The Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to feature an entirely new design in 2022 after the Series 7 was mistakingly rumored to be receiving a major redesign in 2021.
Apple Watch Series 7 did in fact receive a larger screen, additional strap options, and new functionality — but was widely viewed as an iterative release without a profoundly different form factor and no new health features.
Flatter edges seen in numerous unofficial Series 7 mock-ups in 2021 — that more closely resemble the current iPhone 13 form factor — are now rumored to be coming in 2022 with the release of the Series 8 which is expected to hit the market in late 2022.
There are also rumors that there will be up to three sizes, versus two, and, perhaps most interestingly, there could be an all-new rugged version, which would make sense considering that the Apple Watch is often seen as a health and fitness device. Although, the current models, like the current iPhones, have Gorilla Glass, are water-resistant, and are already considered to be very durable in general.
As far as potential health functions, The Watch Street Journal and others have reported that Apple is developing blood-pressure monitoring, a thermometer, sleep apnea detection, and diabetes detection.
Additional add-ons could be automobile crash detection, which is similar to fall detection, and other safety features that Apple is touting in premium television ad campaigns that use real-life examples of 911 calls where the person involved was wearing an Apple Watch that helped them call for help in emergency situations.
Like the iPhone, the Apple Watch is becoming a device with vast functionality, however, not all is positive for the Apple Watch as Uber recently decided to drop development for Watch OS and instead suggests users hail Ubers via their iPhone.
Sources:
https://www.macrumors.com/guide/apple-watch-series-8/
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/01/10/uber-apple-watch-app-discontinued/
https://bgr.com/tech/apple-watch-series-8-news/
Photo render by Ian Zelbo.
