As if on cue, Apple releases new versions of the Apple Watch every fall, and that's expected to be the case in 2021. (unless the new smartwatch experiences delays). The new smartwatch is expected to come with a refined look and speedier performance in comparison to Apple Watch Series 6, expected to become the Apple Watch Series 7. We expect to see the 7th Series at the virtual event in Apple on September 14th, which will also be shown on the reported iPhone 13 and AirPods 3
According to Bloomberg there are still at least one year away ambitious new health features such as glucose monitoring and body temperature measurements. However, the Apple Watch Series 7 is still expected to provide cosmetics and performance changes that could help those with an older model of Apple Watch such as Series 4 and previous updates to make them worth upgrading.
Are you curious how it compares to the Series 6? Based on the rumours and stories thus far, here's how Apple's current top smartwatch will likely compare to the Series 7.
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Apple Watch Series 7 (rumored) vs. Apple Watch Series 6
| Apple Watch Series 7 (rumored) | Apple Watch Series 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Size and display | 41mm/45mm, always-on screen | 40mm/44mm, always-on screen |
| Processor | Apple S7 with updated U1 chip | Apple S6 with previous U1 chip |
| Health and activity sensors | Blood oxygen sensor, electrical heart-rate sensor, optical heart-rate sensor, compass, always-on altimeter | Blood oxygen sensor, electrical heart-rate sensor, optical heart-rate sensor, compass, always-on altimeter |
| Safety features | Emergency SOS, international emergency calling, fall detection, noise monitoring | Emergency SOS, international emergency calling, fall detection, noise monitoring |
| Software | WatchOS 8 | WatchOS 8 (via update) |
| US starting price | $399 | $399 |
| Colors | Silver, space gray, gold, blue red, green | Silver, space gray, gold, blue red |
| Connectivity | GPS, LTE (optional), Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi | GPS, LTE (optional), Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi |
Design: A larger screen than the Series 6 with a design that could resemble the iPhone 12
Since the launch of the Series 4 in 2018, Apple hasn't given the Apple Watch a big makeover, but that could change in 2021.
According to Bloomberg, the Series 7 will include a redesigned design with narrower borders that frame the screen and a new form of lamination that brings the screen closer to the cover glass. According to an another Bloomberg report, the Series 7 casing is believed to be flatter than the Series 6. That matches prior results from industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via 9to5Mac), who predicted a "major form factor design change" for the Apple Watch in 2021.
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We may also anticipate a larger screen on the Apple Watch, as Bloomberg says that it will be available in 41- and 45-millimeter sizes. In comparison to the Series 6's 40mm and 44mm diameters, this would be a minor increase. Because the Series 7 is believed to be a new flagship Apple Watch, rather than a follow-up to the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE, it's likely that it will include an always-on display like the Series 6.
According to Bloomberg, Apple may potentially release new watch faces for the Series 7 to make greater use of the larger screen. According to the rumour, the Series 7 could be somewhat thicker than the Series 6, but this is unlikely to be noticed.
However, because of the changed size, it's possible that the Series 7 won't work with older Apple Watch bands. An Apple Store staffer told Max Weinbach, a freelance reporter for Android Police, that no more bands in the 40mm and 44mm sizes are expected.
New story: Apple Watch Series 7 and its larger screen detailed + new watch faces revealed. Details on screen size, screen resolution, and new features here https://t.co/UqV77wHv7u
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 2, 2021
These improvements appear to be aimed towards bringing the Apple Watch Series 7's design closer to that of the iPhone 12, iPad Air, and iPad Pro, which all feature flat metal edges.
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Performance: A faster new chip and better spatial awareness
Apple always includes a new Chipset with each new Apple Watch model, so a new chip in the Series 7 seems likely. According to Bloomberg, one of the main focus areas for this year's update will be "a speedier processor." Year-to-year speed improvements on the Apple Watch aren't normally obvious in regular use, so I don't expect the Series 7 to be significantly faster than the Series 6.
What's more intriguing, according to Bloomberg, is the enhanced ultrawideband technology that will be featured in the Series 7. Ultrawideband technology isn't new, but it's just lately appeared in devices like the iPhone, Samsung's Galaxy S21 Plus and Galaxy S21 Ultra phones, the HomePod Mini, and Apple's AirTag Bluetooth trackers. It enables devices to locate direction and vicinity more accurately indoors than Bluetooth and faster than GPS.
When the WatchOS 8 update arrives this autumn, this technology will increase the Apple Watch's capacity to operate as a digital key for your home and car. Apple's U1 ultrawideband chip is already in the Series 6, so it will be able to support these capabilities as well. However, thanks to a new ultrawideband microprocessor, the Series 7 should be able to unlock your front door even faster. In addition, the Series 7 is anticipated to be better equipped in the future for emerging features that rely on ultrawideband communication.
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Health and fitness: All the same features as the Series 6
According to Bloomberg, there won't be any big improvements to health and fitness tracking. The Apple Watch Series 7 will reportedly focus on design, screen size, and performance improvements.
However, health and safety capabilities such as blood oxygen saturation measures, the ability to take an electrocardiogram, or ECG, from the wrist, fall detection, and international emergency dialling appear to be on the way for the Series 7. These features aren't available on the Apple Watch SE or Series 3, but they'll almost certainly be added to a new flagship watch like the Series 7.
Apple's larger set of features, including as high and low heart-rate notifications, a built-in compass, emergency SOS, abnormal heart-rhythm notifications, and an always-on altimeter, are likely to be included with the Series 7.
Pricing and colors: Likely the same as the Apple Watch Series 6
Like the Series 5 and Series 4, the Apple Watch Series 6 starts at $399 for the GPS-only variant with an aluminium casing.
We haven't heard any concrete speculations or reports about Apple possibly modifying the Series 7's pricing plan, but it's worth noting that Apple has previously modified the price between generations. When the Apple Watch Series 3 was first released in 2017, it cost $329. In 2018, Apple raised the price of the entry-level Series 4 to $399, making it the final Apple Watch to receive a substantial makeover.
In terms of colour possibilities, there's a chance the Series 7 will be available in a new sage green hue. According to YouTuber Jon Prosser, who has a shaky track record, this is the case. Aside from that, the Series 7 is likely to be available in the same colour selections as the Series 6: silver, space grey, gold, blue, and red.
During Apple's September 4 event, we're expected to learn more about the Apple Watch Series 7.