The Apple Watch Series 7 retains the same design elements that have been present since its first iteration. Despite rumors of a flat-edged redesign, Apple doubled down on rounded sides and added a bigger, brighter display.
The Apple Watch has matured over the years into a health and fitness product, though Apple still pushes some social aspects. Each release has had some prominent feature attached, though this model is admittedly more iterative than Apple's previous generations.
Apple Watch Series 7 Features
Rather than add some gimmicky new feature or sensor, Apple positioned the Apple Watch Series 7 as the epitome of its wearable revolution. It acts as the absolute maximum representation of what can fit in a comfortable wrist computer.
A redesign is still possible in the future, but for now, Apple had to consider what changes it could make in an aging design without compromising existing features.
Notably, Apple has introduced yet another Apple Watch that retains compatibility with all watch bands. Apple initially leaned heavily into the fashion aspects of the Apple Watch, which has persisted through the constantly changing band styles.
Display
The display is larger and tougher than beforeApple pushed the display over the edge of the Apple Watch frame for 20% more screen real estate than its predecessor. Those upgrading from the Apple Watch Series 3 will see a 50% increase in display size while only increasing case size by 3mm.
The display is also 70% brighter when the always-on display is dimmed. This means information is more visible at a glance, even in a bright environment.
Many apps offered by Apple have been reconfigured for the larger display as well. For example, Calculator has bigger buttons, text messages show more content, and there is now a full-sized keyboard useful for swipe typing.
Apple says the display used on the Apple Watch Series 7 is the most durable one yet. The glass cover is thicker at its highest point, making it more resistant to cracks.
Health
The heart rate and blood oxygen sensors take background readings to monitor your healthThere are no new health features in Apple Watch Series 7. All of the health features found in the upgraded hardware exist in the Apple Watch Series 6, though that model will no longer be in Apple's lineup.
Heart
Heart rate is the primary health feature that ties to every health and fitness metric. The infrared sensor on the back of the Apple Watch regularly measures heart rate and records its findings in the Health app.
Users can also take manual Electrocardiograms using the Digital Crown and heart rate sensor to complete an electrical circuit around their body. This measurement helps determine irregular heart rhythms and can help users decide whether they need to visit a doctor.
There is also a blood oxygen sensor built into the sensor stack. LEDs and photodiodes record oxygen content and warn users if it gets too low for a given elevation. This data can help diagnose issues with the lungs or sickness.
Fall detection
The accelerometers in Apple Watch can detect if its wearer has fallen or been involved in a collision. The Apple Watch will ask if the user has fallen and needs help when enabled.
If the user isn't moving around for about a minute, an alarm starts counting down. As long as the Apple Watch is connected to a cellular network or an iPhone, it will notify emergency services if you're unable to.
This feature is enabled by default for users over 55, though it can be manually toggled on for users 18 or older.
Other
The Apple Watch will record decibel levels in any environment, and if enabled, will warn the wearer of dangerously loud noise. A complication is also available so users can view the decibel level at a glance.
A twenty-second timer will start when Apple Watch detects the user is washing their hands. The feature was added during the pandemic to encourage healthy habits.
The Apple Watch also tracks sleeping habits by default. So if you wear your Apple Watch to bed, it will measure the quality of sleep based on a combination of metrics gained from the health sensors.
Fitness
Track workouts and compete with friends in the Fitness appFitness has become an essential staple of the Apple Watch — Fitness+ was even built around it. Track your workouts, from walking to swimming, all with a simple tap.
Automatic workout detection has improved as Apple updates its algorithms in watchOS. With watchOS 8, users can automatically start a cycling workout thanks to a combination of sensors detecting the activity.
The algorithms have also been tuned to measure calories accurately when using an e-bike. It can determine if pedal-assist is active or if the bike is moving on leg power alone.
There are many workouts users can initiate from the Fitness app on Apple Watch. They include cycling, swimming, core, HIT, and even hiking. New workouts available in watchOS 8 include pilates and yoga.
Processor, Networking, Charging
Apple says the Apple Watch Series 7 has the same 18-hour battery life as its predecessor. However, the charging capabilities have been improved with much faster charge times.
The Apple Watch will charge 33% faster when connected to sufficient power, translating to eight hours of sleep tracking with just eight minutes on a charger. Apple says the battery can reach 80% in just 45 minutes.
Apple didn't delve into the processor, but it is a new S7 SiP. The core processor remains the same as the S6, though there's more to the chip than just the processor. The expanded capabilities for the display, fall detection, and more could easily warrant a next-generation package, hence the S7.
There is still an LTE option available for Apple Watch. It requires a cellular plan from a carrier but will likely be included in your iPhone plan for a small monthly fee.
Materials and colors
Midnight, starlight, green, blue, and (PRODUCT)RED colors are availableThe Apple Watch Series 7 is available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. The only model with new color options is the aluminum model.
The aluminum colors are midnight, starlight, green, blue, and (PRODUCT)RED. Stainless steel is available in silver, graphite, and gold. The titanium model retains its space black and standard titanium color.
Apple Watch compared
Apple Watch Series 7 versus Apple Watch Series 6
Existing Apple Watch owners may have a tough time choosing to upgrade to the 2021 Apple Watch if they already have an Apple Watch Series 6. The feature set and processor are roughly the same between generations, but it is the new display that steals the show.
The display is 20% larger at 41mm and 45mm with the bezels nearly cut in half. Apple also says the new display is slightly curved and thicker towards the center for more impact resistance. The always-on display is also up to 70% brighter when in the dimmed mode.
Health and fitness functions are identical. All of the new features found in the Series 7 also exist in the Series 6, so don't expect any surprises here. The battery life is also consistent between existing models at around 18 hours during normal use.
The new color options, tougher display, and fast charging may be enough to tip the scales for some buyers, but if you already have an Apple Watch Series 6, there isn't a single compelling reason to upgrade.
Read the spec breakdown and more feature differences in the full report: Apple Watch Series 7 versus Apple Watch Series 6.
Apple Watch Series 7 review: Bigger than you think
The Apple Watch Series 7 didn't contain a significant number of updates, but we believe the larger display makes it a compelling upgrade and the best smartwatch you can buy. The bigger case, edge-to-edge display, and curved glass make this watch look striking compared to the big-bezel predecessors.
Apple didn't include new health sensors, didn't upgrade the processor speed, or add new cellular technology as it has in previous models. Battery life remains the same, but the Apple Watch can be charged at a much faster rate with the new cable.
Design
The case design is relatively the same, with slightly more curved edges and a single speaker slit versus two. The watch band connecting mechanism remains identical to the previous models.
The larger edge-to-edge display is a noticeable upgradeThe real story is the increase in display size and brightness. The display itself is 20% larger and 70% brighter when in always-on mode. These upgrades are easily noticeable when held side-by-side with an Apple Watch Series 6.
Apple altered the operating system slightly to account for the larger display. The full QWERTY keyboard is simple enough to use by tapping each letter, but it is most useful when swipe typing. We still prefer using dictation via Siri when responding in a pinch.
Two new watch faces were introduced with the latest models. Modular Duo is a compelling choice thanks to its two large complications, similar to the Infograph Modular's single large complication. Contour is a more opinionated design with curved letters that stretch over the edge of the curved glass.
Using Apple Watch Series 7
Despite a lack of speed upgrades to the processor, everything operated smoothly. Apps opened instantly, and navigating the operating system never felt sluggish.
The Apple Watch survived a trip to the dunesThe Apple Watch can charge up to 33% faster than previous models, thanks to 5W fast charging. You'll need the included cable and a 5W or higher charging port to do so.
Fitness aspects are unchanged with the same workout tracking, heart rate detection, and awards as previous models. Users can take an ECG, notify emergency contacts in the event of a fall, and get abnormal heart rate notifications as well.
We tested Apple's durability and dust-proof claims by taking Apple Watch to the beach. After multiple drops in sand dunes and being nearly buried in sand, the Apple Watch Series 7 showed no signs of damage.
We believe the Apple Watch Series 7 is a net win for anyone upgrading from previous models. While owners of the Apple Watch Series 6 may have a tougher time making the jump, the bigger display that shows more content is definitely worth it.
Pros
- Larger display
- Two new watch faces
- Full QWERTY keyboard
- Faster charging
- Very durable
Cons
- No new health features
- Processor is unchanged
- No third-party watch faces
Score: 4.5 out of 5
What was rumored
The rumors leading up to the Apple event led many to believe a significant redesign was coming. Everything from a flat-sided watch to new types of bands was expected.
A flat-sided redesign is still possibleWhat Apple revealed is almost entirely the opposite of those rumors. Not only is the new Watch more curved, but it also uses the old band style and doesn't have any radical new features.
This trip up is one of the more public failures of the rumor mill. More than one source had been adamant about the new features, yet none arrived.
The verdict is still out, however, as some have doubled down. Now those who perpetuated the flat-sided redesign say it is due for the "Apple Watch Series 8" in 2022.
Rumors point to a larger Apple Watch and a new rugged model, but nothing recent suggests a redesign. With only a few weeks until Apple's fall announcements, it isn't clear if the flat-sided redesign is happening.
Pricing
Apple Watch Series 7
The Apple Watch Series 7 is priced identically to the Apple Watch Series 6. Some early orders shipped on October 15 with limited in-store availability. The 41mm watch with a sport band starts at $399. Customers can choose between aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium watch cases, a multitude of bands, and whether or not cellular is included.
Apple also offers refurbished Apple Watch models that have new one-year warranties and can have AppleCare applied just like new devices.
Andrew Orr
Charles Martin
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