Apple Watch 6 - Everything you need to know

It’s officially here! The Apple Watch 6 has been launched. It wasn’t alone for this release, though. The cost-effective Apple Watch SE and a host of other iPad products have burst onto the scene alongside it. There was some disappointment at a lack of iPhone 12, but what we get instead is a cheaper version of the iPad and a new iPad Air 4.

Let’s go through some of the things Apple covered about the Apple Watch 6 in their release.

When was the Apple Watch 6 released?

The Apple Watch 6 was revealed on September 15 during a live-streamed event.

Price

Your Apple Watch 6 will set you back $399.99 if you want the standard 40mm version. The larger 44mm will cost $429.99. It also comes in LTE-ready models, which are $499 and $529 for the 40mm and 44mm respectively.

So What are the new features in Apple Watch 6?

Design

Apple hasn’t done too much to the design of this latest release. If you put it side-by-side to an Apple Watch 4 or 5, there’s a lot of similarities. What the Apple Watch 6 does bring are new colour options.

There’s a new aluminium case in blue and you can pick up the stainless steel model in steel or gold. There’s also a really sleek black graphite option and a brand new colour to Apple, a red version. Cases and bands are compatible with older models so you have a wide choice of cases and also bands available.

The always-on display feature remains. It’s had some tinkering with and Apple have improved it. It’s now brighter by 2.5x than the predecessor. This is aimed at helping users see the display in various lighting conditions.

You no longer need to wake the watch fully to access either your control or notification centres. They are both accessible via your always-on display. It’s possible to change your watch face this way too.

Apple also announced a range of new bands for the Apple Watch 6. This includes new colours and styles. As for the latter, there’s now the Solo Loop and a Braided Solo Loop. Neither has a clasp and this means you need to stretch the band over your wrist to put it on.

Fitness features

They were very excited to talk about the new fitness features. There’s an additional health sensor on the belly of the watch that will monitor blood oxygen levels. It does this through an app (called Blood Oxygen) and takes only 15 seconds to take a reading.

It’ll also take readings in the background, meaning it’ll collect data as you sleep or during the day as you go about your business. The information will be the basis of identifying any potential underlying health issues you might have.

Other than that, there’s not much else that’s new. You get features you’ve probably become familiar with already.

Battery life

The Apple Watch 6 is 20% faster than the Series 5, thanks to a new S6 processor.

Apple boasts up to 18 hours of battery life. This matches the Series 5, but the 6 charges faster. You can get a full charge in 90 minutes.

Additionally, there’s a new always-on altimeter. This provides the user with elevation data in real-time, all throughout the day. Apple claims that this will measure with such accuracy that it’ll pick up on changes as small as one foot.

Another feature Apple wasn’t as loud about revealing is is the U1 Ultrawideband chip in the watch range. You’ll see this chip in an iPhone 11 and what the rumour mill has been saying will be used in the eagerly-anticipated AirTags.

This means the Apple accessories containing the Ultra Wideband will have a very accurate, albeit short-range, communication standard for finding things like the AirTags (think Tiles, for comparison). You’ll be able to put these on the devices you want to keep safe and their location will pop up in apps like Find My, which, apparently, you can use on the Apple Watch 6.

Apple Watch 6 software

Naturally, you get the latest WearOS on the Apple Watch 6. In fact, Apple developed a new software version specifically in anticipation for this new model, in June fo this year.

WatchOS 7 allows you to collect data on your VO2 Max. This tells you if and when your blood oxygen levels are low.

Sleep tracking has had the most attention and the company claim this version supersedes all others in its capabilities.

You’ll find new and improved workouts and sleep tracking and even a COVID-related feature of tracking your hand-washing habits. Apparently, there are some big plans in progress for later release.

Apple watch 6 - against trees with emoji

Watch faces

Users are really spoiled with seven new watch faces to choose from.

These are part of the new WatchOS 7 so they weren’t designed exclusively for Apple Watch 6 users. In fact, you can share your face configurations with friends and family.

Should I buy an Apple Watch 6?

If you can afford it and you’re into having the latest gadget, then absolutely. Perhaps you’re seduced by the addition of being able to monitor your blood oxygen levels because you’re currently managing some health issues closely, then this will be a useful device for you. If you like the idea of having a never-before-seen Apple Watch colour, then go for the new red version and get people’s heads turning.

If you’re not sure which Apple watch is best for you then we have created an easy comparison of all Apple offerings from the first generation to the Series 6 and SE. Check it out here.

Will you be investing the latest Apple Watch, let us know in the comments

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