New Apple Watch 7: Rumored features at a glance
• Redesigned, flat-edged chassis
• New flat display
• Improved UWB connectivity
• Two new sizes: 41mm and 45mm
• Faster S7 processor
• Ships with watchOS 8 software
• Time to Run feature with Apple Fitness Plus
• Possibly improved swim tracking features
The Apple Watch 7 release could be revealed today, September 14, at the California Streaming Apple event. We're expecting the next-generation smartwatch to introduce a significant redesign and some additional internal upgrades.
While the iPhone 13 and AirPods 3 are also believed to take the stage at today's keynote, the Apple Watch 7 could be the show's true star as it looks to make the best smartwatch even better.
Apple has debuted a new smartwatch every year since 2015 (in 2020, it actually released two) so we're confident an Apple Watch Series 7 is the pipeline. It could be accompanied by a new version, too, much like the Apple Watch SE released alongside the Apple Watch Series 6.
But what will be different? And which features are on our wishlist? Here's everything we know about the Apple Watch 7 so far.
Apple Watch 7 latest news and rumors (September 14)
Apple Watch 7 release date
Going by all the rumors so far, we're expecting to se the Apple Watch 7 make its debut today, September 14, at the fall's first Apple event.
So for anyone wondering if they should buy Apple Watch 6 or wait for Apple Watch 7, this news might tip the scales. Either way, be sure to check out our guide on how to trade in your Apple Watch for upgrading to a newer model.
Apple Watch 7 price
Unless Apple opts to throw a financial curveball, we have a pretty good sense about what the Apple Watch 7 price will be. Traditionally, $399 is the company's entry-level price for its flagship smartwatch in the 40mm size with GPS.
The price goes up to $429 for the 44mm size, plus another $100 to either size for Cellular support. That said, changes to size options and connectivity could alter the Apple Watch cost.
This could be the year we see Apple drop the price of cellular, too. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 with LTE is only $50 more, as is cellular for the midrange Apple Watch SE.
Apple Watch 7 design
Apple's smartwatch design hasn't changed in several years. While the curved squircle is pretty iconic, we're definitely excited about redesign rumors. According to a leak from Jon Prosser, a flat-edged Apple Watch following the iPhone design language is in the works. Prosser shared Apple Watch 7 renders revealing what the new wearable could look like.
Prosser said, "the display will likely stay the same as it has been for the past few generations, though, at least from what I've heard, they have tested prototypes with even smaller bezels and more screen."
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has added weight to Presser's clams, with reports, apparently fuelled by source information, detailing several upcoming features and claiming Apple is testing a "new lamination technique" that raises the watch's display closer to the top cover. And Gurman claimed that the Apple Watch 7 would have "a flatter display and edges, a faster processor and slightly larger screens."
In a more recent Bloomberg report, Gurman claimed the Apple Watch 7 will come in 41mm and 45mm variants but will have larger displays thanks to pushing the screen further to the edges of the watch face. And that is set to deliver more information to the wearer, notably through a suite of new Apple Watch faces.
We've starting to see some Apple Watch 7 clones appearing in China, which have been posted to Twitter. You can see the flat edge design, but it's clear that these knockoffs are lacking some polish.
We've heard competing rumors on this, but the Apple Watch 7 may not be compatible with existing Apple Watch bands. The source for this rumor is an Apple Store employee, but we're not sure how reliable the report is.
Lastly in terms of design, a report from DigiTimes says the Apple Watch 7 will feature a double-sided System in Package (SiP) from Taiwan’s ASE Technology. This upgrade could finally give us the battery life we want.
Apple Watch 7 battery life
The Apple Watch 7 has been tipped to get a significant battery boost, meaning it might no longer be rated for a mere 18 hours.
The current Apple Watch has been rated for a battery life of 18 hours. But according to tech tipster Max Weinbach the Apple Watch 7 will have around a 20% larger battery than the second-generation Apple Watch.
That could translate to a notably longer battery life for the Apple Watch 7 than its predecessor. But the leaker didn't detail how long the Apple Watch 7 could last in terms of real-world use. We suspect that'll vary from wearer to wearer, but an improved battery life would be very much appreciated.
Apple Watch 7 blood glucose monitoring, blood pressure monitoring and other rumored health features
It's thought that the Apple Watch 7 could come without a much-rumored blood glucose monitor, which could be a deal-breaker for some smartwatch shoppers.
However, a new report has Apple's next smartwatch tipped to have blood pressure monitoring instead. That would give the Apple Watch 7 a feature the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has, but if Apple nails the tech then is could get FDA approval for U.S. use as a legitimate health tool. We're not optimistic, though. Apple big health plans for its smartwatches probably won't arrive in time for the Apple Watch 7.
The Apple Watch 7 will likely get other new health and fitness features. The next Apple Watch could get new swim-tracking features, according to Bloomberg. Otherwise, Apple is either keeping its Apple Watch 7 plans successfully under-wraps, or this won't be a big year for health monitoring hardware. We know that with watchOS 8 the Apple Watch will be able to track pilates and Tai Chi, though.
Want to try watchOS 8 now? See how to download the watchOS 8 public beta.
Apple Watch 7 rumors: What we want to see
With the Apple Watch 7's release date now coming into focus, we can turn our attention to highlighting some features we'd like to see.
Better battery life: Patently Apple has found evidence of Apple researching a way to increase the battery life of its wearables. The "Battery Watch Band" could improve battery capacity without having to increase the size of the Watch itself.
We're accustomed to the 18-24 hour stamina of current models, but we'd welcome an Apple Watch that can last longer between charges.
Blood pressure monitoring: There are a few reasons why blood pressure monitoring could come to Apple Watch next year. First, it's a viable candidate for the company's informally annual health feature upgrade. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 has a sensor for blood pressure monitoring, so there's already a template that Apple can follow.
But it seems the company has a proprietary approach in mind. A patent filing recently won by Apple gives it a leg up in health tracking with built-in blood pressure monitoring that incorporates correction factors. For comparison, Samsung's blood pressure monitoring requires monthly calibration, which can be cumbersome.
Mental health tools: When the Fitbit Sense unveiled a slew of stress management tools, we hoped Apple would follow up with similar features for Apple Watch 6. They didn't come to fruition.
Apple may hold a steady lead in life-saving features, but mental health tools are life-saving in their own right. Luckily, two top leakers confirmed Apple is working on on way for your smartwatch to warn you about panic attacks and heightened stress.
MicroLED display: Apple Watch 7 could be ready to make the switch from an OLED display to a microLED screen, enabling a slimmer and more power-efficient Apple Watch. MicroLED displays offer better brightness and don't suffer from the luminance decay problems of traditional OLED panels.
In 2018 Bloomberg reported that the company is working out of a nondescript building in California to produce MicroLED displays. They didn't materialize for Apple Watch 6, but perhaps 2021's Apple Watch will get the new display treatment.
Apple Watch 7 outlook
With the Apple Watch 7 not yet out, it's still too early to make any concrete judgements about the watch. We're just as excited as you to learn what Apple has up its sleeve for its next-generation wearable.
We hope Apple ups the ante. The competition is more convincing than ever: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Fitbit Charge 5 are among compelling new Apple Watch alternatives. Our smartwatch buying guide can help you asses your needs to determine which smartwatch is right for you.
Bookmark this page for the latest Apple Watch 7 updates. We'll be tracking rumors and leaks until the smartwatch is revealed.
You may be interested in:
>> Is a Chromebook worth replacing a Windows laptop?
>> Find out in detail the outstanding features of Google Pixel 4a
>> Top 7 best earbuds you should not miss
Related Posts:
>> Recognizing 12 Basic Body Shapes To Choose Better Clothes
>>Ranking the 10 most used smart technology devices
>> Top 5+ Best E-readers: Compact & Convenient Pen
0 Comments:
Post a Comment