Apple Unveils Watch Series 6 and Watch SE

While much of the world waits with bated breath for the new iPhone 12 to be announced, Apple held an event yesterday to show off something else. As the name of the event would suggest, “Time Flies”, there was a lot of focus on the Apple Watch.

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The Apple Watch is not only arguably the best smartwatch, but it’s also one of the best watches overall. While it may not seem like there’s not much to add to this already powerful smartwatch, Apple has other ideas and has unveiled two new options — the Watch Series 6 and Watch SE.

Apple Watch Series 6

After sharing some incredible stories about how the Apple Watch continues to help its users, Series 6 was finally unveiled. We have the same display size as the Series 5, coming in with a resolution of 368 x 448. However, the biggest benefit here is in brightness, as Apple claims the Series 6 is two and a half times brighter than last year’s model. This also applies to the Always On Display, which could be difficult to view for some users.

There are two sizes to choose from, along with the same Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Titanium material options. Looking at the sensors, again, Apple packed in all the same features from the Series 5, however, there’s one major addition in this category. For the first time, Apple has included a built-in Blood Oxygen Sensor, which is capable of providing your SpO2 levels in just 15 seconds.

• Sizes: 40mm / 44mm
• Display: 368 x 448 pixels
• Case Materials: Aluminum / Stainless Steel / Titanium
• Processor: S6
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
• Other Sensors:
  • GPS
  • Compass
  • Barometric altimeter
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • Ambient light
• Heart Sensor: Blood Oxygen Sensor w/ ECG
• Water Resistance: Up to 50m

You won’t have to worry about going for a swim, as the Series 6 sports a water resistance of up to 50 meters. All of this brings us to the processor and the battery life. Apple’s new S6 processor is said to be 20% faster than its predecessor, while also being quite efficient for the battery. The 18 hours of battery life is nothing to write home about, but with a brighter screen and brighter AOD, keeping the same battery life is pretty impressive.

Color Options and Bands

Another enormous change with Series 6 is that there are a few new color options to choose from. You will still have the Silver, Space Gray, and Gold colors, but there are two additions: Blue and (PRODUCT)RED. The red version is equipped with a matching red band, although you can swap this out for something else if that’s too much red.

Speaking of bands, Apple also introduced the new Braided Solo Loop bands. These are made from a combination of soft silicone and braided yarn, but don’t feature buckles or clasps. Instead, you’ll have to measure your wrist in order to make sure that you are getting the right size. Thankfully, Apple provides a nifty tool on its site, and there are nine different lengths for the Solo Loop.

The Apple Watch Series 6 is available for pre-order today starting at $399 for the 40mm Wi-Fi model, or $479 for the 44mm Wi-FI variant. These will be available starting everywhere on Friday, September 18th.

Apple Watch SE

If you watched the Time Flies event, there was a clear emphasis on getting the Apple Watch onto the wrists of more users. That brings us to the Apple Watch SE which is similar to the iPhone SE of the group (makes sense). The SE uses the same display from the new Watch Series 6, with the same brightness levels and battery life.

• Sizes: 40mm / 44mm
• Display: 368 x 448 pixels
• Case Materials: Aluminum
• Processor: S5
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
• Other Sensors:
  • GPS
  • Compass
  • Barometric altimeter
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • Ambient light
• Heart Sensor: Optical Heart Sensor
• Water Resistance: Up to 50m

The biggest difference here, and an obvious one to help with cost, is the inclusion of the S5 processor. You don’t have to worry about losing out on features, as all of the same sensors are present, save for the new SpO2 sensor, as that’s been reserved for the Series 6. Apple is offering this in either 40mm or 44mm, and the Watch SE is available with either Wi-Fi or Cellular connectivity. If you’re looking for that Blue model, you’ll have to spring for the Series 6, as it’s not available for the Watch SE.

You can pre-order the Watch SE now starting at $279 for the 40mm variant, or $309 for the 44mm model. The Watch SE launches this Friday, September 18th.

Other announcements

Ignoring the iPad announcements for the time being, Apple’s event was chock-full of other new things coming to Apple Watch owners.

WatchOS 7

While much of watchOS 7 has already been covered, Apple decided to surprise everyone. There are a few new watch faces that are available in the latest Apple Watch software, that have not been available previously. Here’s the list of those options:

• Timezones
• Count Up
• Chronograph Pro
• Typograph (3 different styles)
• Stripes
• Memoji watch face

WatchOS 7 is available to download today for all Apple Watch owners!

Family Setup

Chances are that your children or older family members may not have an iPhone. But you want to be able to keep an eye on what’s going on, while providing them with the great features that the Apple Watch has to offer. Family Setup is here making it possible to set up an Apple Watch with a primary iPhone in the “Family”.

Even without a phone, you can use the Watch to stay connected through Messages or Phone Calls. Of course, you’ll need to have this attached to a cellular data plan in order to take advantage. But the Watch user will also be provided with personalized Activity Goals, and can even create custom Memoji right from the Watch.

Fitness+

Are you tired of not being able to go to the gym, but can’t really find the right workout plan for your needs at home? Well, Fitness+ is here to save the day as this service is built completely for Apple Watch users. Regardless of what kind of device screen you have, you will be able to take advantage of personalized workouts. This means you can use an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or even an Apple TV.

Fitness+ provides personalized workout recommendations in an effort to keep you fit, without needing to hit the gym. If you are an Apple Music subscriber, there is integration so you can listen to your favorite tunes that help push you to your limits. And if you find music from Fitness+ sessions, these tracks can be saved to Apple Music in a separate playlist.

Apple has even gone so far to include trainers for certain types of workouts. From professional artists to health coaches and even Ironman Champions, there’s something here for everyone.

Fitness+ will launch before the end of 2020, and will cost $9.99 per month. Or, you can sign up for a year-long subscription for $79.99. As you may expect, there is a one-month free trial available after launch.

Andrew Myrick

Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.

He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.