The latest Apple Watch, released on October 15, 2021, is the Apple Watch Series 7. Also available now is the SE version of the Apple Watch, which, like its companion, the iPhone SE of 2020, is a more cost-effective alternative to the flagship watch.
The Series 7 comes in new colors with new sensors and hardware upgrades. Paired perfectly with the latest iPhone, the latest Apple Watch is a great accessory to match your tech needs.
As for cons, the Series 7 is essentially the same as Series 6, using the same CPU but calling it “S7 SiP” rather than “S6 SiP,” but again, that is not lying. Bear in mind that “S7” stands for Series 7 and “S6” stands for Series 6. Therefore, it can technically be the same CPU for S7 and S6, right? Of course, using the same CPU is not that bad. It’s just that consumers get excited to see an improvement in this realm.
Other cons include having most of the same specs as the Series 6, but the specs are still reasonable compared to earlier Apple Watch generations. Is this perhaps why they like to compare Series 7 to Series 3 on their website? The carried-over features include an “Always-On” Retina LTPO OLED display with a 1,000 nits brightness, a Blood oxygen sensor, a 50 percent louder speaker than the Series 3, a built-in mic, and fall detection for emergency calls. There’s much more, but this gives you the idea.
The Apple Watch Series 7 Is an Improved Health Monitoring Device
Apple has yet to disappoint in the health and wellness arena, as we’ve come to expect with the past few models of the Apple Watch. Of course, like its predecessor, the Series 6, you’ll still have your SPo2 monitor to help track oxygen levels. However, the 7 takes things a little further.
The Series 7 is extraordinary because it monitors your heart rate, alerting you if something is wrong. To do this, Series 7 uses an ECG app that generates an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram. The watch also features a blood oxygen app to help you monitor your health and wellness.
You can choose which health-related metrics you want to display, such as your heart rate, breathing, and noise level, and act accordingly if the Apple Watch detects something concerning. The Apple Watch Series 7 “watches” out for you. The new Series 7 can monitor menstrual cycles and heart rate, and it detects abnormalities and harmful surrounding noise levels, and it notifies you to prevent hearing damage, breathing, blood oxygen levels, sleep health, and fitness-related data.
Apple Watch Series 7 Notable New Features
As with any new tech that hits the market today, a few notable features make the device stand out above the rest. Before moving forward, the latest Apple Watch has a few new upgrades worth mentioning.
The Apple Watch Series 7 features the following new enhancements and features:
- It has a slightly larger display (20% more screen area) than the Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch SE.
- You get a faster charge time than Series 6 to help keep you on the move.
- It features an advanced sensor and app to measure your blood oxygen levels, which Series 6 did not have.
- It features an app that generates an ECG similar to a single-lead electrocardiogram.
Of course, these aren’t the only upgrades the company made to their flagship watch. Let’s detail what you’re getting with the latest model.
Apple Watch Series 7 Basic Specs
With this newer model, Apple stuck with the same chipset and storage capacity as the Series 6, and it also includes the same 64-bit, dual-core processor. Many of the specs listed below are the same as in the Series 6 watches, but they are essential to know when looking at the Series 7 Apple Watch.
This smartwatch uses watchOS 8, the newest software available. Apple also updated the screen to a Retina LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) OLED display maintaining crystal clear resolution while preserving battery life. Bluetooth 5.0 allows faster connectivity that reaches further.
Interestingly, the Apple Watch Series 7 can charge faster than any other model. it only takes 45 minutes to complete a charge from 0 to 80%. Another new, great feature is the ability to charge the watch for only 8 minutes to get 8 hours of sleep tracking. However, the battery life is the same as its predecessor, around 18 hours of life between charges, which is an impressive feat with the Always-On display.
Always On Display
Series 7’s “always-on” display is an innovation that makes this Apple Watch more brilliant than the previous models. Apple claims the newer display is up to 70% brighter (indoors) with the arm down.
The Series 7 screen stretches further than previous models, offering 20% more display coverage. The thinner borders also make for a more seamless and optimized interface.
Fitness Features
We all know that Apple Watches are an excellent way to keep track of your exercise. Apple’s Fitness+ lets the wearer track up to 11 workouts, ranging from swimming, rowing, and essential Cardio. This year’s model takes fitness even further.
One of the newer features of the Series 7 involves guided meditations that include both video and audio workouts. Although Fitness+ is $9.99 per month, there is a one-month free trial or three months when combining it with an Apple Watch purchase.
Water Resistance
One of the favorite things about the Apple Watch is the water resistance. The 50-meter depth rating is excellent, but now the watch also helps you with proper hygiene. It detects hand-washing activity to notify you when you’ve reached the allotted time that Global health officials recommend. It’s a neat and practical feature to add to the water-resistant watch.
Also, the Apple Watch is not a SCUBA diving device. This watch is not recommended for the activity because it cannot withstand the depths where divers typically go.
Apple warns users not to shower with their Apple Watch due to the high water intensity. The watch does come equipped with the Water Lock feature. This feature is great because it stops screen response and prevents accidental touches. Water Lock automatically activates when you start swimming.
Cellular Benefits
Apple has produced watches that are cellular-capable, beginning with Series 3. Choosing the model depends on your specific needs. If you wish to leave your phone but still keep in touch with others, the cellular option is a more costly but effective solution. You can send/receive text messages, make/receive calls, etc.
Emergency Calling
Previous models of the Apple Watch have enabled SOS functions. The Series 7 models now offer those capabilities to travelers and can make emergency calls while traveling internationally. All you do is press and hold the side button, and it will initiate a call to authorities wherever you are!
Style and Functionality
The Series 7 Apple Watch is an accessory for everyday wear. Interchangeable wrist bands and color options for the case mean you don’t have to leave your watch behind on date night.
The Sizes
Apple Watch Series 7 is available in 45 mm and 41 mm options, slightly larger than its predecessor. The cases are a little larger than previous models, making interactions with the watch easier. To understand which is the best size for you, you can visit any Apple Store to try them on.
The Series 7 Apple Watch Benefits
From faster charging to durability, the Series 7 has a lot to offer users in the market for a new smartwatch. The added health features are perfect for anyone with existing health problems and for those who are active. Adding the International Emergency SOS feature is ideal for overseas travelers, alerting local authorities to any emergencies.
Apple Watch Updates
As with any new technology, you may notice minor glitches and quirks. Apple regularly releases updates to fix bugs and input security patches. The latest update is watchOS 8. Even those who use older Apple watches can update the version for the security patches.
To update your Apple Watch to the latest version:
- Place your Apple Watch on its charger
- Open the Apple Watch App on your iPhone (Make sure your iPhone is connected to wifi and will stay connected to wifi during this process)
- Tap My Watch.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
Follow the on-screen steps to finish the update. The process may take a while, and older models won’t get the hardware features of the newer models. If you’re having trouble finishing the update, verify that you have a strong wifi connection and that your ScreenTime settings aren’t interfering with the internet signal.
The Latest Apple Watch SE
The more cost-efficient model is hardly a surprise. Apple focuses on providing a wider variety of products at varying price points, which they have done over the past few years. The SE is slightly different from its sister model (Series 7). The same screen, size options, and 32Gb capacity may make one feel that it’s the same watch.
However, this model does have a slightly downgraded processor, and it does not include the same health sensors as the Series 7. If it’s the blood oxygen sensor you’re after, the SE model doesn’t have it.
Which Apple Watch Should You Buy?
After reading our article about the Apple Watch Series 7, you may wonder which one is right for you. Older models are still sold and have plenty of excellent capabilities. If you’re looking for something more in tune with your health, definitely go with the Series 7 or 6 Apple Watch.
Going back to Series 3, the size was much smaller than the 7. If you’re looking for a smaller watch, you may want to look there. Ask yourself before buying if the size is worth the downgraded tech capabilities of the newer models.
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