Hands on with the new features of Apple Watch Series 6

Posted:
in Apple Watch edited September 2020
We've spent 24 hours so far testing out the best new features found on the latest Apple Watch Series 6. Here are our impressions of the new features, how useful they are, and how they compare to the prior generation.

Apple Watch Series 6 (PRODUCT)RED
Apple Watch Series 6 (PRODUCT)RED

The new colors

Various team members have ordered different colors, but we were only able to get the vivid new (PRODUCT)RED version on launch day. In-person, the color is very bright, regardless of the lighting condition.

We are obsessed with the color but get that it has to match your style. Anytime you choose a bright red color that never changes, you have to love that color greatly.

Apple Watch Series 6 (PRODUCT)RED is very bright
Apple Watch Series 6 (PRODUCT)RED is quite bright, but looks great


Going with red does limit the colors of bands you can pair with it. Some clash a bit but we still found a ton of great options that complimented the wearable.

Others may prefer the new blue which is more subdued but still has a pop of color.

This year we also got the new Graphite stainless to replace the old Space Black. Based on the images from Apple, it appears to have a slight grey tint compared to the previously darker Space Black.

S6 SiP

The new S6 system-in-package is based on the A13 Bionic processor and optimized for the Apple Watch. In performance, this should yield around 20% improved speed.





In use though, we didn't see much difference so far. We tried launching applications side-by-side with our Series 5 and they both opened things almost exactly as fast.

That's because the Apple Watch Series 5 was already quite speedy, and everyday tasks don't require a ton of silicon to power them.

The time we noticed the change most was when rebooting the watch, which will probably be welcomed by anyone who has to reboot the wearable.

What the S6 does allow for is more headroom going into the future. As Apple continues to add new features to Apple Watch through watchOS, Apple Watch Series 6 will easily support them.

This is likely going to be quite important as the watch does more of the heavy lifting, lessening its reliance on the iPhone.

Always-on display

With Series 5, Apple adopted an always-on Retina display. This year, Apple has upped it with an always-on display that is brighter on average, but the maximum brightness of the display still sits at 1000 nits.

It is only brighter when the watch is in its inactive state which makes a big difference in bright situations. Apple says it is up to two and a half times brighter when the arm is down and the Watch isn't actively being used.

Apple Watch Series 5 (left) and Series 6 (right) comparing the displays when inactive
Apple Watch Series 5 (left) and Series 6 (right) comparing the displays when inactive


In our studio, when both the current and last-gen were inactive, we couldn't tell any difference in the brightness of the displays. However, when we took our set of watches outdoors to the midday sun the difference was clear.

The new Apple Watch Series 6 is noticeably brighter which makes it far easier to read our complications without having to wake the watch or raise our wrist.

Apple Watch Series 5 (left) and Series 6 (right) comparing the displays when inactive
Apple Watch Series 5 (left) and Series 6 (right) comparing the displays when inactive outdoors


Originally, as we were just around the studio doing work, we felt this may have been an over-boasted claim. But, throughout the night and rest of the day when we actually got outside and on the go, we realized how many times we instinctively had to raise our wrist to view the time, a complication, or a workout.

Series 6 allowed us to be less active in doing so. More often than not we were able to just glance at the watch and get the info we needed.

Blood oxygen sensor

Apple's most-touted feature of the new watch is the blood oxygen sensor, which has an accompanying app. As many of the early reviews noted, your watch must be snug on your wrist and you need to ensure you don't move.

As long as you meet those requirements, it only takes 15 seconds for the reading to come back.

Measure your blood oxygen level with Apple Watch Series 6
Measure your blood oxygen level with Apple Watch Series 6


Our only issue with our O2 reading was the lack of information surrounding it. It reports back a number but most people won't any idea what to do with that number. What is good, what is bad, and how do you improve it?

Apple's vagueness about the value is likely due to its skirting of the medical device requirements. Apple says that the blood oxygen measurement is only for wellness and fitness purposes and not intended to replace a medical device, such as a pulse oximeter which requires federal approval.

If Apple would start giving advice and saying it is good or bad, it may be getting dangerously close to a medical device and the regulation that comes with it.

Faster charging

This is one we've already noticed to be better. We've been using sleep tracking on Apple Watch for months during the beta process, but at times, we'd still end up with a low battery that needed charging.

Apple Watch Series 6 now can charge 20 percent faster. That yields an entire charge in an hour and a half.

Charging Apple Watch Series 6 is faster
Charging Apple Watch Series 6 is faster


In our usage, we don't charge it from zero to 100 often, but we typically topped off half the battery. We'd place it on the charger in the morning while we ready ourselves for the day and in the evening as we shower and prep for bed.

This extra 20 percent speed is noticeable in this and we already feel less worried about charging the watch.

Of course, Apple could just aid us by increasing the battery life but it seems that won't happen without a larger battery and a larger case. At least for now.

Other new features

There were a few other features we tried out on the new Apple Watch as well. Things such as the new always-on altimeter.

This feature is not necessarily something everyone will use, but just another important sensor that will make a big difference for hikers, bikers, and other fitness junkies. You can view it in the Compass app but you can also add it right to your watch face.

It also shows in various workouts in real-time as you are going.

See your elevation in real-time on Apple Watch Series 6
See your elevation in real-time on Apple Watch Series 6


This time around, Apple has baked in its U1 chip, and while this is an exciting new addition, at the moment it does practically nothing. There is no way to interact with the chip, but it does unlock much future potential for Apple to explore.

We can see the ability to AirDrop contacts or images to an Apple Watch which is useful for family members who can now use an Apple Watch without an iPhone of their own. Or perhaps locating lost items like your keys, AirPods, Apple TV remote with the launch of AirTags.

Apple continues to hone the Apple Watch. Many of the new changes aren't exactly flashy but are hugely impactful for those that use them. We aren't sure after a day it warrants an upgrade for Series 5 owners, but it is a big upgrade from anyone coming from the Series 4 or earlier.

Apple Watch 6 pricing and deals

Apple Watch 6 prices start at $399, with the latest deals and discounts on new styles, as well as closeout Series 5 models, at your fingertips in our Apple Watch Price Guide.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 19
    I have the Series 5 Black Stainless Steel with the Milanese loop. That is an expensive watch to replace so soon. 

    However I want the oxygen tool especially in a pandemic with a virus that affects your breathing. 
    So decided to downsize so to speak and get the blue aluminum watch with the Deep Navy Solo Loop. 

    I traded in my series 5 watch and got $240 credit. So my total outlay is $289 which is not too bad and I feel that I am not giving up much by going the cheaper route. Unfortunately I have a ship date if Oct 14-21. I waited too long to buy it on Sept 15. 
    Beatswatto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 19
    Received $180 trade in for Seres 5, 44mm, GPS, aluminum, silver finish, with sports band. Applied it to series 6 same specs but went with the sports loop band. Getting use to having to stretch band to pull over hand and knuckles but Apple claims that it’s built to last. Feels comfortable. Made an appointment and dud the upgrade in the Apple store because I wanted to see the loop band  for sizing purposes and the new colors. Was interested the blue but it was much darker than pictures have indicated. Never have done a watch upgrade, you’re able to keep the band, charger and power adapter that came with your older watch. Appointment times in the Apple store are limited so you are not allowed to set up your Apple Watch in the store. Not sure if that applies to tablets, phones or computers. The article on the review of the new Apple Watch is spot on. It also seems that there is a longer battery life. Certain apps are definitely running faster with the new chip. The watch has become my favorite Apple device, it’s the one device that you can use all the time, at any time because it is with you all the time. So much functionality built into it. Am discovering more features/apps that I can use in my house and outside around my house with the watch, without having the phone with me. I could possibly contribute this also to upgrading to a newer, faster modem/router.
    Japheywatto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 19
    JackyChanJackyChan Posts: 13unconfirmed, member
    It sounds like there have been good improvements on the fitness front:

    1- GPS tracks get less artificial
    smoothing and are more accurate. 

    2- HR and GPS no longer have a long delay where they miss a minute or two of data after you start your workout before they get a “lock”. I hope someone can confirm this. 

    The main question which is a deal-breaker for me: Do third part apps (like Strava, etc) get the always-on display ability or not? I don’t want to always have to lift my arm to check data on my third party exercise apps in the middle of a workout. If not, I will wait until Series 7. 
    Beatswatto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 19
    Cannot wait. The model I ordered is coming mid Oct, but as soon as it's on it's way I'm putting my SS S4 on eBay to reclaim a couple hundred. The AW is still one of my favorite devices, going back to S0 day 1.
    anantksundaramBeatswatto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 19
    The "Handwashing Countdown" feature is supposed to take 20 seconds to count down. But (on my Series 5) I counted about 75 seconds for that countdown to reach zero. It took about 5 seconds for each digit from 15 to 1 to count down. What's going on there? I kept turning my wrist while hand washing to see if it was counting down. And it took over a minute to count 15 seconds. The soap had been washed off for more than 30 seconds before it said I was finished.
  • Reply 6 of 19
    saareksaarek Posts: 1,520member
    Coming from the Series 1 I've got a great upgrade and finally have cellular. To my mind anyone with a Series 4 up doesn't need an upgrade, let's face it the Series 5 is basically a Series 4 with always on display.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 7 of 19
    cpsrocpsro Posts: 3,192member
    Looks like a Space Black stainless steel Series 5 is being compared to an aluminum Series 6. The stainless steel model has a sapphire crystal cover that reflects far more ambient light than the gorilla glass of the aluminum model. The comparison isn't a fair representation, particularly in sunlight.
    edited September 2020 watto_cobra
  • Reply 8 of 19
    Cannot wait. The model I ordered is coming mid Oct, but as soon as it's on it's way I'm putting my SS S4 on eBay to reclaim a couple hundred. The AW is still one of my favorite devices, going back to S0 day 1.
    Same at my end, essentially. (Although I'll hold on to my S0 as a keepsake, like I did with my first iPod, iPhone, 1984 Mac, etc.).
    Beatswatto_cobra
  • Reply 9 of 19
    The Series 6 is a very modest upgrade. I have the stainless steel 4 one and I see no incentive to upgrade yet.
    My main frustration right now is the poor support for Apple Watch eSIM out of USA. I want my watch to be independent of my phone in daily use, but I can’t make that happen.

    In most European countries, mobile providers still do not provide eSIM for watch (but they do for the phone), they say because of technical reasons.

    Even worse, Apple doesn’t sell all watches (likely because of the above); just the aluminium ones, and just the ones without 4G. 

    So replacing my USA-bought series-4 watch  with a European series-6 means I remove the ability to enable 4G once mobile providers wake up because the watch doesn’t have it, and get yet another watch to enable it.
  • Reply 10 of 19
    BeatsBeats Posts: 3,073member
    U1 chip implementation is interesting. Most likely will be used for a WatchOS 8 feature.

    Also it bothers me that WatchOS 7 releases with Series 6. I guess renaming the original "Series 0" ruined the number naming scheme.


    Cannot wait. The model I ordered is coming mid Oct, but as soon as it's on it's way I'm putting my SS S4 on eBay to reclaim a couple hundred. The AW is still one of my favorite devices, going back to S0 day 1.
    Same at my end, essentially. (Although I'll hold on to my S0 as a keepsake, like I did with my first iPod, iPhone, 1984 Mac, etc.).

    Good idea. Keep the original X if you still have it.
    edited September 2020 watto_cobra
  • Reply 11 of 19
    sphericspheric Posts: 2,544member
    cpsro said:
    Looks like a Space Black stainless steel Series 5 is being compared to an aluminum Series 6. The stainless steel model has a sapphire crystal cover that reflects far more ambient light than the gorilla glass of the aluminum model. The comparison isn't a fair representation, particularly in sunlight.
    It is, though, because Series 6 no longer offers different glass types. They’re all the same. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 12 of 19
    spheric said:
    cpsro said:
    Looks like a Space Black stainless steel Series 5 is being compared to an aluminum Series 6. The stainless steel model has a sapphire crystal cover that reflects far more ambient light than the gorilla glass of the aluminum model. The comparison isn't a fair representation, particularly in sunlight.
    It is, though, because Series 6 no longer offers different glass types. They’re all the same. 
    Not true. Series 6 is still Ion X glass crystal for aluminum models and sapphire for the pricier metals. Check Apple's website for yourself.
    edited September 2020 sphericwatto_cobracpsro
  • Reply 13 of 19
    Cannot wait. The model I ordered is coming mid Oct, but as soon as it's on it's way I'm putting my SS S4 on eBay to reclaim a couple hundred. The AW is still one of my favorite devices, going back to S0 day 1.
    Still use my S0 working outside I do not want take a chance getting S6 scratched or dirty.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 14 of 19
    It's interesting that reviews of the claimed added brightness have been all over the place. I've read that it's very noticeable at all times, to the point of little difference between active and inactive brightness. I've also read that it's barely noticeable at all. And here, AI pics show no visible difference indoors, but noticeable in bright sun. (Although, as another commenter noted, the bright sun pic is not a fair comparison, since the Model 5 shown has a much more reflective sapphire screen compared to the Ion X glass on the Model 6, so the 5 is going to look worse.) 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 15 of 19
    sphericspheric Posts: 2,544member
    charlesn said:
    spheric said:
    cpsro said:
    Looks like a Space Black stainless steel Series 5 is being compared to an aluminum Series 6. The stainless steel model has a sapphire crystal cover that reflects far more ambient light than the gorilla glass of the aluminum model. The comparison isn't a fair representation, particularly in sunlight.
    It is, though, because Series 6 no longer offers different glass types. They’re all the same. 
    Not true. Series 6 is still Ion X glass crystal for aluminum models and sapphire for the pricier metals. Check Apple's website for yourself.
    My apologies! I stand corrected. 

    The US Apple Watch Comparison website specifies the differences in glass. 

    The German equivalent (add „/de/” after the domain), for some reason, does not (as of Sept. 21st). 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 16 of 19
    mike1mike1 Posts: 3,275member
    I'd be curious if anyone can get an S6 to connect directly to a car with Bluetooth. There are times that I'd leave my phone home if that were possible. The car does not recognize a cellular Watch as a phone and does not finish pairing.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 17 of 19
    A bit of future proofing is welcome as like my MacBook Pro I don’t replace my watch at nearly the pace of my iPhones, which I rollover yearly with their update program. 
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 18 of 19
    The Series 6 is a very modest upgrade. I have the stainless steel 4 one and I see no incentive to upgrade yet.
    My main frustration right now is the poor support for Apple Watch eSIM out of USA. I want my watch to be independent of my phone in daily use, but I can’t make that happen.

    In most European countries, mobile providers still do not provide eSIM for watch (but they do for the phone), they say because of technical reasons.

    Even worse, Apple doesn’t sell all watches (likely because of the above); just the aluminium ones, and just the ones without 4G. 

    So replacing my USA-bought series-4 watch  with a European series-6 means I remove the ability to enable 4G once mobile providers wake up because the watch doesn’t have it, and get yet another watch to enable it.

    As you said - it depends on the country. Here in France at least two of the operators provide eSim - one of which is mine so I got myself a steel model in silver with a milanese loop. My first Apple watch - looking forward to it
  • Reply 19 of 19
    cpsrocpsro Posts: 3,192member
    charlesn said:
    It's interesting that reviews of the claimed added brightness have been all over the place. I've read that it's very noticeable at all times, to the point of little difference between active and inactive brightness. I've also read that it's barely noticeable at all. And here, AI pics show no visible difference indoors, but noticeable in bright sun. (Although, as another commenter noted, the bright sun pic is not a fair comparison, since the Model 5 shown has a much more reflective sapphire screen compared to the Ion X glass on the Model 6, so the 5 is going to look worse.) 
    I've not compared Series 5 to 6 side-by-side but my impression is that Series 6 is just a tiny bit brighter indoors. Outdoors, though, where extra brightness can make a difference, Series 6 is much brighter. Adjusting to the ambient light level maximizes battery life.
    edited September 2020
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