Apple Watch 7 vs Apple Watch 8: Is it worth the upgrade? (2024)

In 2022, Apple released the Apple Watch Series 8. So what's changed? What's new? And above all, is it worth upgrading or choosing the series 8 over the Series 7? Where can I buy a Series 7 or Series 8 for the cheapest possible? All your questions answered below.

Apple Watch Series 8: what's new?

Before it was unveiled at the Apple Keynote 2022 last September, we put forward a number of hypotheses as to the new features that could have been installed in the devices: 48 MP for the iPhone 14, M2 chip for the iPads, etc.

For the Apple Watch, on the other hand, it was all noise and rumour. But then the reveal was not only one Apple Watch, not just two Apple Watches, but three new Apple Watches: The Apple Watch SE 2, the Apple Watch Series 8, and the Apple Watch Ultra. However, this article is a focus between the Series 7 and Series 8 to see if the 2022 upgrade really is worth the extra investment or not?

Frankly, the Apple Watch Series 8 functions are nothing drastically different from the Apple Watch Series 7:

  • the same LTPO OLED Retina screen with an Always-On Display of up to 1000 nits, but in a 41 or 45 mm case. Ion-X glass with aluminium cases or crystal sapphire glass with stainless steel cases.

  • GPS, of course, for your whereabouts and tracking.

  • A 64-bit dual-core S8 chip.

And the rest is the same.

New features include accident detection, temperature measurement and Bluetooth 5.3.

Car accident detection is added to the fall detection, which is already available on other models.

For women, the temperature sensor can be used to predict the date of ovulation to help monitor your period.

What about the Apple Watch Ultra?

Before we talk about the Apple Watch Series 7, we can't forget to mention the first Apple Watch Ultra. It's THE watch for athletes, with a larger 49mm case, an Action button and straps designed for all types of sport.

Apple Watch 7 vs Apple Watch 8: Is it worth the upgrade? (2024)

FAQs

Apple Watch 7 vs Apple Watch 8: Is it worth the upgrade? ›

Frankly, the Apple Watch Series 8 functions are nothing drastically different from the Apple Watch Series 7: the same LTPO OLED Retina screen with an Always-On Display of up to 1000 nits, but in a 41 or 45 mm case. Ion-X glass with aluminium cases or crystal sapphire glass with stainless steel cases.

Is it worth upgrading from Apple Watch Series 7 to 8? ›

Frankly, the Apple Watch Series 8 functions are nothing drastically different from the Apple Watch Series 7: the same LTPO OLED Retina screen with an Always-On Display of up to 1000 nits, but in a 41 or 45 mm case. Ion-X glass with aluminium cases or crystal sapphire glass with stainless steel cases.

Is it worth upgrading from Apple Watch 7 to 9? ›

The bottom line: The Series 7 still has a lot going for it, so most people can hold off on upgrading. The biggest changes you'll get with the Series 9 are Double Tap, temperature sensing and car crash detection, and those features aren't enough to justify an upgrade for most people.

What is the major difference between Apple Watch 7 and 8? ›

While both models have fall detection, emergency SOS, blood oxygen sensors and gyroscope, the Series 8 offers a set of tracking upgrades that assist with wellness and safety. Apple announced two new temperature sensors available on Series 8; one is located close to the skin, and the other is within the display.

Is Apple Watch Series 8 more accurate? ›

GPS And Heart Rate Accuracy

The past few versions of the Apple Watch have all impressed me with the accuracy of the GPS and heart rate tracking, and that remains the case with the Series 8.

Should I shower with Apple Watch Series 8? ›

Is my Apple Watch waterproof? Your Apple Watch is water resistant, but not waterproof. For example, you can wear and use your Apple Watch during activities such as exercise (exposure to sweat is OK), walking in rain, and washing your hands.

Is the Apple Watch 8 worth it in 2024? ›

Even though it's since been superseded by the newer Apple Watch Series 9, the Series 8 is still a great wearable in 2024 that's worth considering if you don't fancy spending the full whack that Apple charges for its latest smartwatches.

Which is the best Apple Watch Series 8 or 9? ›

The main differences between the Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9 include the Series 9's enhanced Siri capabilities for processing requests directly on the device, double the storage at 64GB, and a new double-tap gesture for easier control.

Is Apple Watch 7 obsolete? ›

Although the Apple Watch Series 7 and SE (1st generation) are discontinued, they're still supported. This means they'll keep receiving new versions of watchOS for at least a couple more years. The exception to this is the Apple Watch Series 3.

How many years will Apple Watch 7 last? ›

So how long does an Apple Watch last and are Apple Watches worth buying? There will always be exceptions, but on balance, based on the experience of our own reviewers and the comments we've seen from users online, I would say that an Apple Watch provide five to six years of good performance.

Is it worth getting an Apple Watch 9? ›

“The Apple Watch Series 9's 24/7 comfort, extensive features, fast performance, and seamless integration with the iPhone make it a must-buy.”

What are the improvements of the Apple Watch Series 8? ›

The watch has the long-rumored skin temperature sensor and long-awaited low power mode, which can extend the latest Apple Watch's battery life to 36 hours. The Apple Watch 8 also has a new crash detection feature, leveraging improved motion sensors for instant help when you might need it most.

Are the series 7 and 8 the same? ›

Arguably, the three biggest differences between the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8 are crash detection, body temperature monitoring, and Bluetooth 5.3.

Should I upgrade to Apple Watch 8 Ultra? ›

To be clear, you don't have to be an extreme athlete to appreciate the Apple Watch Ultra. The extra battery life, bigger display for better viewing of images and text, more durable design, and upgraded GPS will appeal to many of you who rely on your Apple Watch for valuable functions every day.

Is Apple Watch 8 that much better than 6? ›

Apple Watch Series 8 vs Watch Series 6 in a nutshell: The Watch Series 8 has a 20% bigger screen and thinner bezels. New gyroscope with Crash Detection on Watch Series 8. Temperature sensor for ovulation reporting on Watch Series 8.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 6007

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.