Apple Watch Series 8

Iterative updates mean you shouldn’t be sprinting to upgrade just yet

The Apple Watch Series 8 is virtually identical to last year’s model, with the same rounded–corner case design with an edge–to–edge Always–On Retina display in 41mm and 45mm case sizes. It’s still dust–resistant to IP6X and water–resistant up to 50m — and offers identical battery life of up to 18 hours. The only aesthetic changes are the new finishes - aluminum Series 8s come in Midnight, Starlight, Silver and (Product)Red, while stainless steel versions come in Silver, Gold and Graphite.

Prices are also unchanged, with the S8 starting at $399 (41mm) and $429 (45mm). Given that the new SE shares many key features wtih the S8, in more wrist-friendly 40 mm or 44mm cases, costing $150 less, you might opt for the value proposition over the S8.

The SE alse features the same new, and frankly game-changing, Crash Detection feature that recognize if you have a car crash and automatically dials emergency services. So what exactly is the justification for spending the extra money over the SE? The Series 8 includes two new temperature sensors, which dare able to record fluctuations in your body temperature (and the things that might affect it, such as illness or alcohol) as you sleep. You also get an upgrade to the Cycle Tracking function, with retrospective ovulation estimates — pretty useful if you're planning a family. As with the Series 7, the Series 8 also includes an Always-On Retina display, an ECG and blood oxygen sensor, all of which the Apple Watch SE lacks.

The Series 8 and SE also have a Low Power Mode, which can extend their battery life by 18 hours to a maximum of 36. They alse benefit from Apple’s S8 chip, the same one used in the Apple Watch Ultra, giving you a degreeof future proofing when iy comes to watchOS updates.

Speaking of which, watchOS 9 introduces new features to help you make the most of the Watch, including a redesigned Compass app, that includes a Backtrack option so you can retrace your steps should you get lost, medication reminders to help keep tabs on any medicines you take, improved sleep tracking and welcome additions to the Workout app.

As with other Apple Watch models, the Series 8 offers a wide range of customization options - from straps and bands to highly configurable Watch faces, including Astronomy, which gives you a real-time view of your location on planet Earth.

The Series 8 remains the best Apple Watch for most of us, but lacks a killer feature this time around. If you own a Series 6 or Series 7, there's little real reason to upgrade; owners of older Apple Watch models may prefer to consider the Series 8's siblings instead.

Features: 41mm/45mm case size, Apple S8 processor, Always–On Retina display, IP6X, water– resistant to 50m, up to 18 hours battery life, GPS, cellular optional

Price: From $399 (Aluminum Case); From $699 (Stainless Steel Case)