appearance this year. The new rugged Apple Watch, dubbed the “Explorer Edition” is said to be targeted towards athletes, hikers and others who would use the device in extreme sporting environments.
Gurman has previously reported that the device will offer extra impact-resistance and protection to appeal to users who want to wear an Apple Watch but fear to do so because of the environments they would wear it in, where it is important the device would be robust and durable enough to withstand daily use, similar to Casio’s G-Shock watches.
I think this year will be the biggest in the history of the Apple Watch since the original model. I’m 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 wouldn’t 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.
Gurman also notes that Apple will likely announce a new, second-generation Apple Watch SE this year. The updated wearable will likely feature small-scale changes, such as an improved chip and battery life. This new device will most likely be Apple’s replacement to the ageing Apple Watch Series 3, which Gurman says may (finally) be discontinued this year.