Apple Watch Series 8: release date in UK, new features announced at Apple event, available straps and price

Last night, Apple’s September ‘Far Out’ event announced a slew of new products for tech fans and Apple users alike to get excited about.

Apple unveiled the highly anticipated iPhone 14 and 14 Pro, boasting upgrades like the ‘Dynamic Island’, new safety features and a huge 48MP camera.

But the event wasn’t just about the iPhone - this is everything you need to know about the new Apple Watch announcements, including the Apple Watch Series 8, the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE.

What’s new with the Apple Watch Series 8?

The Apple Watch Series 8 offers up a number of new and enhanced features, such as the large, Always-On Retina display, all day 18 hour battery life, Crash Detection and Low Power Mode, which allows users to extend the battery life of their watch by up to 36 hours.

The newest instalment in the Apple Watch series is powered by WatchOS 9, which boasts:

• International roaming to be introduced later this year
• A redesigned Compass app
• More precise workout data with the Workout app
• Sleep tracking which offers more insights into the different sleep stages
• A new Medications experience that allows users to manage and track their medications
• A AFib History feature that lets users see important information like an estimate of how frequently their heart rhythm shows signs of AFib

Apple has said that the Apple Watch Series 8 was “designed to minimise [its] impact on the environment”, with the watch made from 100% recycled aluminium in the case, 100% recycled tungsten in the Taptic Engine, and 100% recycled rare earth elements in all magnets.

“No Apple Watch packaging uses outer plastic wrap, and 94 percent or more of the packaging is fibre based, bringing Apple closer to its goal of completely removing plastic from its packaging by 2025,” the company says.

How much does it cost?

The Apple Watch Series 8 is available across a range of case finishes, colours and band types, all of which will impact the final cost of the watch.

It comes in aluminium and stainless steel cases in two sizes - 41mm and 45mm - and is compatible with all bands. The aluminium case colours include starlight, midnight, silver and (PRODUCT)RED, and the stainless steel case comes in silver, graphite or gold.

Some watch options, and their prices, include:

• Starlight aluminium case with sport loop, from £419
• Gold stainless steel case with leather link, from £779
• Midnight aluminium case with sport band, from £419
• Silver stainless steel case with modern buckle, from £829
• Graphite stainless steel case with braided solo loop, from £779

The Apple Watch Series 8 is also available in collaboration with Hermes, offering up watches like:

• Silver stainless steel case with gourmette metal double tour, £1,739
• Space black stainless steel case with H diagonal single tour, £1,389
• Silver stainless steel case with attelage double tour, £1,379 

When will it be released?

Those looking to get their hands on the new Apple Watch Series 8 will be pleased to hear that they don’t have long to wait.

The watch is available to order right now on the Apple website, with availability in store beginning on Friday 16 September.

Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, said: “We hear from customers how Apple Watch helps them stay connected with loved ones, be more active, and live healthier lives.

“Apple Watch Series 8 reinforces our commitment in these areas with the addition of pioneering technology, while Apple Watch SE brings advanced core features at a new starting price.

“Powered by watchOS 9, the best smartwatches deliver more capabilities than ever before.”