Watch Series 8

Iterative updates mean you shouldn't be sprinting to upgrade just yet

- ROB MEAD-GREEN

The Apple Watch Series 8 is virtually identical to last year's model, with the same rounded-corner case design with an edge-to-edge AlwaysOn Retina display in 41mm and 45mm case sizes. It's still dust-resistant to IP6X and water-resistant up to 50m and offers identical battery life of up to 18 hours. The only aesthetic changes are the new finishes - aluminum Series 8s come in Midnight, Starlight, Silver and (Product)Red, while stainless steel versions come in Silver, Gold and Graphite.

Prices are also unchanged with the S8 starting at $399 (41mm) and $429 (45mm). Given that the new SE shares many key features with the S8, in more wrist-friendly 40mm or 44mm cases, costing $150 less, you might opt for the value proposition over the S8.

The SE also features the same new, and frankly game-changing, Crash Detection feature that recognizes if you have a car crash and automatically dials emergency services. So what exactly is the justification for spending the extra money over the SE? The Series 8 includes two new temperature sensors, which are able to record fluctuations in your body temperature (and the things that might affect it, such as illness or alcohol) as you sleep. You also get an upgrade to the Cycle Tracking function, with retrospective ovulation estimates pretty useful if you're planning a family. As with the Series 7, the Series 8 also includes an Always-On Retina display, an ECG and a blood oxygen sensor, all of which the Apple Watch SE lacks.