TechSmartwatchesWaiting for the Apple Watch 9? You should probably just buy the Series 8Multiple reports say that this year’s Apple Watch innovation is happening in software, not hardwareWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechSmartwatchesWaiting for the Apple Watch 9? You should probably just buy the Series 8Multiple reports say that this year’s Apple Watch innovation is happening in software, not hardwareWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Multiple reports say that this year’s Apple Watch innovation is happening in software, not hardware
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Thebest smartwatchAppleusers can buy today is theApple Watch Series 8. And in October, the best smartwatch Apple users can buy will still probably be the Series 8. That’s because while a newApple Watchmodel is almost guaranteed for a late 2023 launch, it’s not going to be a considerable upgrade. This year, Apple Watch innovation is happening in the software.
That’s according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, whowritesin his latest newsletter that “hardware changes are expected to be minimal”. However, he also says that the watchOS 10 upgrade – which, of course, will be backwards compatible with the Series 8 –willbe a big deal.
Why buy the Apple Watch Series 8 instead of waiting for the Series 9?
Because it’s a really nice watch. In our review, we gave it four stars: unless you need the power (or posing power) of theApple Watch Ultra, it’s the onlyApple Watchyou need.
The only real reason to hang on is to get it cheaper. Right now, in the UK, the Series 8 is £419, but theApple Watch Series 7I wear every day is available for £339 refurbished from Apple.com, less from third parties and for £309 brand new from retailers such as Argos. You can expect exactly the same to happen to Apple Watch Series 8 prices when the Series 9 ships. And inevitably, there will be deals on the Apple Watch 8 in the coming months.
So what software updates can we expect? Gurman’s information is sketchy, but he says that it will be a “major” update with an updated interface and some of the biggest changes we’ve seen in years. We’ll find out much more in June at WWDC 2023, but the key detail here is the price: zero. Provided your Apple Watch is compatible – watchOS 9 works with Apple Watches going back to theSeries 4, so there’s no danger of watchOS 10 not running on the Series 7 or Series 8 – you can get the latest, greatest update for free as soon as it’s available.
The Apple Watch isn’t like theiPhone: when theiPhone 15drops, I’ll be trading in my trusty iPhone 14 Pro for a new Pro because I know it’ll be a significant upgrade, especially in the camera department. But I don’t feel the same need to replace my Apple Watch Series 7: I’ll probably move up to the 8 later this year because my well-used 7 has more scratches than an 80s hip-hop record, but that’s for cosmetic reasons rather than because of any must-have hardware.
Today’s best Apple Watch Series 8 deals518 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$193.65View$210.84View$215View$234.03View$749.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch Series 8 deals518 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$193.65View$210.84View$215View$234.03View$749.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch Series 8 deals
518 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
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☆☆☆☆☆
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$193.65View
$193.65View
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$210.84View
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$215
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$234.03View
$234.03View
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