The newest Apple Watch has just been announced - and it's crammed full of features! There are a lot of different Apple Watch options, and you're probably wondering what the "Apple Watch Series 6" benefits are.
You've probably heard some buzz words being thrown around about a blood oxygen sensor and improved chips. To learn everything you need to know about the features and specifications of the newest Apple Watch, keep reading!
Apple Watch 6 Specifications
First let's do a quick overview of the Series 6, then we'll go into more detail! Let's check out the specifications of the Apple Watch Series 6.
- Device Dimensions: Small: 40mm x 34mm x 10.4mm, Large: 44mm x 38mm x 10.4mm
- Weight: Small: 30.5g, Large: 36.5
- Small band fits wrists from 130mm to 200mm
- Large band fits wrists from 140mm to 220mm
- Screen Size: Small: 39mm, Large: 45.2mm
- Screen Display: Always-On Retina LTPO OLED
- Battery: Lithium-ion
- Charge time: Full charge within 1.5 hours
- Storage: 32GB
- Fifteen exercise modes preloaded.
- Autotrack preferred exercise mode with SmartTrack.
- Operating system: Apple
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, optional LTE and UMTS
- Connected GPS: Yes
- Compatibility: iPhone 6s+
- Water-resistant to 50m
- Operating Temperature: best from 0° to 35°C
- Sensors: Optical heart rate tracker, 3-axis accelerometer, always-on altimeter, SpO2, vibration motor
- Maximum altitude: 9,144m
- Material: Choose from Aluminium, Stainless Steel, and Titanium - with Sapphire Crystal Glass
- NFC chip: Yes
- Apple accessories: Box includes tracker with a band, USB charging cable
Physical Dimensions of the Apple Watch Series 6
Like past iterations, the Apple Watch Series 6 comes in two different sizes. The smaller version is 40mm, and the larger is 44mm. In reality, this refers to the screen size (just like TVs and smartphones, you're measuring diagonally).
Screen Type
One of the biggest upgrades the Apple Watch Series 6 brings is an upgraded screen. For years people have been clamouring for an Always-On display, and last year Apple delivered.
Now that same screen is 2.5 times brighter, meaning you don't have to worry about sun glare on your morning runs anymore.
The Series 6 keeps that famous LTPO OLED Retina display. So, your watch will save battery life and deliver blacker blacks and improved colours than a standard LCD display. The 40m has 324 by 394 pixels and a 759 square mm display area. The 44mm has 368 by 448 pixels and a 977 square mm display area.
Series 6 Battery
The battery has remained much the same over the past few iterations of the Apple Watch. Like the SE and Series 3, the Series 6 features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. You can expect this to give up to 18 hours of battery life.
It charges via a magnetic charging puck and cable like normal. So, if nothing much has changed in the battery department, how is it supporting that Always On display?
More than one thing factors into battery life. The newer chip, which we'll discuss later, is more efficient in general.
Additionally, they've improved charging times. You can expect far less downtime as Apple claims the battery to reach an 80% charge after a single hour of charging. A fully charged watch can be had in around an hour and a half.
Chip
As discussed, the new S6 chip is far more efficient than the older S5. While both are a 64-bit dual core processor, the S6 expects to be up to 20% faster than its S5 predecessor.
The Series 6 now also adds the U1 chip, also known as the Ultra Wideband antennas. This means that your Apple Watch can now support short-range wireless locations - but more about that later.
General Features
Now onto the fun part! First, we'll discuss improvements to the base features. In the next section, we'll move onto the new fitness features the Series 6 has introduced.
The Series 6 is still water-resistant up to 50 meters, but it now features a third-generation optical heart sensor. Apple really seems to be committed to its health features.
The Always-on Altimeter is now more precise with an improved barometer. Not only does it save on battery life, but it can detect up and down movements as little as a third of a meter.
Tracking Capabilities
While the feature improvements are good, the entirely new capabilities unveiled are what really makes you want to go out and buy.
Blood Oxygen Sensor
The new blood oxygen sensor can detect the oxygen saturation in your blood. But what does this mean and why is it useful?
It's sometimes important to know what your oxygen saturation levels are because it indicates how well your blood is flowing. When you're exercising you need to have good blood flow, especially from the lungs.
Apple can do this through the use of a series of lights on the base of the watch. These lights will reflect back and be measured, giving you an accurate reading of your blood oxygen levels.
A new app is also available, the Blood Oxygen app. Here you can take on-demand readings and see your charts and trends.
Ultra Wideband
As mentioned above, the Apple Watch Series 6 includes a new chip in addition to its standard S6 processor and W3 wireless chips. The U1 Ultra Wideband chip is designed to give you more new experiences to explore.
The Ultra Wideband allows for improved short-range wireless locating. This feature is designed to improve the longevity and usefulness of Apple Watches, as things such as cars catch up to the digital world. With the Ultra Wideband, you can now work with things like next-gen car keys.
WatchOS 7
While some of the previous generations of Apple Watches will be able to update to WatchOS 7, it is new. So, it's a good idea to take a quick look at some of the capabilities this update will bring.
Family Setup
In order to keep the whole family connected, Apple is working to include even those who don't have an iPhone in the fun. They'll still be able to make and receive phone calls, as well as access many features.
You can even keep track of your children with the Find People app to make sure they're always safe.
Sleep Tracking
Finally, Apple has listened to its customers and included sleep-tracking capabilities. Using advanced algorithms and the motion detector in the watch, you can see whether you're getting a good night's sleep. The watch can also help identify factors for why you're not sleeping well, and help you wind down before sleep.
Hand Washing Detection
In the 2021 world of constant hand washing, Apple is there to keep you and your watch safe. Now the watch will detect when you start to wash your hands and begin a 20 second timer.
Series 6 Design Options
We'll discuss price in a moment, but Apple likes to offer some specialized customization options - and they're expanding all the time. Gone are the days where you had to choose between two colours and the same aluminium finish!
Finishes
As they have been doing in the past few generations, Apple now lets you choose your watch's finish. Aluminium comes in silver, space grey, gold, blue, and their PRODUCT Red. Stainless steel is available in silver, graphite, and gold. Finally, their top-of-the-line Titanium line is available in natural titanium and space black (DLC).
It should be noted that GPS only version of the Apple Watch only comes in the aluminium finish.
Styles and Collaborations
Apple is continuing to collaborate with Nike and Hermes. Apple is bringing you ultimate sporty and fashion experiences depending on your lifestyle.
The Nike watches are only available in aluminium, and the Hermes is only available in stainless steel. Both are essentially identical in terms of performance compared to the standard Series 6 watches.
The Nike watches come with a sport band and the capability to add some custom watch faces. These custom faces can have complications that work with the Nike+ Run Club app.
The Hermes watches include the leather double tour strap which has become an icon of the series. There are two other strap options, a single strap, as well as a new sport band in Hermes' signature orange. Like the Nike watches, there are exclusive watch faces to have your watch looking classic and elegant at all times.
Series 6 Price
Of course, the price will fluctuate based on which band and finish you choose.
With two different sizes and a cellular and non-cellular option, you are looking at a couple of different price points. The base non-cellular version costs $599 for the 40mm and $649 for the 44mm.
With cellular, you can expect the 40mm to cost you $749, and the 44mm comes in at $799. If you're paying attention, that means the maxed out 44mm with the cellular is generally a better deal. It's only costing you around an extra $150 for cellular rather than $250.
What Else Should I Know?
You can view all features and specifications not covered here (and see the colour options) on Apple's website. Comparing the options will show you how the Apple Water Series 6 stands as superior among all Apple products.
Or maybe you're still trying to decide between Apple and the other fitness giant, Fitbit. Whether Apple, Samsung, or any other wearable tech, we've got you covered with fantastic designs and accessories.