If you’re considering the Apple Watch Series 8, here’s everything you need to know, with a splash of personality and some practical tips. At $629 AUD for the GPS model and $749 AUD for GPS + Cellular, it’s an investment—but one that feels worth it, especially if you’re looking for more than just a timepiece.
Unboxing & First Impressions
The box includes:
- The Apple Watch Series 8.
- A stylish sport band or loop.
- A USB-C magnetic fast charger.
Setting it up is ridiculously easy. Simply hold your iPhone close to the watch, and it’ll walk you through the pairing process like a friendly barista remembering your coffee order. Within five minutes, it’s ready to wear, and you can dive into its world of features.
Design: Sleek, Durable, and Personalised
The design strikes a balance between minimalist and functional. I went with the 45mm Starlight aluminium model, and I love how it sits perfectly on my wrist—light enough for workouts but big enough to read messages without squinting. The IP6X dust resistance and water resistance to 50m mean it’s great for swimming or even the odd beach volleyball game (trust me, I’ve tested it).
Tip: If you’re prone to scratching your gadgets, consider the stainless steel model. The aluminium finish is beautiful but can scratch easily. A screen protector might save you some heartbreak!
Everyday Usability: Seamless Integration
One of my favourite things is how effortlessly it integrates with my iPhone. Notifications, calls, and texts pop up on your wrist, and the Apple Pay feature has made fumbling for my wallet a thing of the past. It’s perfect for a quick tap at Coles or grabbing a coffee.
The modular watch faces are a lifesaver. I’ve customised mine to show everything I care about: weather, calendar, and a quick-launch Spotify complication. You can even go wild with watch faces like Astronomy, where turning the crown shows the time-lapse of celestial movements. Nerdy? Yes. Cool? Absolutely.
Pro Tip: Use the new portrait mode watch face for photos of your pet—it separates the subject from the background for a 3D effect. My dog looks like a star every time I check the time.
Fitness Features: A Motivating Companion
Fitness tracking is where the Series 8 shines. Whether it’s a sweaty HIIT session or a relaxing yoga flow, the watch keeps up. I’ve even started running again thanks to its interval training alerts that keep me on pace without needing to do mental maths mid-jog.
- Auto-Pause: Perfect for when you stop mid-run to tie your shoelace or take a breather.
- Heart Rate & Blood Oxygen Tracking: I’m not a doctor, but these features give you a snapshot of your health, which is reassuring.
- Sleep Tracking: It’s fascinating to see how much REM sleep I get versus core sleep. The gentle vibration alarm is a game-changer—no more obnoxious blaring alarms!
Personal Insight: The activity rings are addictive. Closing them daily has become a fun challenge, and it’s pushed me to be more active without feeling like a chore.
Health & Safety: More Than a Smartwatch
Here’s where Apple takes it to the next level:
- Crash Detection: This feature could save your life. It contacts emergency services automatically if it detects a serious car crash.
- Fall Detection: As a volleyball coach, I’ve seen my fair share of awkward falls. Knowing the watch can call for help if I’m unresponsive adds peace of mind.
- Temperature Sensor: This is geared toward women’s health, specifically ovulation tracking, but it also provides insights into your body’s baseline temperature. While not groundbreaking for everyone, it’s a step toward personalised health tech.
Cool Hidden Features
The Apple Watch Series 8 has plenty of tricks up its sleeve:
- Assistive Touch: Control your watch with pinches and clenches. It’s a bit fiddly at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s oddly satisfying.
- WatchTube: Yes, you can watch YouTube on your wrist. It’s hilarious and surprisingly useful for quick tutorials or music videos.
- Control Nearby Devices: Use the watch to control your iPhone or even your Mac. It’s perfect for presentations or changing tracks during workouts.
- Backtrack: The GPS-based feature lets you retrace your steps. It’s brilliant for hikes or just finding your car in a massive shopping centre car park.
Pro Tip: Enable Cover to Mute in settings. If you’re in a meeting and someone calls, just place your hand over the watch to silence it. Subtle and effective.
Battery Life: The Good and the Meh
Let’s be honest: the battery life is fine, not amazing. You’ll get about 18 hours, which means you’ll need to charge it daily. I’ve made it a habit to pop it on the charger while showering, and it’s usually back to full by the time I’m done.
Wish List: The battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra—which lasts days—would be a dream on the Series 8. Here’s hoping for future improvements.
Who Should Buy It?
- First-Time Buyers: If this is your first Apple Watch, the Series 8 is a no-brainer. It’s packed with features and feels premium.
- Upgraders: If you’re coming from a Series 4 or older, you’ll notice a massive leap. However, if you own a Series 7, the upgrades (like crash detection and the temperature sensor) might not justify the cost.
- Fitness Enthusiasts: Its health tracking features and workout versatility make it a great choice for anyone serious about fitness.
Final Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 8 is more than a smartwatch; it’s a lifestyle companion. Whether you’re checking your heart rate, navigating with GPS, or sneakily watching YouTube during a boring meeting, it’s hard not to love. Yes, the battery life could be better, and the aluminium model scratches easily, but its functionality and design more than make up for these quirks.
If you’re on the fence, my advice is simple: go for it. The Series 8 blends practicality, innovation, and a touch of fun in a way that few gadgets do. Trust me, once you have it on your wrist, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.