14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has officially launched the Apple Watch Series 6, a new model of its smartwatch that comes with improved features and watchOS 7 pre-loaded.
While a new-generation model device is supposed to come with substantial improvements, the Apple Watch Series 6 isn’t such a massive upgrade over its predecessors.
The device looks very similar to the Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5, so aesthetically, nothing has changed. The device continues to be available in two different sizes, namely 40mm and 44mm, and all models come with an always-on Retina display like the older models.
However, Apple says it has included brightness improvements on the new display.
“An enhanced Always-On Retina display on Apple Watch Series 6 is up to 2.5 times brighter than Apple Watch Series 5 outdoors when the user’s wrist is down, making it much easier to see a watch face in bright sunlight,” Apple explains.
In terms of performance, the Apple Watch Series 6 is equipped with the new S6 processor that’s 20 percent faster, and the Cupertino-based tech giant says apps should also launch 20 percent faster.
“Apple Watch Series 6 features the U1 chip and Ultra Wideband antennas, which will enable short-range wireless location to support new experiences, such as next-generation digital car keys,” it says.
One of the upgrades this year is a faster charging system, which according to the official specs should provide a full charge in 1.5 hours.
In terms of new capabilities, there’s just one highlight this time. The Apple Watch Series 6 comes with a new sensor to measure oxygen saturation. A Blood Oxygen app is thus pre-loaded on the Apple Watch, and the information is synced with the Health app.
“To compensate for natural variations in the skin and improve accuracy, the Blood Oxygen sensor employs four clusters of green, red, and infrared LEDs, along with the four photodiodes on the back crystal of Apple Watch, to measure light reflected back from blood. Apple Watch then uses an advanced custom algorithm built into the Blood Oxygen app, which is designed to measure blood oxygen between 70 percent and 100 percent. On-demand measurements can be taken while the user is still, and periodic background measurements occur when they are inactive, including during sleep,” Apple says.
Apple Watch Series 6 comes with a blue version that joins the silver, space gray, and gold aluminum case options. A red version that’s offered as part of Apple’s (PRODUCT)RED partnership will also be offered. The stainless steel version will be offered in graphite and an updated classic yellow gold color.
The Apple Watch Edition is offered in natural and space black titanium.
Three new bands have also been announced today, and Apple says that it put a lot of effort into the development process in order to make them feel comfortable on the wrist. The Solo Loop, the Braided Solo Loop, and the Leather Link wraps will all be available for the Series 6, but in typical Apple Watch style, they can also be used with previous-generation models.
Apple Watch Series with GPS will be available from $399 in the United States, while the GPS and LTE version will be offered from $499. The new models are available for pre-order today, while shipping is projected to kick off on September 18. The same for the new bands announced today.
watchOS 7, the new operating system that comes pre-loaded on the Apple Watch Series 7, but also supporting Series 3 and later, will be released tomorrow on September 16. It will only work with an iPhone 6s and newer running iOS 14.
