Let’s compare the Apple Watch Series 8 to the Apple Watch Series 6 to determine which model you should buy. The Apple Watch Series 8 has just been released. Now what’s interesting is the main differences I could think of. There are a few of them, okay, but I will say if you currently own an Apple Watch Series 6, I believe updating is a good choice.
Still, I think you could probably keep your 6 for a bit longer, wait until series 9 comes out, and pick that one right. If I’m being honest, I don’t think the jump from series 6 to 8 is all that significant. I think, for example, that the leap from series 5 to 6 is probably more significant than the jump from series 6 to 8.
| Series 8 | Series 6 |
 |  |
| BUY NOW | BUY NOW |
| PROS | PROS |
| + Beautiful look, premium feel + Smooth performance + Tons of bands available – 1st and 3rd party + Water-resistant + Huge amount of fitness tracking options, plus custom programs (available with watchOS 9) + Sleep stages (available with watchOS 9) | + Always-on-Display is very bright + Feels really fast + Quicker charging |
| CONS | CONS |
| – Temperature sensor is underused – Some may be getting tired with the design – Only pairs and activates with iPhone (sorry, iPad users) | – Sleep Tracking is limited – Blood Oxygen monitoring could be more useful – Battery life isn’t amazing |
Apple Watch Series 8 Vs Series 6: Specs
| Models | Series 8 | Series 6 |
| Camera | No | No |
| Size | 1.61 in | 1.57 in |
| Water Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Features | Crack Resistant, Always-On Display, OLED Retina Display | Ion-X Strengthened Glass, 3D Touch display |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyro, Barometer, Compass, VO2max, Respiratory Rate | Accelerometer, Gyro, Heart rate (2nd gen), Barometer, Compass, SpO2, VO2max |
| Extra Features | Alarm Clock, Stopwatch, Timer, Reminder | Alarm Clock, Stopwatch, Timer, Reminder |
| Scratch Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistant Depth | 50 m | 50 m |
| RAM | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| OS | Watch OS | Watch OS |
| Scratch Resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Resolution | 454 x 380 pixels | 448 x 368 pixels |
| Shape | Rectangle | Square |
Apple Watch Series 8 Vs Series 6: Design & Display
Starting now with the exteriors, the Series 6 came in two different sizes that are different from the Series 8, which is the primary way in which they differ. Since they still use them for the SEO lineup, these were the last 40-millimeter and 44-millimeter casings for these Flagship watches.
However, when I purchased the Apple Watch Series 8, I could get them in 41 millimeters and 45-millimeter sizes. So when you upgrade from a Series 6 to a Series 8, you automatically get a larger watch, but we had that with the Series 7.
I don’t think the displays are that much better, though they are bigger, which is nice, and they take up a little bit less of the bezel around the display, which is cool, but I don’t think it’s that big of a deal, so it won’t be that big of a deal for you if you don’t care about that kind of stuff. So going from the 6 to the 7 also brings about that same big jump in the display.
Apple Watch Series 8 Vs Series 6: Button & Bands
The back is a bit different, so they changed up a bit there, which I’m cool with like I think that’s fine. You still have the classic bands that you can interchange between, so you don’t have to go ahead and buy separate bands or anything like that, and that’s great. Now you see the same button placements, the same type of buttons, and the same built-in microphone.
When it comes to the outsides, there are a lot of similarities, you know for sure, the button placements, the microphone, the band placement, and all that stuff, but with the display, it is a little bit bigger on the series 8. You can buy the same bands on the first Apple watch on this one and they’re still compatible, which is so awesome. So, that’s worth mentioning.
Apple Watch Series 8 Vs Series 6: Internals
The internals of the Apple Watch Series 6 include the S6 chip, the W3 Wireless chip, and the U1 chip, which is better for specific Apple app applications, which is fantastic. This is just one of the essential things that have happened recently.
With the Apple Watch Series 8, we will get a new chipset in the form of the S8 chip, which makes a significant difference. We can only hope that the W3 chip and the U1 chip inside are still present.
So those are some significant benefits for the Apple Watch Series 8 on their own, but for everything I do on an Apple Watch, the Series 4 is still blazingly fast. For everything I’ve ever really wanted to do on my Apple Watch, it gets the job done and is still very fast, and that’s probably one of the larger benefits offered.
When purchasing a watch like the App Watch Series 6, you still get a swift watch with lots of capabilities and a slightly smaller display, but it’s not a big deal.
Apple Watch Series 8 Vs Series 6: Features
They still monitor blood oxygen levels with the same blood oxygen sensor, which is fantastic. On the Series 6, you receive high and low heart rate Rhythm notifications, and you also have the built-in ECG application, which is awesome.
However, the Apple Watch Series 8 has a few more features: fantastic temperature sensing. It’s cool that you can check your temperature with your Apple Watch. You can also get crash detection and maintain fall detection on both, which is also really cool, but that is a feature that you get on the Apple Watch Series 8 over the Apple Watch Series 6 that is cool.
However, the Apple Watch Series 8 has a few more features: fantastic temperature sensing. It’s cool that you can check your temperature with your Apple Watch. You can also get crash detection and maintain fall detection on both, which is also really cool, but that is a feature that you get on the Apple Watch Series 8 over the Apple Watch Series 6 that is cool.
Apple Watch Series 8 Vs Series 6: Durability
Additionally, the Apple Watch Series 8 appears to be dust- and water-resistant, both of which have. This is a significant advantage as it seems that the Series 6 did not have dust resistance, which is acceptable. Right now, I mean there are a few reasons why the Apple Watch series 8 could be a better watch for you, and you’re also getting fast charge time on the device.
Price
Now, if it was me, as I said, you’re still getting a durable watch on both, okay, and you’re still getting a pretty long battery life as well. You’re keeping a less expensive watch on the Series 6, so you can easily pick it up for a much lower price tag, and that is the key differentiating factor in this case.
Conclusion
If you currently own a Series 6, I recommend not upgrading to a Series 8 because, despite the addition of a few cool features, it is not a significant upgrade. It may be worthwhile to upgrade to the Series 8 if you value features like temperature censoring, faster chipsets, crash detection, fall detection, and dust resistance—features aalready present on the Series 6—but otherwise, I don’t think it was a significant upgrade.
Going up to a Series 6 is still more than capable enough for a lot of people out there, but even if you don’t want the 6 and let’s say you still want the 8, you can even buy a series 7. If you’re completely okay with that, I suggest purchasing the Series 7 because I estimate that the Series 6 is approximately 85% of the Series 8. Series 7 is approximately 95% of Series 8.
FAQs
Is Apple Watch Series 8 worth upgrade? ›
Bottom line. This one is easy: If you own an Apple Watch Series 7, Series 6 or even a Series 5, you really don't need the Series 8. Series 7 and 6 users won't notice much of a difference at all, and while Series 5 users might be enticed by things like blood oxygen monitoring, it's still not a life-changing leap.
Is it worth upgrading to the new Apple Watch? ›The bottom line: It's worth hanging onto your Apple Watch SE if it's still in good condition. But if you want deeper health tracking and your SE is starting to feel slow, there's enough that's new in the Series 8 to make it worth considering.
Is Apple Watch Series 6 outdated? ›Apple Watch Series 6 is being discontinued even as the recently launched Apple Watch Series 7 has gone on sale today.
What is the difference between Apple Watch 6 and 8? ›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.
Which Apple Watch is outdated? ›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.
Will Apple Watch 8 have better battery life? ›Review: The Apple Watch Series 8 upgrades workouts, sleep tracking, and women's health. Battery life and the always-on display are better, too.
Is Apple Watch 2022 still worth it? ›Whether it's the Apple Watch to buy will depend on what you want from your smartwatch and the depth and complexity of features you need. However at its level, the Watch SE (2022) offers an excellent combination of value for money and features on offer, making it a smartwatch we would highly recommend.
Which Apple Watch Edition is best? ›The Best Apple Watch
The latest Series 8 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best watch for most Apple users, especially people who menstruate or want to track their fertility. The wrist-based temperature sensing feature tracked my skin temperature dropping steadily as I recovered from Covid-19.
We picked the Apple Watch Series 8 as the best overall for its 36-hour battery life, satellite SOS feature, and robust health tracking, but here's how it compares to other Apple Watches.
Why Apple Watch 6 is discontinued? ›The Apple Watch Series 6 was launched last year and the Series 7 will be the replacement for the older version. Considering that the Series 7 has been launched at a similar price as Series 6, Apple decided to discontinue to the smartwatch. However, the Apple Watch Series 3 that was launched in 2017 is still available.
How long should Apple Watch Series 6 last? ›
Apple Watch is so capable you'll want to wear it all day long. So we made sure we gave it a battery that lasts all day, too. Our goal for battery life is 18 hours after an overnight charge, factoring in things like checking the time, receiving notifications, using apps, and doing a 60-minute workout.
How long will the Apple Watch Series 6 be supported? ›The program covers eligible Apple Watch Series 6 for two years after the first retail sale of the unit.
What is new about the Apple Watch 8? ›Apple Watch Series 8 has an innovative new sensor that tracks your temperature while you sleep, so you can see changes over time. Cycle Tracking uses this data to provide a retrospective estimate of when you likely ovulated, which can be helpful for family planning.
Is it worth upgrading from Apple watch 6 to 7? ›The Apple Watch Series 7's larger display, sturdier design and fresh color options make it a modest but appreciated upgrade from the Series 6. The Series 7's bigger screen is undoubtedly the most dramatic update. Other improvements, including faster charging, feel minor by comparison.
Is Apple Watch 6 worth the extra money? ›The new, faster chip alongside the brighter screen, better battery life and faster charging are worth it. How much you get out of continually tracking your blood oxygen is a matter for individuals to assess over time. Apple has done what it needed to do with the Series 6: improvements not embellishments.
What Apple watches no longer update? ›At WWDC 2022, Apple confirmed that the Apple Watch Series 3 wouldn't support watchOS 9. Ever since then, the writing's been on the wall.
Can Apple Watch last for 10 years? ›While the device might keep working and can still be paired to an iPhone, a lack of updates makes it a security risk. That means the end of life should really be thought of as three to four years, even if the Apple Watch is in perfect condition.
Which Apple Watch last the longest? ›With the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple says that users can expect up to 36 hours of normal use and up to 60 hours with Low Power mode enabled, offering the longest battery life ever in an Apple Watch.
Can I wear my Apple Watch 8 in the shower? ›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.
Will Apple Watch 8 have blood pressure monitor? ›The answer is no. The Apple Watch Series 8 doesn't offer blood pressure monitoring. This feature is available on some Samsung smartwatches but not on the Apple Watch.
Will Apple Watch 8 have blood glucose monitor? ›
Unfortunately, though, the Apple Watch Series 8 does not support blood sugar measurements or monitoring.
How many years should Apple Watch last? ›Yes, up to 7 years or so, like the iPhone it has to be paired with, this is about as long as Apple supports them with updates. They will have diminishing use after that.
Will there be an Apple Watch Series 8 in 2022? ›Yet again, the company announced the “best Apple Watch lineup yet," Series 8, on September 7, 2022, during a pre-recorded event. The same event announced the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE 2, the former of which became available September 23, while the Series 8 and SE 2 arrived on September 16.
How long does Apple Watch last years? ›An Apple Watch will last about three years before its performance noticeably declines and the battery needs to be replaced. At five years, most users will want to upgrade their Apple Watch regardless of whether it still runs.
Which Apple Watch is best for woman? ›Apple Watch SE (40mm GPS+Cellular)
It comes with a cellular option as well, offering the best connectivity. If you want the best-looking watch on a budget, this is it. So the Watch SE remains to be our first choice for the best Apple smartwatches for women.
In most cases, it will come down to the newest Apple Watch 8 vs. Apple Watch SE (2022). We'd recommend getting the Series 8 if you have the $399 (AU$629) to spend for its bigger display. The Apple Watch SE might be a better option for first-time users, though.
What is the newest Apple Watch Series 2022? ›Contents. Announced in September 2022, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the newest iteration of the Apple Watch that originally came out in 2015, and it replaces the prior-generation Apple Watch Series 7.
What is the most popular Apple Watch face? ›Best Overall: California Apple Watch Face
It's been a hit since it was released on watchOS 6 and is available on Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 4 and after. With colors ranging from a simple ceramic to a soothing abyss blue, pretty much anyone using this watch face can find a combination they like.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 7 is a minor upgrade over the Apple Watch Series 6, offering larger displays and casing sizes, new color options, improved durability, the S7 chip, and faster charging.
Will Apple Watch 7 be discontinued? ›The Series 7 has now been discontinued by Apple, though, so supplies will be limited and you won't have long to snag an Apple Watch deal before they become much harder to find.
What is special about the Apple Watch 6? ›
The most notable changes to the Apple Watch Series 6 include blood oxygen tracking, a faster processor, and a new 2.5x brighter always-on display. New colors include PRODUCT(RED), blue, and graphite. Apple's new Apple Watch band called the Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop also debuted alongside the Apple Watch 6.
What changed from Apple Watch 6 to 7? ›Apple Watch Series 7 provides all-day 18-hour battery life on a single charge, and 33 percent faster charging compared with Apple Watch Series 6, through a new charging architecture and Magnetic Fast Charger USB-C Cable.
Can I replace Apple Watch battery? ›Battery service
We can service the battery in your Apple Watch for a fee. Our warranty doesn't cover batteries that wear down from normal use. Your product is eligible for battery service at no additional cost if you have AppleCare+ and your product's battery holds less than 80% of its original capacity.
If your battery is running out faster than it should, it's possible that there's something wrong with how your watch and phone are paired. You can resolve a lot of issues by un-pairing your watch and then re-pairing it as a new watch, which should wipe out any of the corruption that caused the battery glitch.
How much does it cost to replace Apple Watch battery? ›If you're going to replace the battery on your Apple Watch Series 8, which can be any of the models, you're looking at $79 for a battery replacement. Thankfully, replacing the battery on the Apple Watch Ultra doesn't cost too much more coming in at $99.
Will Apple Watch 6 automatically call 911? ›If your Apple Watch detects that you're moving, it waits for you to respond to the alert and won't automatically call emergency services. If your watch detects that you've been immobile for about a minute, it will make the call automatically.
When did Series 6 Apple Watch Drop? ›Sixth generation (Series 6)
The Apple Watch Series 6 was announced on September 15, 2020, during an Apple Special Event and began shipping on September 18. Its principal improvement over its predecessor is the inclusion of a sensor to monitor blood oxygen saturation.
Apple Watch Series 8: Apple Watch Series 8 to sport built-in camera, to be hidden in digital crown - The Economic Times.
What all can Apple Watch 8 do? ›With all-day 18-hour battery life, Apple Watch Series 8 builds on best-in-class health and safety features like the ECG app and fall detection by introducing temperature-sensing capabilities, retrospective ovulation estimates, Crash Detection, and international roaming.
What can I expect from my watch 8? ›- ID card and keys in Wallet.
- Redesigned Home app.
- New workout types.
- Mindfulness app.
- Sleep updates.
- Portrait mode watch face.
- Messges improvements.
- Focus.
What are the cons to an Apple Watch Series 6? ›
Cons: expensive, only works with an iPhone, sleep tracking not great, blood oxygen data not that useful.
Is Apple Watch 7 worth the upgrade? ›While the design is the same as the previous generation, super important features like crash detection and the ability to sense your temperature make it a worthy successor to the Series 7. With the same design and most of the same features as the Series 8, the Apple Watch Series 7 is still a great watch.
Why Apple Watch 7 is best? ›The display is bigger, and bigger is better. With more screen, the smartwatch is morphing more and more into a mini iPhone for your wrist, and it's awesome. The Apple Watch 7 display is nearly 20% larger than the the Series 6 display, and more than 50% larger than the Series 3 display.
Is upgrading Apple Watch worth it? ›Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE reviews are in, and while the new Crash Detection and temperature sensing features are useful, most say upgrades aren't necessary unless buyers are coming from very old models.
Is it better to get Apple Watch 6 with cellular or not? ›For most people, the Apple Watch with cellular is likely the right decision. While there's a higher cost associated, it unlocks a number of the Apple Watch's best features and helps it be truly independent from your iPhone. Also, keep in mind that you can buy the Apple Watch with cellular and not activate it.
Is battery life better on Apple Watch 6? ›According to Apple, the Series 6 offers the same 18-hour battery life as the Series 5, but drains less battery when streaming music and tracking certain workouts like indoor and outdoor runs.
Is Apple Watch Series 7 or 8 better? ›Overall, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a very minor upgrade over the Series 7, with the body temperature sensor and Crash Detection being the only significant changes, meaning that it is difficult to recommend upgrading.
Will Apple Watch 8 have redesign? ›The device does not offer the redesign that some have been waiting for for a while. Instead, it keeps the look and feel that users loved from previous-generation models. Here's everything you need to know about the new Apple Watch Series 8. Note, we'll talk about the new Apple Watch Ultra in a separate post.
What will the Apple 8 watch do? ›Apple Watch Series 8 has an innovative new sensor that tracks your temperature while you sleep, so you can see changes over time. Cycle Tracking uses this data to provide a retrospective estimate of when you likely ovulated, which can be helpful for family planning.
What does Apple Watch 8 have that 7 does not? ›Compared to the Apple Watch Series 7, the Apple Watch Series 8 offers two new features: a skin temperature sensor and crash detection. Yes, it also introduces low power mode, but the Apple Watch Series 7 now gets that feature with the full watchOS 9 update.
How long does Apple Watch 8 battery last? ›
All-day battery life is based on the following use: 90 time checks, 90 notifications, 45 minutes of app use, and a 60-minute workout with music playback from Apple Watch via Bluetooth, over the course of 18 hours; Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS) usage includes connection to iPhone via Bluetooth during the entire 18-hour ...
Is Apple Watch 8 waterproof? ›Make a splash with your watch.
Apple Watch is rated water resistant 50 meters. Perfect for swimming, surfing, or water balloon fights.
Contents. Announced in September 2022, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the newest iteration of the Apple Watch that originally came out in 2015, and it replaces the prior-generation Apple Watch Series 7.
Will there be an Apple Watch 8 in 2022? ›Apple Watch Series 8 price and availability
The Apple Watch Series 8 is available as of September 16, 2022 with a starting price of $399 (AU$629) for the 41-millimeter, GPS-only model.
You can also use Siri to place a FaceTime call on your Apple Watch. Simply press and hold the Digital Crown, raise your wrist to your mouth, and say "FaceTime [contact's name]."