Three New Apple Watches: Which One is Right for You?

It’s that time again–the newest Apple Watches are out! Introducing the Apple Watch Series 8, newly improved Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra. All offer innovative features that make your smart watch even smarter. So the question is, should you upgrade?

First, let’s note the major updates to the new Apple Watch Series 8 from previous models (Apple Watch Series 7).

1. Temperature Sensor

   1. Apple introduces wrist temperature tracking for women’s health, through its two-sensor design. At night, the Series 8 takes your temperature every five seconds, measuring changes as small as 0.1C. You can access your temperature readings in the health app.

   2. In addition, the temperature sensors can help yield retrospective ovulation estimates. This allows for improved period predictions as well as helpful information for family planning. And like all your other Health data, Apple ensures your privacy is protected.

2. Crash Detection

   1. The Series 8 uses “an advanced sensor-fusion algorithm” which was created from professional crash test lab data simulations. Crash Detection uses the motion data, barometer, GPS, and iPhone microphone to pick up on specific indicators that a car crash has taken place.

   2. If a severe car crash is detected, your Apple Watch will check in and dial emergency services if there is no response from you after 10 seconds. Your watch will send its location to emergency responders and your emergency contacts, getting you the help you need as quickly as possible.

3. Low Power Mode

   1. You can now extend your Series 8 battery life to reach up to 36 hours with an iPhone present. Note that when Low Power Mode is activated, features such as heart health notifications and temperature tracking are disabled.

4. New Health Features

   1. Take an ECG: The ECG app allows you to take an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram.

   2. Measure your blood oxygen: The watch’s sensor and corresponding app can provide readings of your blood oxygen, at any time of the day.

When it comes down to it, the Apple Watch Series 8 isn’t all that different from the Series 7. It’s worth the upgrade if you’re interested in the new features such as the Temperature Sensor and ECG app. If not, your best bet is to update your watch software to the new watchOS 9, which provides a ton of new features that will make your watch feel brand new! 

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the new Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) may be a better fit for you. Starting at $249, compared to the $399 starting price of the Apple Watch Series 8, the new SE brings great value for a great price! 

Here are the key differences between the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch SE:

1. The Series 8 is dust resistant.

2. The Series 8 has an “Always-On” Retina display. This type of display dims your screen while still allowing you to see relevant information and notifications, making it very power efficient.

3. The Blood Oxygen and ECG apps are exclusive to the Series 8.

4. The Series 8 has temperature tracking and “cycle tracking with respective ovulation estimates,” as opposed to only cycle tracking capabilities of the SE.

5. The available size options are different for each watch. The Series 8 comes in either 45mm or 41mm, while the SE comes in 44mm or 40mm.

6. The Series 8 has a wider range of color options, with 8 total color ways (including Red and Gold) as opposed to the 3 available color ways for the SE.

Last but not least, we have the Apple Watch Ultra: “the most rugged and capable Apple Watch ever…made for athletes and adventurers of all kinds.” The Ultra starts at $799, and shares many features with the Series 8, such as the Temperature Sensor and ECG reading capability. So, what sets it apart?

1. New Case Design

   Titanium provides durability and corrosion resistance, while the design protects your watch from edge impacts and allows you to use your watch even when wearing gloves.

2. Wayfinder Face

   The Wayfinder watch face provides a time dial that can switch to a compass to help guide you in any situation (even when it’s dark, thanks to Night Mode).

3. Action Button

   This button is unique to the Apple Watch Ultra, and it allows you to customize your experience with ease. Choose an initial function for this button when setting up your device, such as turning your Flashlight on and off or starting your Stopwatch.

4. Battery Life

   The longest battery life of all the Apple Watches, with up to 36 hrs of normal use and up to 60 hrs when low power mode is activated.

5. New GPS System

   The “new precision dual-frequency GPS system that provides amazing accuracy in the most difficult locations” is essential for athletes looking for the most accurate measurements.

6. Size

   The largest of the new Apple Watches, the Ultra is 49mm.

7. Waterproof

   While all three watches discussed in this article are swimproof, the Ultra takes this to a whole new level. It was designed to withstand dives of up to 40 meters, including a built-in dive computer to aid you in your adventures.

8. Siren

   An 86-decibel Siren helps attract attention in emergency situations.

If you’re just starting your smart watch journey, both the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) provide the latest in the smart watch space. If you want to dip your toes in the water, the SE is a great place to start, with many of the same amazing features as the Series 8 for a fraction of the cost. Jumping right in? The Series 8 will not disappoint. And if you’re an athlete or adventurer who will be, quite literally, diving right in, the Ultra is for you.

Whatever you choose, we’re here to help. Drop us a line for all of your Apple Watch customization and software update needs!