Apple Watch Series 8 officially arrives with minor additions

Besides revealing all four devices in the iPhone 14 series, during yesterday's Apple Far Out event, the company also introduced the new generation of flagship wearable devices, the Apple Watch Series 8.

The Apple Watch Series 8 comes in the familiar 45mm and 41mm sizes, and it retains the same exterior design we saw on last year's watch. There have been some rumors that the watch might come with a new design, but that obviously won't happen this year.

Watch Series 8 features the same sleek, polished, rounded shape we know and love. However, there are some changes to the color options this year:

• Aluminum Edition: Starry White, Midnight Black, Red and Silver
• Stainless steel version: black, silver and gold

The Apple Watch 8 certainly comes with a bunch of improvements, but before we highlight them, you'll probably want to know a few key details: when the watch will be available and what's the price!

Apple Watch Series 8 price and release date

The Apple Watch Series 8 release date has officially been set for September 16th. And you'll be able to pre-order one starting September 7. Doing so may be a smart move if you have been waiting for this product.

Fortunately, Apple did not increase the prices of the Watch Series 8 this year! Here's what the current pricing looks like:

• Aluminum (GPS) 41mm version: $400
• Aluminum (GPS) 45mm version: $430
• Aluminum (Cellular + GPS) 41mm version: $500
• Aluminum (Cellular + GPS) 45mm version: $530
• Stainless Steel Edition (Cellular + GPS) 41mm: $800
• Aluminum (Cellular + GPS) 45mm version: $850

What are the new additions?

Although you can't measure your blood pressure yet, Watch Series 8 adds a new body temperature sensor, which will be able to accurately detect ovulation periods. The temperature sensor will also improve the detection of the different stages of sleep, but it is not yet clear whether it will be used for the general purpose of measuring your temperature. Apple hasn't talked about it yet, but rumors have it that this capability will come at a later time. The new body temperature sensor will also be used to improve prediction of the female menstrual cycle.

Car accident detection! Yes that's right. This feature will be powered by a new 3-axis gyroscope and G-Force accelerometer inside the Watch 8, and Apple promised that the new watch will be able to detect if you've ever been in a car accident. If so, the watch will automatically initiate an emergency call.

WatchOS 9 new features

Since the Watch Series 8 will arrive with the latest version of the custom operating system, watchOS 9, it will come directly with some of the functionality of the next generation smartwatch.

watchOS 9 doubles the workout features, bringing huge improvements to sports tracking. In addition to the ability to set up custom workouts, watchOS 9 takes a big step toward tracking endurance sports with the new Multisport feature.

The new Heart Rate Zones feature will let you quickly know how high your intensity level is while performing any activity or exercise. The initial showing for the new Apple Watch isn't quite as strong, so if you're eyeing any of the new Watch Series 8 models, you should consider pre-ordering the health-obsessed smartwatch or buying it sooner.