Apple Watch Series 8 could bring ‘major’ activity tracking upgrades

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Do you know how Apple Watch counts your swim strokes?
But no new health sensors.
Photo: Graham Bower/Cult of Mac

This year will be “the biggest in the history of Apple Watch since the original model,” according to a new report. Apple Watch Series 8 is expected to come in three new versions that will bring “major updates to activity tracking.”

Apple could also (finally!) retire Apple Watch Series 3, which has looked painfully outdated for some time now, later this year.

Apple Watch Series 8 could be the best yet

Last year’s Apple Watch refresh was met with disappointment from many Apple fans who felt that a slightly larger screen and faster charging didn’t make for much of an upgrade over Apple Watch Series 6.

Apple wasn’t helped by the fact that, up until Apple Watch Series 7 made its debut last September, rumors surrounding a significant refresh with a brand-new design were spreading like wildfire. That’s not what we ended up with.

It’s still not clear if production complications scuppered those plans. But according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who has proven reliable in the past, we can expect a much more significant upgrade this year.

“I think this year will be the biggest in the history of the Apple Watch since the original model,” Gurman wrote in his latest Power On newsletter. “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.”

‘Major updates to activity tracking’

Although no “major new health sensors” — apart from the rumored body temperature monitor that could appear — are expected this year, Gurman said we can look forward to “major updates to activity tracking.”

They will be combined with “faster chips across the board.” However, Gurman makes no mention of any potential design changes — such as the boxier form factor that many Apple Watch fans hoped for last year.

Finally, Gurman said Apple Watch Series 3, which has long been criticized for its shortcomings in storage and performance, will finally be retired this fall.

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