Thursday, September 8, 2022
Is a New Apple Watch Worth Upgrading To?
Updated September 2026: in September 2022 I was disappointed by the Apple Watch Series 8: no redesign despite strong rumours, and few meaningful new features. I have rewritten it into a guide to judging whether a new Apple Watch is worth upgrading to.
I had planned to buy an Apple Watch for a long time and followed the September 2022 event closely. Rumours had promised a major redesign. The Series 8 looked like the Series 7, with modest additions, and I found the launch underwhelming.
What did the Series 8 add?
A temperature sensor used for cycle tracking and retrospective ovulation estimates, Crash Detection, and a low-power mode that extended battery life. Useful for some, but not the change many had waited for.
How do you decide whether to upgrade?
- List the new features and ask which you would use weekly.
- Check availability in India; some health features need local approval.
- Compare battery life with your current watch.
- Check software support: is your current model still getting watchOS updates?
How often is upgrading worthwhile?
For most people, every three or four years. Year-on-year changes are small; over several generations they add up to a noticeably better display, battery and set of sensors.
Which older models are still good buys?
Models that still receive current watchOS updates and have good battery health. A discounted previous Series model or a current SE covers most people's needs. Check that a used watch has been removed from the previous owner's account, as Activation Lock otherwise makes it unusable.
Are rumours a good guide to buying?
No. Redesign rumours for the Apple Watch circulated for years before the thinner Series 10 arrived in 2024. Buy based on what is actually announced, not what is expected.
What matters more than new sensors?
Comfort, battery life and how well the watch fits your routine. A watch you wear every day, including at night, gives more useful information than one with extra sensors that sits on a charger.
Is a first Apple Watch worth buying in a "lukewarm" year?
Yes, if you do not own one. A minor update for existing owners is still a complete product for a first-time buyer, and last year's model is often discounted at the same time.