Technology glossary
Apple’s dual-core system in package used in its 2022 watches.
A SiP (system in package) puts the processor, memory and other parts in one small module. According to Apple, S8 SiP has a 64-bit dual-core processor and is used in Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation).
Apple said S8 makes the new SE 20 percent faster than the previous generation. The same announcement listed Crash Detection and international roaming as new SE features; those depend on sensors and software rather than the chip alone.
In the SE (2nd generation) spec sheet, S8 SiP is paired with a 2-core Neural Engine and 32 GB of storage. Series 8 features such as the always-on display and temperature sensing are missing on SE even though the chip is shared.
Smartwatches · 2022
The Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) is Apple’s lower-cost watch from 2022. It offers S8 SiP, Crash Detection and an 18-hour battery life, but no always-on display, ECG, blood oxygen or temperature sensing. The most common topic in owner reviews is the need to charge it every day.
Smartwatches · 2022
The Apple Watch Series 8 is Apple’s main 2022 smartwatch. It kept the Series 7 design and added the S8 SiP, an accelerometer up to 256 g used for crash detection, and body temperature sensing. Independent testing found heart rate and distance close to reference devices; battery life is still limited to 18 hours. Owners mostly reported battery drain after software updates.