Apple has officially unveiled the Apple Watch Series 7, which features new screen technology, a redesigned design, and improved ruggedness. The Series 6 has received an iterative update, as announced at its California Streaming event.
In terms of design, the watch retains 40mm and 44mm case sizes, but Apple has reduced bezel sizes to provide 20% more screen estate than the Series 6. Apple claims that the Series 7’s new display is 70% brighter than its predecessor and can fit in 50% more text, making it better suited to reading emails and long messages.
With the additional screen space, Apple has redesigned the watchOS interface with larger app buttons and introduced a full keyboard mode, which uses AI to predict what you’re going to type next. For Series 7, there are new exclusive watch faces, such as a redesigned Modular face that can host richer complications thanks to the extra space.
Apple has touted the Series 7’s improved durability, claiming that it has a crack-resistant crystal on the display and an IP6X dust resistance rating in addition to the existing WR50 water resistance rating.
In terms of Apple Watch Series 7 model options, there are five new aluminum case colors, as well as new Nike and Hermès editions. The Apple Watch Series 3 and Watch SE will remain available. In terms of features, it appears that we can expect more of the same as we did with Series 6. That means you’ll be able to monitor blood oxygen levels, take ECG readings, and use all of the same fitness tracking and sport watch-style modes and metrics.
Apple also revealed that it is improving cycling tracking support, including a new fall detection mode for when you fall off your bike. Apple continues to tout the same 18-hour battery life that it has for each generation of the Watch. It has added some fast charging capability, claiming that it can charge 33 percent faster than the Series 6 and charge from 0 to 80 percent in 45 minutes. For those who are concerned about sleep tracking, the Series 7 can provide 8 hours of monitoring from just 8 minutes of charging. The Watch Series 7 will be priced starting at $499.