What we know about the Apple Watch series 8, "rugged" edition and SE 2?

Smart watches have been around for years, but brands like Apple, Google, Samsung and Fitbit might have major changes in store for 2022. We could see a new type of Apple Watch designed for extreme sports, while Google could release its first consumer smartwatch. Fitbit, which Google owns, might introduce its first smartwatch powered by Google's software instead of its own. 

Here's a look at the most interesting rumoured Apple watch updates we are hoping to see this year.

Apple Watch Explorer Edition

*An Apple Watch inside the Element Special Ops watch band*

Apple might add a new rugged-ness to its smartwatch lineup this year known as the Explorer Edition, according to Bloomberg. This would be a more rugged version of the Apple Watch geared toward those who engage in outdoor activities and extreme sports. It's expected to have the same functionality as Apple's regular smartwatches, but with more impact protection similar to Casio's G-Shock watches.

There's an opportunity for Apple to reach more than just extreme athletes with a more durable smartwatch. A rugged Apple Watch could also be ideal for those with physically demanding occupations, such as construction workers, brick masons, landscapers and mechanics.

Apple Watch Series 8

There's also the Apple Watch Series 8, which is expected to release this fall in typical Apple fashion. The biggest upgrade will likely be the addition of a body temperature sensor, according to rumors. The thermometer might be designed to help wearers with fertility planning.

But Apple's more significant health-tracking updates, like glucose and blood pressure monitoring are still expected to be years away, according to the reports. Apple's blood pressure monitoring technology likely won't be ready for the Apple Watch until 2024 at the earliest

Apple Watch SE 2

The Apple Watch SE debuted in 2020 and could get an update in 2022.

While the rumored Apple Watch Series 8 will likely receive much of the attention this fall people are also excited about a next-generation Apple Watch SE. The main differences between Apple's flagship watches and the SE usually involves the more “sophisticated” health tracking features such as blood oxygen saturation and the ability to take an ECG. But the Apple Watch SE still has most of the Apple Watch's most important features for $120 less than the Series 7, making it feel like the right model for most people. Such features include activity tracking, fall detection, irregular heart rate notifications, Apple Pay support and iPhone notifications.

Apple hasn't released a new Apple Watch SE since 2020, so many are hoping to see an update this year. We don't know much about what to expect from the next Apple Watch SE, but a June 2021 Bloomberg report said a new version may arrive later this year. Based on Apple's previous releases, a newer processor, some design tweaks and new color options seem like possible additions. But this is just speculation based on Apple's previous launches.

The SE's lower price means its functionality will be more limited than Apple's next flagship watch. Aside from the absence of those health features mentioned above, the current SE also has a smaller screen than the Series 7, lacks an always-on display and doesn't charge as quickly.

If Apple brings any of these features to the next-generation SE, people are hoping it's the always-on display. Having a screen capable of staying on even when the watch is idle makes the Apple Watch much more useful as a timepiece. It's one of the few features we can find ourselves missing in everyday use when switching between Apple's high-end watch and the SE. 

Then there's Apple Watch SE 2 battery life to consider. Apple's 18-hour "all day" battery life shows no signs of changing, so it’s highly likely that the next Apple Watch SE will provide the same daily-charge experience. The main rumour is the possibility of a bigger screen and the other are all sparse speculations and hopes, we'll update you on what was accurate and what wasnt after the upcoming WWDC apple event.