The rumored temperature sensor in the Apple Watch Series 8 could provide the ability to detect if the wearer has a fever, as part of its enhanced fitness-tracking capabilities.
Expected in late 2022, the Apple Watch Series 8 is widely anticipated to include some form of body temperature sensing feature as part of its annual update. In a report on Sunday, it is thought that the sensor could provide enough of a reading to determine if the user is enduring a fever.
According to Mark Gurman's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, the Apple Watch Series 8 will include the feature in its standard model, as well as an updated rugged edition. Not all models will gain temperature readings, as an updated Apple Watch SE probably won't have it.
For models that do, Gurman says the feature won't provide a specific reading to the user, but should "be able to tell if it believes you have a fever." Much like other detection systems in the Apple Watch, it could then make a recommendation for the user to use a dedicated thermometer for a more accurate reading, or to contact their doctor.
Outside of the temperature sensor, Gurman doubles down on the claim that it will have the same effective processing power as the Apple Watch Series 6, though there has apparently been some talk of updated displays in some models.
