Apple Watch Series 8 In-Depth Review: Sports & Fitness Tested!
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- Here's your complete hands-on sports & fitness test of the Apple Watch Series 8, including tons of data, real-world usage, and plenty of WatchOS 9 background testing as well. Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 here (amzn.to/46mKLXw), link helps support the channel, much appreciated!!!
While all eyes last week were on the Apple Watch Ultra, the reality is that the Series 8 will sell the most units (by far), has almost every software feature of the Ultra, and includes the same slate of massive sports and feature changes as part of WatchOS 9. The Apple Watch Series 8 hardware itself was a modest update at best, instead, relying heavily on new sports & fitness software features like triathlon support, deeper structured workout/interval features, a revamped compass app with backtrack functionality, and running power/efficiency metrics.
To be sure, the hardware features - however minor, will likely be important to Apple’s longer-term vision. These features include vehicular crash detection (using high-impact detecting sensors & algorithms), but more notably on the health/fitness side include a new skin temperature sensor set at the wrist. This sensor set aims to track your wrist temperature while sleeping, primarily with the goal of providing women’s menstrual cycle tracking. However, in this iteration, it falls short of cycle prediction like we’ve seen from some of Apple’s competitors, who leverage similar temperature tracking hardware.
I’ve been putting the Apple Watch Series 8 through its paces in a variety of workouts, including running, cycling, swimming, and more. This is of course in addition to testing WatchOS 9 most of this summer as well, using the new features there - even in a triathlon. I’ve also got an Apple Watch SE In-Depth Review slated for tomorrow, and of course, in due time you’ll see a review of the Apple Watch Ultra.
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#AppleWatchSeries8 #AppleWatch8 #AppleWatch
Thank you for not just spitting out facts from a spec sheet but actually providing useful information on what it's like to live with and use this watch! Great video!
Thanks Landry, I appreciate it!!! Marketing specs only tell one side of the story. Cheers!
Crushing it this week! Really looking forward to the Ultra review.
Thanks!!!
@@Dcrainmaker I keep checking your channel every day for an Ultra review... just realized I should just turn on notifications. lol
Thank you so much! Just discovered your channel while checking out new WATCHOS features and what to do before upgrading from Series 5. All my mates have Garmin and try to convince me to switch. I'm keen on the Ultra and await a review.
They finally made some interesting moves after years not really changing much around WatchOS’s exercise tracking capabilities. I agree it’s not quite enough to abandon my Epix quite yet, but they’re getting quite close. If they release another wave of updates of this caliber for watchOS 10, then they might actually get there.
The battery life though is still "horrendous" IMO. I wonder when I have to charge my Garmin....I wonder when I will have time to charge my iWatch.
After hanging up my iron man shorts last year, I switched to the Apple Watch ( granted, wouldn’t last an iron man… not even close) I got an Apple Watch. I’ve run a 50 mile ultra with it and it’s accuracy has made me ditch my hr strap. It’s truly a great device and more accurate that the Garmin… with one serious flaw, that battery! If they get the ultra to double next year, it will
Be enough for all
@@trepidati0n533 You can charge it while you sleep and/or shower.
The battery life is a total non issue for “almost everybody” which is the customer segment Apple is targeting. If you need weeks of standby (?) or 20 hours of continuous training, then the Apple Watch, even the Ultra, really isn’t for you. But it is pretty great for many, especially with the watchOS 9 improvements.
Given the form factor and the functionality (it’s a tiny computer on your wrist) the battery life is unlikely to significantly improve in the future either.
@@jounnna8720 The battery life is horrendous. Your "almost everybody" argument is essentially the watch is great for sedentary people who want a $400+ status symbol on their wrist.
The fact is you need to give up sleep functionality to charge at night or find specific times during the day when you don't need your watch to charge it. I mean...if I took a hour long shower every day then sure; but I'm out of the bathroom in under 15 minutes every day.
Furthermore...the amount of times I have talked to iWatch users who have delayed or skipped workouts because they weren't sure their watch would make it is comically large.
I get it...it is a nice inspector gadget watch with lots of nice toys. But the fact of the matter is...if you use the watch a lot you will need to charge it at last twice per day and not be able to use it. That...is horrendous.
@@trepidati0n533 Ok. This product is clearly not for you. And it doesn’t have to be. No need to get angry about it. There are plenty of alternatives.
Ps. Over 100 million units sold. Apple has clearly done lots of right choices with the Watch when it comes to balancing features, size, battery life, and what not.
Great runthrough! Impressive coverage in such a short time span. I've seen the Quantified Scientist channel's measurement of the sleep stages against an EEG device, and Apple is currently the most accurate alternative out there. This watch, or rather the Ultra, will do everything I need. Great that Apple offers easily tailored interval training straight on the watch. I'm not ready for the iPhone, however.
Even Quantifild can’t tell you that because his metrics are not clinical approval so it’s just some metrics :) sleep stages are soo hard to measure you must go lab with a lot of machines:)
@@P.I.D.27 he’s as thorough as you’re going to get. The Apple Watch is the best out there in optical hr and they nail everything they do, no reason to disbelieve him with the sleep accuracy.
@@P.I.D.27 - The fact is Apple watch wasnt much off a dedicated sleep tracking device. Thats enough for me and I guess other clinical approval or not.
@@trancenut81 The fact remains that his tests were done scientifically.
It doesn't need to be a dedicated sleep tracking device to be extremely good at that.
@@P.I.D.27 He has those machines. But he measures it with the Dreem and that is not as accurate - which he clearly says.
Bought my first apple watch. The series 8 with just gps and can't wait to try it out.
Excellent review as usual. I’ll be sticking with my Garmin. When that eventually packs if ever I might take a look at the Apple Watch. The longterm durability of Garmin and battery life is likely always going to keep me loyal.
But they refuse to get ecg's on their new models
I have a Garmin Fenix paired w a iPhone 12.... The newest iOS update just gave me Apple fitness/health data based on my garmin data. Fascinating though that calories and steps don't match between my garmin and the apple fitness app.
the software always changes things a bit. Strava has slightly different stats compared to the Apple ones...
Excellent. Looking forward to your Ultra review. Curious how much GPS run time you can squeeze out of it.
for the sleeping data in the health app they need to add more context rather than just time spent in each stage and respiration- garmin gives meaningful context such as “you slept x hrs, but most of it was light, so you may feel tired’ or “you had less REM last night so you may have concentration issues today”. Simply stats by themselves aren’t helpful for majority of ppl who may not understand sleep stages and impact on performance or health.
Very helpful review, how does its accuracy compare to the new apple watch SE? I am a sports enthusiast so I do not require an elite watch with very precise tracking but would like to take a convenient decision. Also, the always-on-display feature is not a deal breaker to me. Thanks in advance
SamE
I have an Apple watch 7 series. I really like the new Watch OS9 for health data updates. As far as the new Apple watch series 8 I see no reason to update my watch from 7 to 8. I think Apple missed the boat by not including solar charging on the new Ultra series watches. That would be a real plus and a reason for a lot of people to upgrade their Apple watch. If Garmin can figure out hot to add solar charging to their watches I don't understand why Apple can't do the same.
Ray, awesome channel mate!
Have you noticed VO2 being able to be reported beyond 60 now in the Apple Health app. I noticed documentation that states that 60 is the max, however have been seeing 60+ in the app now
Ysqkpmqg
Great review as usual. Still think I’ll stick with my 945. It’s been rock solid and served me well in some big endurance events. I still can’t get passed the UI on the AW 😂
What about the UI don’t you like?
You can use the Digital Crown to move through the various screens when in a workout.
Yup, that's true!
Your review is interesting. It would be even better if you could slow your talking speed a bit and divide video into sections.Thanks
WorkOutDoors pretty much makes the Apple Watch complete.
I totally agree. All the things the standard workout app is missing is in there. Although it seems they are slowly moving in that direction.
When u open the watch and there’s nothing new, I feel sorry. Just ordered AW 7
Buying my series 8 today thank you sir
Your Videos are always great, I like it, that you offer very detailed information, for example, that the Apple Watch only works with iPhones. Very nice those little but important side infos.
Will never buy an Apple watch but am hugely glad that they're taking on Garmin who over the past years have started getting a bit too big for their boots. #competition
As always great video, great to hear about heart rate zones, I run by the Maffetone method, I see per your video that you can add warm up and cool down, are you able to customize your heart rate zone? If yes, will the watch alert you if HR is high or low? Thank you, interested in the Apple Ultra
This is something I’ve asked a few of these influencers but no one has answered yet so perhaps not…
@@TheBramptonValleyRunner It works, used it the pass couple of days and it works great. Also was wearing a Garmin Fenix 6x and alerts on both watches went off at same time. Currently using AW 6
@@williamhofeldt9939 ah that’s good to hear as I also use MAF quite a lot for my training
@@TheBramptonValleyRunner Easy to setup on watch, good luck
If I go underground, when there’s no signal, I wonder if the backtrack feature will drain my battery trying to use the GPS
Can I play golf with it without it detecting my swinging arms as steps or something?
No ANT+ support means that I can’t use it with all my cycling gears. But anyway it’s a good all around watch and I still use it to record my cycling sessions together with the Garmin head unit.
Helpful for runners but I swim laps in an indoor pool. Would appreciate a video on iWatch support for swimmers. Same request for walkers (not runners)
You said the SE 2022 review was a few days away.. what happened to it?
so almost wonderful beautiful video friend DC really i love apple watch
I’m interested in the Ultra for the multi band GPS. If I had to replace my 6X, I’d probably go Ultra. Garmin is getting insane with their prices.
So true. I'd really love a Forerunner, but even the smaller and less powerful 265S is more than 50% more expensive than the Apple Watch SE where I live. And it's not as good of a smartwatch.
The HR accuracy on the 8....are you comparing the wrist sensor with wearing the HR belt? using the 8?....Is the HR sensor is more accurate than, say, the 5??
I want less connection and a better heart rate monitor. Hopefully garmin will sort that out!
hello, can I ask, which watch do you use daily? Im choosing between Garmin Venu 3 or Apple Watch 9 which is going to be launched soon
I’d also like the ability to switch off auto detect workout on a sport by sport basis. For instance it’s annoying to have the watch constantly remind you that you might by cycling. I prefer to use my wahoo head unit to capture my cycling data. But happy for the watch to auto detect runs and walks
Thanks for the great review. Are the Apple Watch 8 running screens customizable?
Yup!
training effect would be nice
Great video as usual !
But I’m more into the ultra.
So eager to see your in depths test of it 🤩
Thanks great video. You helped me to decide to buy an AW8 and also there are some good deals around now here in the UK.
Apple hater watching, commenting and liking for the algorithm. I'm here for Ray!
What’s better for working out, Apple Watch or Fitbit?
Apple Watch, easily.
Thank you! Always great. Question - Just did a run with OS9 on my Series 7. I see the power data on my watch and in the Activity App on my iPhone. It doesn't show up in Strava though. Do I need to upload it to Strava using a different app or it just doesn't show in Strava at the moment? Thank you again.
You should update Strava. I have an series 6 and it works fine with Strava showing the power info just make sure you are running using the native tuning app
Hi Ray, when is the galaxy watch 5 pro review coming out?
Do you know when the pool swimming app will add drills - or at least kickboard?
I've got a series 4 and I still can't really see a reason to upgrade.
For me, if they can bring in the training peaks workout plans this gets very interesting. I hope they do.
Would be a game changer again. I carry AW and my garmin on workout days because I can’t remember all the steps
@@AaronMFJ same here. It’s only software now though.
This isn't a feature? Seems very basic and should be included natively. Especially the power meter compatibility
And would be cool with some build in rest-day focus as well. The day after running a marathon it will still say “Great work! Let’s go and do it again”
@@yellowboat8773 you can upload your workouts for tracking but it first appear to pull down your workout plan from a coach. So if you want to use it for intervals you have to recreate it. And the major issue with that is Apple has no phone app to do this. So your left with recreating a structured workout on the watch itself. Now if I’m just doing something simple like 5x1 interval repeats for an hour that’s easy. But it gets ugly fast if you have several interval repeats of varying tube or distance. Like inverted triangle. As for swim? It wants to guess your stroke or rest. Whit translates into slower lap times because it can’t get rest. I knows kick board but 636 drill? Anchor drill? Nope. And it Durant have a test feature that’s easy to deal with. And like most people I get lost in thought on long intervals. I literally only use my garmin anymore for run structured workout, lap swim, and Ironman. Of course my last one the battery, full charge, died at mile 23 of marathon so garmin ain’t the battery king they claim to be. (Fenix 6 issuing optical sensor and extended display on bike)
does this have graphs from the heart rate over time to show my dr. and does it track the heart rate 24/7
How do you find GPS/pace, in regards to how quickly it reacts to speed changes ? For me, if it takes a few seconds to stabilise ..then a footpod (like Stryd) might be worth it.
Had the S8 have the same problems with example starting a new workout randomly or like stopping the activity without user consent?
Hi, I was wondering if you think that the apple watch s8 has a better integration and fitness features for anyone with Peloton. Or is Garmin a better option? Specifically the venue 2 plus? Great video thanks 😊
The Apple Watch (all variants) have HealthKit integration, so it's basically tap and go, and the Apple Watch will pull in the Peloton data (speed/distance/power), while concurrently providing Peloton with your HR. Meanwhile, Garmin can directly transmit your HR to Peloton, but not consume added data from Peloton.
@@Dcrainmaker thank you so much for that, you really helped ❤️
Would be nice if they can add vo2max after doing a cycling workout. Do you think they will add it in future updates?
Nice view, and I’m curious when you don’t intro where you are today?
Cheers! In Mallorca.
Curious how it could be compared with the AW Ultra for someone like you!
Is suupport for backtrack in Apple watch Series 5 likely to come in a future software update ?
Does Apple Watch broadcast heart rate via Bluetooth?
Not natively, but there are some 3rd party apps that can do it (somewhat cumbersomly).
Anytime i come across your videos i automatically give you a like. I'm not even interested in Apple Watch 8. Yesterday i bought the HUAWEI WATCH FIT 2, based on _The Quantified Scientist's_ review video.
apart from the lack of maps...how would you compare the native apple fitness app vs WorkOutDoors now that it has a lot more functionality (apart from maps)
Does the Apple Watch track split times and other run data and store it for later review. Can I see the data on the iPhone?
Is it possible to delete activity that was mistakenly pressed and made ?
Just wondering what software you use to compare data all on one graph?
I have a series 4. I don’t not see the power mode. Is that option for watches higher that a series 4?
Oh le t-shirt vintage de la corrida d'Issy 2014 ou 2015!
Can you start the workout like a cycle manually by pushing a button like on a Garmin ?
As long as you cannot connect power meter it is useless
What about battery durability? How long can you run or ride the bike?
We don't talk about that.....that horse is dead.
The series 8 is rated for 7 hours of GPS workout, the Ultra is 12 hours
@@jamesharrell4131 where do you get this information from?
Do you know if the compass app can toggle from degrees to mils?
Is active calories final not overshooting all the time? (for me up to 3-4 times what actually happens)
I think, the calories are way to hight like you sad
Is it possible to create custom workouts on the iPhone? Seems kinda cumbersome to create these intervals on the tiny screen of the watch.
No, unfortunately not. At least not natively. There's 3rd party apps, but then those feed into those 3rd party watch apps too, not the native ones.
Anyway to disable cycling counting towards steps in the health app?
I got the versa 2 from best buy and am not happy with it.I need it to have the irregular heart beat test or function and need it to have graphs over time of all my exercises and heart beat and rhythm will this watch do these things ?
Ray, you mention at the end "what used to be their VivoActive series" does that mean there isn't a VivoActive 5 coming then? Has the Venu series taken over than space? Thanks.
I wouldn't expect one. I don't see where it fits in the lineup anymore. Garmin's biggest challenge right now is just FAR too many devices. While I get there's some appeal for a Vivo device with longer battery life. I think a tribal merging of the Vivo/low-end Forerunner features is a better option.
in europe is much more expensive, the base series 8 starts at 499 but with a solo band is 549euro that is the same price of the garmin 955 that is way more advanced. the ultra is 999euro!!
It’s coz the EU leaders love ripping there public off
Switzerland 🇨🇭 is also in Europe and has lower prices. Watch Ultra 849 CHF (880€/880$). Reason: Currency rate and taxes.
Yeah, I really would like to try out the Ultra but 999 is way too much.
Which size is the model on your wrist? 41mm or 45mm??
Help- how did you get to the sleep phase on the watch it self- I can't find it but you showed it- I did find it under Apple Health on my iphone...
Just wish Apple did something about working on tattoo’d wrists! It works fine with other apps, only issue is with apple’s workout app. Wish they would at least make it easy to turn off wrist detection for workouts in the workout app or just not pause.
Do you know if alerts can be setup for HR zones
Need to be able to edit workouts on the phone, and also rename them so I can better track shoe mileage. As it is I have to use Other workout and that’s such a chore.
Thank you for touching on the power meter support! Slightly disappointed - almost 2023 and there still isn't any watch that truly serves as both a smartwatch (siri/google assistant etc.) and a proper sport watch (power meter etc.).
My hopes are with Garmin adding more smart-functions rather that Samsung/Apple/google adding proper sports support.
My AW 4 has problems syncing with Strava segments while mtb riding. Cuts corners big time. Is the gps hardware improved in the series 8? Or is it just better software calculating the gps data? Thanks for awesome reviews.
So far I'm not seeing the cutting corners yet, but I find that I can go a while before that randomly pops up again.
@@Dcrainmaker would that be a software issue rather than being a hardware issue? And I don’t understand if happen by random that could ever happen unless Apple make it that way maybe.
Hi, if just use GPS iwatch, when we go running and didn't bring phone, is that when we came back home we can trace our track just now?
Is the new track mode only for Series 8 or available on other watches than use watchOS 9?
All WatchOS 9.
@@Dcrainmaker , great! I look forward to using it on my Series 4. Hope the track mode comes out soon
What about pool swimming accuracy
Im getting the new Apple Watch ultra ⌚️ for my birthday in January🥳
Honestly from a pure YT clicks perspective, you probably should have posted a review of the new SE first. That's going to be the #1 selling watch going forward and will become the defacto go-to recommended watch by all tech reviewers. The AW8 is barely a "point" revision to the Series 7... as in they should have just named it the Series 7.1 instead of Series 8.
I had hoped to post them concurrently, but ultimately, was further along on the editing and writing on the Series 8 one, so just kept cooking on that.
Once you can record power enter data on the watch I’m all in.
Would a series 8 last a marathon? I know you mentioned you did other different tests. Do you have a video on how long you could run with it before the battery is done?
I’m wondering this too and I can’t find any actual review or testing of this. I want to find out how long it will last for something like skiing or snowboarding all day..
@@Max_Dillin Let me know ho you go. I'll keep looking
Hi, Is there any way to export running data from the Apple Fitness app to Nike Run Club. ??
I've been using NRC for a long time and all my run data/records are in NRC. But, I just wanna try the Apple fitness app (because of the WatchOS 9 update...)
Couple of reasons I’m switching to Garmin. I’d like my heart rate to show on my Garmin bike computer. I’m also getting my third Apple Watch 6 tomorrow. It’s been replaced twice due to failing from my swim sessions. I’m guessing the seals break down after 1-2 months of being in the pool.
I've had Series 5 for over 2 years, many times in pool or surf. Never failed waterproofing yet. So just keep questioning Apple Support.
Ray, are we looking at iPhone v Blackberry 2.0? (Blackberry = Garmin, Polar, Sunto, etc in this case)
Not at this point, no. At least not for Garmin.
I have never used an apple watch. Probably because I do not use an iphone. But even if I use an iPhone, I still am not convinced to buy an apple watch. I used Garmin Venu previously and now Instinct 2 Solar and both devices are amazing. Huge let down for apple watch is the terrible battery life, at least for me.
So is there both miles and meters on the watch or does it show only in meters?
Shows both, you can change in settings.
Is this the 41 or 45mm?
salute to your work
Is it possible to alternate in a single workout between walk-run-walk for example ? When a press the + to change the workout the app separate them each time I do 😕
Anyone else spot the dynamic island in the iPhone screens? Hope you’re enjoying the iPhone 14 Pro 😄
Although, just on the screen shots, not on any of the live phone. He probably did those in the final edit.
That’s how light works…
Still not for the serious athlete or fitness enthusiast but they are closing the gap on Garmin. Garman doesn’t seem to be as proactive when it comes to software features, they seem more focused on hardware unfortunately because there are a few small changes they could make relatively easy and inexpensive that would be a game changer and for whatever reason they haven’t done it
BUGS BUGS BUGS. Garmin and their bugs over the last 2 years of watches are awful. 945 LTE, 955, fenix, etc.. So much is broken. A few more year and Apple may give them a run for our money.
@@erockem I have no idea what you are referring to as “bugs“. I have worn four runners in Fenix every single day for the last 15 years and I’ve never had a bug. My complaint with Garmin is their lack of custom features, so many people want this ability and for whatever reason Garmin won’t deliver. So while I can point out multiple feature shortcomings of Garmin products it’s not because the product is defective, it’s because Garmin has yet to implement so many basic and common features that people want
@@sandiegojoey1 Forerunner 945lte. Swim workout repeats broke for a year, kind of a big deal on a tri watch. 0 distance recorded on some swims, again, kind of a big deal. graphical artifacts on any sport recording randomly. LTE live track doesn't resume when it looses connection. Don't even wonder into the Garmin 955 forum for all the bugs.
Sadly my 235 was rock solid for years, my 935 rock solid for years.
What makes Garman better than Apple when it comes to athletic workouts?
@@itachi024 just far more features, still not enough but far more than Apple. Apple is basically an iPhone on my wrist. The data collection from Garmin training data is more accurate also
does is show water temperature when swimming?
I hope the touch would be disabled as on Epix2 - maybe on the ultra🤷🏽♂️
Can the watch now broadcast its heart rate to Wattbike hub?
Early access to the iPhone 14 pro?!😜 Thanks for the review, but I will keep my Garmin a bit longer…
Thank you
When is your review of Watch Ultra coming?
Embargo is usually a few days before the release so it should be sometime next week