The Apple Watch Series 8 (NASDAQ:AAPL) will be available in shops on September 16 and will have a variety of changes such as additional temperature sensors, the ability to notify emergency services if you’ve been in a vehicle accident, and software improvements such as increased exercise tracking. The Apple Watch Series 8 is available at $399 for a 41mm casing and $429 for a 45mm casing, proving why Apple’s smartwatch is the finest on the market.

However, suppose you already own an Apple Watch Series 7. In that case, there’s not much need to upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 8 unless you need the temperature sensor and crash detection capabilities. Otherwise, the characteristics are similar to those of last year’s model.

Suppose you have a Series 6 or older watch. In that case, you should consider upgrading to the Series 8 since it has better performance and a bigger display than those previous watches.

The Apple Watch Series 8 Can, Sort Of, Measure Your Temperature.

The Apple Watch Series 8 includes a pair of temperature sensors that may be used to track ovulation. Apple claims to accomplish so by monitoring the biphasic change that happens when a woman ovulates. However, it is vital to note that the function does not provide predictive ovulation and fertility advice but rather provides a look at prior ovulation trends.

The temperature sensors softly measure the wearer’s temperature in the background as she sleeps. The sensors, one under the watch and one on top, are supposed to offer a baseline temperature that can then be compared to any variations to obtain a sense of the person’s ovulation history.

The capability complements Apple’s previously revealed cycle-tracking features. This service allows users to enter the date of their last period and may then offer an estimate of when their next cycle will be.

Importantly, in the aftermath of Roe v. Wade, Apple claims that cycle tracking, like other health features, is encrypted on the device and only accessible via a passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID, and that any health data stored in iCloud is end-to-end encrypted so that no one can access it without your permission.

Of course, the sensor may also give you a sense of your overall health, such as whether you’re sick, by detecting any changes from your typical temperature.

Safety First

The Series 8’s crash detection capabilities are the second important update. The Apple Watch can identify when the wearer is in a vehicle accident thanks to an improved accelerometer and gyroscope, as well as the watch’s microphone and barometer.

Apple’s watch can detect a head-on, rear-end, side-impact, or rollover crash. If Series 8 decides that you were engaged in an accident, it will send you an alert inquiring if you were in a collision. If you do not react, it will notify emergency services and contact your emergency contacts.

Fortunately, I haven’t been able to test crash detection, and I hope I never will. However, suppose you want the functionality but don’t want to spend the money on the Series 8. In that case, it’s also available on the $249 Apple Watch SE and the full iPhone 14 series.

In addition to crash detection, the Apple Watch has fall detection, emergency SOS, and worldwide emergency dialing for cellular versions. Apple is presenting the Apple Watch and iPhone as safety essential, as my colleague, Allie Garfinkle, pointed out.

I can understand the attraction. Parents of novice drivers and persons with elderly relatives may be certain that they will be notified of an accident. Last year, my family bought my father an Apple Watch Series 7 with fall detection after he suffered a very hazardous fall.

Working Out, Finding Your Way, and Messaging With WatchOS 9

The Apple Watch Series 8 receives various upgrades, including temperature sensors and automobile collision detection, thanks to Apple’s WatchOS 9 software. However, don’t anticipate a complete makeover of WatchOS. This is more of an evolutionary process than a revolution.

The most notable additions to WatchOS 9 include:

• An upgraded Compass app.
• A new Medication Reminder app.
• A bevy of Workout app updates.

You can now add waypoints to the Apple Watch using the Compass app. So, if you’re out hiking and come upon a location you wish to revisit later, you can create a waypoint and store it for later. Then, by inputting their coordinates, you can manually enter particular waypoints into the watch to establish them as your destination.

Meanwhile, Backtrack mode allows you to build a digital breadcrumb trail using your watch’s GPS signal. I tried it out by walking to a neighboring park and back; it was spot on, even down to the side of the street I was on. According to Apple, the function will be triggered automatically if you are in a region without cell coverage that you have never visited before.

The Medication Reminders app is helpful if, like me, you forget whether you took your medications in the morning or at night.

You may enter your prescription into the Apple Health app and set up customized reminders to remind you when it’s time to take it. So far, it’s been immensely helpful in ensuring that I don’t forget my medicine or take too many dosages.

Then there’s the Workout app, which includes more detailed information for monitoring anything from your runs and yoga sessions to your swims. Apple will issue an update later this year that will preserve your best previous run and allow you to compete against your former self. In addition, a new track identification feature may detect whether you’re at a track using Apple Maps and prepare for a workout.

Should You Get It?

The Apple Watch Series 8 is a great smartwatch, as was the Series 7. If you have a Series 7, though, it’s challenging to advocate upgrading. For example, the temperature sensor is an excellent addition to auto collision detection. However, many watchOS 9 upgrades, such as better workouts and the Compass app, will be accessible on the Series 7.

If you have an earlier Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a compelling reason to upgrade to a new wristwatch. It’s 41mm, and 45mm screens are bigger than the Series 6. Previous watches’ 40mm and 44mm displays, respectively, and its CPU can easily keep up with your frequent swiping.

Featured Image: Megapixl @ Prykhodov