The arrival of the Apple Watch 7 is approaching, and despite the scant leaks about the forthcoming smartwatch, we have a solid sense of what to expect.
The Apple Watch 7, as a follow-up to the Apple Watch Series 6, should include a slew of improvements that make the greatest smartwatch even better. We could see a new health sensor, a better display, and longer battery life, among other things. There's also rumors of a whole new design with flat edges and larger screens.
Since 2015, Apple has introduced a new smartwatch every year (in 2020, it launched two), so we're convinced that an Apple Watch Series 7 is on the way. It's possible that a new version may be introduced alongside it, similar to how the Apple Watch SE was released alongside the Apple Watch Series 6.
What, on the other hand, will be different? What features do we want to see in the future? Here's all we know so far about the Apple Watch 7.
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Apple Watch 7 latest news and rumors
- According to a new source, the Apple Watch 7 may not be compatible with prior Apple Watch bands due to the new design and larger screen size.
- The Apple Watch 7 is expected to have a bigger display, which might mean a slew of new watch faces.
- Another unconfirmed rumor claims that the Apple Watch 7 will include blood pressure monitoring, which would be a significant enhancement.
Apple Watch 7 release date
Every year in the Fall, Apple has unveiled a new smartwatch during a Tuesday keynote, with availability beginning the following Friday or the next week.
However, according to a fresh Bloomberg story from the supply chain, the Apple Watch 7 is experiencing "production problems" as a result of the planned design changes, which are listed below. This announcement may tip the scales for those debating whether to buy Apple Watch 6 or wait for Apple Watch 7. It's one thing to wait a few weeks for a new gadget, but it's quite another to wait until October or even November, when the largest and smallest iPhones were finally released last year.
We don't know what's going on with the Apple Watch 7 production line or how the new report will affect the release date. However, based on information from Bloomberg and Nikkei, we're not as convinced as we were before that it'll arrive in September alongside the iPhone 13 and AirPods 3.
Nonetheless, an Apple event is expected to take place in September, at which the Apple Watch 7 could be introduced. It might merely be displayed, with orders going live a month later. Even if it misses the traditional September release window, we're convinced that a new Apple Watch will be released this year.
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Apple Watch 7 price
Unless Apple throws a financial curveball, we have a solid idea of how much the Apple Watch 7 will cost. The company's flagship smartwatch in the 40mm size with GPS has traditionally been priced at $399.
The 44mm size costs $429, plus an additional $100 for Cellular support in either size. Changes in size and connectivity, however, may affect the price of the Apple Watch.
This year could also be the year that Apple lowers the cost of cellular service. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 with LTE costs $50 extra, and the Apple Watch SE with cellular costs $50 more.
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Apple Watch 7 design
The design of Apple's smartwatch hasn't altered in years. While the curving squircle is legendary, we're intrigued about reports of a revamp. A flat-edged Apple Watch adopting the iPhone design language is in the works, according to a leak from Jon Prosser. Apple Watch 7 renderings were provided by Prosser, illustrating what the upcoming wearable could look like.
"The display will likely remain the same as it has been for the past several generations," Prosser said, "though they have tried prototypes with even thinner bezels and more screen," he added.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has backed up Presser's claims, reporting on many planned features and stating Apple is testing a "new lamination method" that brings the watch's display closer to the top cover, based on source information. The Apple Watch 7 will have "a flatter display and edges, a quicker CPU, and somewhat larger screens," according to Gurman.
According to a recent Bloomberg report, the Apple Watch 7 will be available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, with larger screens thanks to the screen being pushed further to the edges of the watch face. And, thanks to a new set of Apple Watch faces, the wearer will be able to get even more information.
In China, we've started to notice some Apple Watch 7 knockoffs, which have been documented on Twitter. The flat edge design is visible, however these knockoffs are clearly missing in polish.
The Apple Watch 7 may not be compatible with existing Apple Watch bands, according to conflicting rumors. This rumor comes from an Apple Store employee, although we're not sure how trustworthy the information is.
Finally, according to DigiTimes, the Apple Watch 7 would use a double-sided System in Package (SiP) from Taiwanese company ASE Technology. This improvement may finally provide us with the battery life we desire.
Apple Watch 7 blood glucose monitoring, blood pressure monitoring and other rumored health features
The Apple Watch 7 is expected to be released without the long-rumored blood glucose meter, which could be a deal-breaker for certain smartwatch buyers.
According to a recent story, Apple's upcoming smartwatch will instead include blood pressure monitoring. The Apple Watch 7 would get a feature that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 already has, but if Apple nails the technology, it might gain FDA approval for use as a legitimate health aid in the United States. However, we are pessimistic. Apple's major smartwatch health initiatives are unlikely to arrive in time for the Apple Watch 7.
Other health and fitness functions are anticipated to be added to the Apple Watch 7. According to Bloomberg, the upcoming Apple Watch could include new swim-tracking features. Otherwise, Apple is either effectively concealing its Apple Watch 7 plans, or this won't be a significant year for health-monitoring technology. However, we do know that the Apple Watch will be able to track pilates and Tai Chi with watchOS 8.
Apple Watch 7 rumors: What we want to see
While we may make reasonable estimates as to when and how much the Apple Watch 7 will cost, the latest Apple Watch 7 rumors are less accurate. We're still too far away from launch for reliable leaks, but we may speculate on certain features we'd want to see.
Better battery life: According to Patently Apple, Apple is working on a means to extend the battery life of its wearables. The "Battery Watch Band" could enhance battery capacity without increasing the Watch's overall size.
We're used to the current models' 18-24 hour battery life, but we'd like to see an Apple Watch that can go longer between charges.
Blood pressure monitoring: There are several reasons why blood pressure monitoring could be available on Apple Watch next year. First and foremost, it's a strong contender for the company's yearly health feature upgrade. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 already has a blood pressure sensor, so Apple can use that as a starting point.
However, it appears that the corporation intends to use a proprietary method. Apple has a leg up on the competition in health tracking thanks to a patent filing that includes built-in blood pressure monitoring with adjustment factors. For example, Samsung's blood pressure monitor necessitates monthly calibration, which can be time consuming.
Mental health tools: We expected Apple would follow up on the Fitbit Sense's stress management tools with comparable functionality for Apple Watch 6. They did not materialize.
Apple may have a consistent lead in life-saving features, but mental health tools are also life-saving. Fortunately, two top leakers have confirmed that Apple is working on a means for your smartwatch to warn you about panic attacks and high stress levels.
MicroLED display: Apple Watch 7 may be on the verge of switching from an OLED to a microLED display, allowing for a thinner and more power-efficient Apple Watch. MicroLED displays are brighter and do not have the luminance decay issues that standard OLED panels do.
Bloomberg reported in 2018 that the company is producing MicroLED screens out of a run-down facility in California. They weren't available for Apple Watch 6, but the improved display may be available for the Apple Watch in 2021.
Apple Watch 7 Outlook
It's too soon to reach any conclusions regarding the Apple Watch 7. We're as eager as you are to find out what Apple has planned for its next-generation wearable.
We're hoping Apple raises the stakes. The competition is stronger than ever: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Fitbit Charge 5 are two new Apple Watch rivals worth considering. Our wristwatch buying guide can assist you in determining which smartwatch is appropriate for you by assessing your needs.
This page will be updated with the most recent Apple Watch 7 information. Until the smartwatch is shown, we'll keep an eye on rumors and leaks.