The Apple Watch Series 6, 7, and 8 will drop at the same time

[WilliApple]

I don't think it will happen this year, maybe not next year, but the year after, I can see the Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2, and Ultra 1 dropping all at the same time.

The reason is because its the same processor.

Spoiler: But Will, isn't the Series 8 the S8 chip, and the Series 6 is the S6 chip???

Yes, but Apple just made it smaller or something, and changed the cover. The actual chip is the exact same that Apple uses the same identifiers as the Series 6 to Series 8, being Watch6,X

This wouldn't be the first time Apple drops 3 year span worth of Apple Products. The 2015 and 2017 MacBook airs are the exact same, and so are the 2018 and 2019 MacBook Airs.

It is not out of the ordinary for Apple to do something like this, but I expect massive controversy and confusion when Apple does drop 3 generations of Apple Watches all at the same time.

When it happens, you heard from me first!
Thats why I complain when Apple doesn't update the chip on the Apple Watch because it is very anti-consumer.

Btw, the Series 9, 10, 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and SE 3 will be the same way.

 

[jz0309]

I don't think it will happen this year, maybe not next year, but the year after, I can see the Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2, and Ultra 1 dropping all at the same time.

The reason is because its the same processor.

Spoiler: But Will, isn't the Series 8 the S8 chip, and the Series 6 is the S6 chip???

Yes, but Apple just made it smaller or something, and changed the cover. The actual chip is the exact same that Apple uses the same identifiers as the Series 6 to Series 8, being Watch6,X

This wouldn't be the first time Apple drops 3 year span worth of Apple Products. The 2015 and 2017 MacBook airs are the exact same, and so are the 2018 and 2019 MacBook Airs.

It is not out of the ordinary for Apple to do something like this, but I expect massive controversy and confusion when Apple does drop 3 generations of Apple Watches all at the same time.

When it happens, you heard from me first!
Thats why I complain when Apple doesn't update the chip on the Apple Watch because it is very anti-consumer.

Btw, the Series 9, 10, 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and SE 3 will be the same way.

And your point is?
And what is going to happen when your "prediction" turns out to be wrong? A public apology?

 

[WilliApple]

And your point is?
And what is going to happen when your "prediction" turns out to be wrong? A public apology?

That Apple is very anticonsumer when it comes to the Apple Watch. We buy them, just for the time when they do upgrade the chip for those to get "Buy the Series 8 instead", and then when people follow what the reviewers say, the consumers get screwed over.

And I am very confident in my what you call a prediction, its based on Apple's past trends based on the Series 6, 7, 8 all having the prefix identifier of 6. Apple drops products in those groups.

 

[jz0309]

That Apple is very anticonsumer when it comes to the Apple Watch. We buy them, just for the time when they do upgrade the chip for those to get "Buy the Series 8 instead", and then when people follow what the reviewers say, the consumers get screwed over.

And I am very confident in my what you call a prediction, its based on Apple's past trends based on the Series 6, 7, 8 all having the prefix identifier of 6. Apple drops products in those groups.

Actually, I chose that word "prediction" poorly, it really is a conspiracy theory, nothing else.
Sure, Apple is very "anti consumer" in that they brought several new features (sleep apnea, hypertension come to mind) to older watch models, but, whatever suits your agenda ...
After all we're on the internet where everyone has and is entitled to their opinion.

 

[doogm]

Honestly, if you feel this strongly about it, don't buy one. Since I buy a new watch every three years - that's as long as the battery lasts for me - I think I'll be all set.

 

[headlessmike]

I don't think it will happen this year, maybe not next year, but the year after, I can see the Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2, and Ultra 1 dropping all at the same time.

The reason is because its the same processor.

Spoiler: But Will, isn't the Series 8 the S8 chip, and the Series 6 is the S6 chip???

Yes, but Apple just made it smaller or something, and changed the cover. The actual chip is the exact same that Apple uses the same identifiers as the Series 6 to Series 8, being Watch6,X

This wouldn't be the first time Apple drops 3 year span worth of Apple Products. The 2015 and 2017 MacBook airs are the exact same, and so are the 2018 and 2019 MacBook Airs.

It is not out of the ordinary for Apple to do something like this, but I expect massive controversy and confusion when Apple does drop 3 generations of Apple Watches all at the same time.

When it happens, you heard from me first!
Thats why I complain when Apple doesn't update the chip on the Apple Watch because it is very anti-consumer.

Btw, the Series 9, 10, 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and SE 3 will be the same way.

The did this with the Series 4, Series 5 and, SE 1 as well which all used variations of the same SOC.

 

[GrandeLatte]

I have the Hermes Series 7. I just got a new battery 2025 because it dipped below 80%. But now, it's charging up SO SLOWLY, AND BATTERY DRAINS SO FAST. I upgrade and take care of my watch, but Apple being Apple is a money making machine so come the next release, I may or may not upgrade my watch or ditch AW all together and go back to my traditional watches which I really miss.

But I have a few good Hermes bands. Arghhh.....

 

[SnowCrocodile]

So let's say the prediction is right and Apple drops them in 2028.

By that time, AW8 and SE2 would be 6 years old. The rest even older.

I've rocked AW4 (which was an awesome model btw) for 6 years. Bought it a month after launch. I've replaced a battery on it once and when I switched to AW9 the battery on 4 was already at about 65% health and barely lasted me through the day. I believe Apple dropped support for it just as I upgraded.

I think 6 years support span is on the short end of reasonable.

 

[jz0309]

I don't think it will happen this year, maybe not next year, but the year after, I can see the Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, SE 2, and Ultra 1 dropping all at the same time.

The reason is because its the same processor.

Spoiler: But Will, isn't the Series 8 the S8 chip, and the Series 6 is the S6 chip???

Yes, but Apple just made it smaller or something, and changed the cover. The actual chip is the exact same that Apple uses the same identifiers as the Series 6 to Series 8, being Watch6,X

This wouldn't be the first time Apple drops 3 year span worth of Apple Products. The 2015 and 2017 MacBook airs are the exact same, and so are the 2018 and 2019 MacBook Airs.

It is not out of the ordinary for Apple to do something like this, but I expect massive controversy and confusion when Apple does drop 3 generations of Apple Watches all at the same time.

When it happens, you heard from me first!
Thats why I complain when Apple doesn't update the chip on the Apple Watch because it is very anti-consumer.

Btw, the Series 9, 10, 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and SE 3 will be the same way.

well, turns out you were correct, just off by a year or 2 as it is indeed happening this year with watchOS 27.

So my apologies to calling it a "conspiracy theory".

it is a shame though, given that S8/U1 are not even 4 years old ...

 

[WilliApple]

well, turns out you were correct, just off by a year or 2 as it is indeed happening this year with watchOS 27.

So my apologies to calling it a "conspiracy theory".

it is a shame though, given that S8/U1 are not even 4 years old ...

Hey, no worries!
Im frustrated as a Series 8 user, I thought that because of this, the Series 8 would get 1 more year of support.

I have officially voted with my wallet.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Hey, no worries!
Im frustrated as a Series 8 user, I thought that because of this, the Series 8 would get 1 more year of support.

I have officially voted with my wallet.
View attachment 2636460

I look forward to your review / thoughts once you've gotten it 😀

 

[goldmac2006]

Hey, no worries!
Im frustrated as a Series 8 user, I thought that because of this, the Series 8 would get 1 more year of support.

I have officially voted with my wallet.
View attachment 2636460

For me, use my Apple Watch Series 6 til it’s done! Won’t upgrade until the screen separates or the battery gets worn out.

 

[BigMcGuire]

For me, use my Apple Watch Series 6 til it’s done! Won’t upgrade until the screen separates or the battery gets worn out.

I see your many watch straps ! Very cool. How is the watch working for you ? Battery health?

 

[goldmac2006]

I see your many watch straps ! Very cool. How is the watch working for you ? Battery health?

I have 60-70 Apple Watch bands. Third party and Apple branded combined.

My Apple Watch Series 6 is still going strong, only slow when changing watch faces on the Apple Watch itself. Battery health is an 84%, it has been kept this way since last summer.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I have 60-70 Apple Watch bands. Third party and Apple branded combined.

My Apple Watch Series 6 is still going strong, only slow when changing watch faces on the Apple Watch itself. Battery health is an 84%, it has been kept this way since last summer.

That is absolutely amazing. I aim to keep my AWU3 as long as you have your AW6 😀. Now I’ve only got 5-6 bands … I got some work to do, haha. Very cool - thank you.

 

[goldmac2006]

That is absolutely amazing. I aim to keep my AWU3 as long as you have your AW6 😀. Now I’ve only got 5-6 bands … I got some work to do, haha. Very cool - thank you.

Totally get it! I wouldn’t go for the Ultra—it’s just too big for me, and all my bands are 40/41/new 42mm, so I’ll probably wait for an 11 or later model with a 42mm or smaller case.

The bands are really awesome—especially the titanium Milanese loop and trail loop, which is why Ultra fans love it so much—but I’m totally fine skipping it. I do have an Ocean Band replica that fits my 41mm!

 

[LionTeeth]

well, turns out you were correct, just off by a year or 2 as it is indeed happening this year with watchOS 27.

So my apologies to calling it a "conspiracy theory".

it is a shame though, given that S8/U1 are not even 4 years old ...

Yep. My series 8 will suddenly be obsolete.

It's somewhat fitting. I also have a Garmin epix Pro. Which was also suddenly dropped from future support when the Fenix 8 came out.

Probably the last smartwatches I ever buy. I'm a wristwatch enthusiast and have been leaning back towards traditional watches. This will push me even further. If I buy a Breitling it'll be the same and function the same in 30 years.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Yep. My series 8 will suddenly be obsolete.

It's somewhat fitting. I also have a Garmin epix Pro. Which was also suddenly dropped from future support when the Fenix 8 came out.

Probably the last smartwatches I ever buy. I'm a wristwatch enthusiast and have been leaning back towards traditional watches. This will push me even further. If I buy a Breitling it'll be the same and function the same in 30 years.

I feel the pull. While I don’t have a Breitling my Japanese Gshocks are amazing and will last a lifetime. If I didn’t already have a paid off Ultra 3 … lol

Don’t let this latest news get you down. Some watches only got 3 os updates.

 

[jz0309]

Yep. My series 8 will suddenly be obsolete.

It's somewhat fitting. I also have a Garmin epix Pro. Which was also suddenly dropped from future support when the Fenix 8 came out.

Probably the last smartwatches I ever buy. I'm a wristwatch enthusiast and have been leaning back towards traditional watches. This will push me even further. If I buy a Breitling it'll be the same and function the same in 30 years.

I have a U2 and a S7Ti with the latter obviously not upgradable but since I wear it only for sleep tracking every other day, I'd like the improved sleep tracking of 27, oh well.

There are these features that comes to mind immediately that will make me stay with AWs:
. Irregular heart rate notification
. Fall detection
. Crash detection
. Apple Pay
. Mac unlock and admin password
Both watches have 100% health as both got replaced under AC+ 6-8 months ago.
Only reason to upgrade from my U2 would be new health sensors/features but my gut right now tells me that the new watches in September will be glorified Siri AI devices and I'm not interested in that.
So it looks I'll be staying with my U2 for some time and maybe just go with a standard alu watch as the replacement... after what has happened yesterday, I don't feel like spending premium money...

 

[Vahn21]

It’s really lame u1 doesn’t get update like what the **** apple

 

[BigMcGuire]

It’s really lame u1 doesn’t get update like what the **** apple

Several watch generations only got 3 os updates in the past. <shrug>

 

[curnalpanic]

Nicely predicted.

Btw, the Series 9, 10, 11, Ultra 2, Ultra 3, and SE 3 will be the same way.

It's looking pretty good for the Series 9 then.

 

[Vahn21]

Several watch generations only got 3 os updates in the past. <shrug>

But none of them were a premium style watch really either and their power behind them were far bigger differences then now but who know maybe storage size could be issue I guess

 

[Deliro]

I have a U3 and this likely will be my last Apple Watch for awhile. Not closing the door on getting one in the future but I’ll likely go back to my stable of analog watches, which are timeless. Apple doesn’t want longevity in their devices.

 

[throAU]

My s4 was dropped years ago.

Still works.