It may look somewhat the same but it’s different inside out. Radical design changes and Apple Watch aren’t words you find strung together in the same sentence and it’s no different today. The Apple Watch Series 7, once again, features a series of improvements that refine the iconic smartwatch even further.
Series 7 has put on a bit of girth – it’s a millimetre larger at 41mm and 45mm (vs 40 mm and 44 mm) – but hey, if it worked for the Rolex Submariner, it’ll work here. The upside of the larger case dimensions? Almost 20 per cent more screen area. The borders have also thinned out and now measure 1.7mm wide, which is 40 per cent smaller than its predecessor. The watch retains its 50-meter water resistance rating and is now certified IP6X dust-resistant.
Apple is releasing five new aluminium case colours, including midnight, starlight, green, and a new blue and (PRODUCT)RED. Despite the change in case size, you can still use previously released Apple Watch bands.
The front crystal has a new geometry and is over 50 per cent thicker than that of the Series 6 model. It’s more robust, and the extra refraction also gives the display a curved effect to match the curvature of the case.
With the bigger display, the watch now offers two additional larger fonts sizes, a new QWERTY keyboard that also supports QuickPath (slide to type) and predictive text for easier typing. And when your wrist is down, the Always-On Retina display is up to 70 per cent brighter indoors compared to the previous watch. Battery life has also been improved to 18 hours with 33 per cent faster charging.
watchOS 8
On the software side of things, watchOS 8 (available from September 8) brings a host of quality of life improvements. The new watches will get two new faces – Contour and Modular Duo – that take advantage of the larger display to deliver information. Health-centric applications are also key features of smartwatches and here are some of the features you can expect:
- new Mindfulness app
- sleep respiratory rate tracking
- new workout types: Tai Chi and Pilates
- more accurate algorithms for Outdoor Cycle to better reflect starts and stops
- more accurate measurements for e-bike users
- voice feedback to announce workout milestones and Activity ring status
- fall detection algorithms now recognise falls during workouts including cycling (Update in fall)
- new programs for Fitness+ include Meditation, Pilates and Group Workouts with SharePlay, where you can work out with up to 32 friends
New bands
Apple is refreshing their lineup of bands, including their Apple Watch Nike and Apple Watch Hermès collaborations. The new Nike Sport Loop is available in three colours and is designed to pair with the new Nike Bounce watch face, which dynamically animates whenever you interact with the watch or move it.
Apple Watch Hermès will also have two new designs. Circuit H is a signature anchor chain design in Swift leather with a matching watch face while the Gourmette Double Tour features a recurring chain motif formed from links of supple Fauve Barénia leather.
Availability
Apple Watch Series 7 has been designated for a fall release, and the same goes for the Apple Watch Hermès Series 7 and Apple Watch Hermès bands.
The new range of Apple Watch bands and Apple Watch Nike bands will be available to order today, with Apple Watch SE with USB-C charging cable available to order from September 16 from Apple’s online store and the Apple Store app. They will be available in stores from September 17.
