New Apple Watch Series 7 with more durability, larger screen area revealed

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in Apple Watch edited September 2021
Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 7 at its "California Streaming" event. With a 20% larger screen area than Series 6, the screen is up to 70% bright indoors.

Apple Watch Series 7
Apple Watch Series 7


After both great speculation and apparently comprehensive leaks, Apple Watch Series 7 has now been officially revealed by Apple. Available in a 41mm and 45mm sizes, it features a new Always-On Retina display.

"The new Retina display on series seven has nearly 20% more screen area than series six, and it's an even bigger jump over Series 3, with over 50% more screen area," said Jeff Williams, Apple's Chief Operating Officer. "The Series 7 display has been completely reengineer to reduce the borders to just 1.7 millimetres."

"That's 40% thinner than Series 6," he continued. "It's an incredible innovation that maximises the screen area while barely changing the dimensions of the watch itself.

Apple Watch Series 7 does not feature the expected flattened edge design, now familiar with the iPhone and iPad Pro. However, the chassis has been redesigned.

"The shape of the Watch has also been refined," continued Williams. "Both the case and the display of Series 7 [feature] softer, more rounded corners. The new display refracts light in its edges for a subtle wraparound effect, creating a seamless integration with the curvature of the case."

This curvature means that the the screen real estate is larger. Apple says that almost 50% more text can be seen on screen than in Series 6.

There's also a new, full keyboard that users can either tap, or slide from letter to letter.

Apple is again introducing more Watch faces, this time new Contour and Modular Duo faces, specifically to take use of the greater display.

Apple Watch Series 7 has increased durability, including improved water resistance, and crack resistant front crystal. Apple says that the new display is over 50% thicker than in Apple Watch Series 6, adding strength but reportedly not compromising screen clarity.

New health features for bike riders

Apple Watch Series 7, with watchOS 8, has been optimized to work better for bike riders.

"Apple Watch Series 7 will detect when you begin riding and remind you to start a workout," said Williams, "and it will automatically pause and resume if you stop temporarily."

"[Fall detection now covers] cycling, assessing the unique motion and impact of falls when riding a bike," he continued. "And Apple Watch now, better supports e-bikes with an improved workout algorithm that more accurately calculates calories."

Charging and battery life

Charging is now up to 33% faster than with the Series 6, with Apple saying it takes 45 minutes to reach 80% full charge. And 8 minutes of charging will give enough for 8 hours of sleep tracking use.

Apple Watch Series 7 continues to use a proprietary charging puck, but it has now been changed to a USB-C one.

Availability

The entry-level Apple Watch Series 7 in aluminium will now come in five colors, which Apple calls Midnight, Starlight, Green, Blue, and PRODUCT(RED). The stainless steel version will be available in silver, graphite, and gold, plus there will be a space black titanium model.

Leaks ahead of the launch originally suggested that Apple Watch might be delayed over production hold ups, plus ongoing delays caused by the global chip shortage. Perhaps because of that, Apple has only announced that the new Watch will be available "in the Fall."

Apple Watch Series 7 will start at $399, the same as the Apple Watch Series 6. The Apple Watch SE remains on sale, starting at $279, while the Apple Watch Series 3 is also retained, from $199.

Apple Watch Series 7 features (Source: Apple)
Apple Watch Series 7 features (Source: Apple)


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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 42
    So it doesn’t have the flat edges, as the rumours suggested 
    StrangeDayspeterhartdewmetwokatmewseanjAI_liasioniclewatto_cobra
     8Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 2 of 42
    Bigger display, charges 33% faster. 45 minutes for full charge, 8-minute quick charge for overnight sleep tracking. Nice.
    caladanianikirwilliamlondonJFC_PAspock1234MplsPjas99watto_cobrajony0
     9Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 3 of 42
    KBuffett said:
    So it doesn’t have the flat edges, as the rumours suggested 

    Ya, I like this look much better.  Flat edges would have been weird.  Love to see the leekers get it wrong!
    peterhartStrangeDaystwokatmewcaladanianseanjfred1pulseimagesikireightzerojas99
     11Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 4 of 42
    What are the hardware & software features that are only available on S7 (and not S6?)

    It’s not clear what features are included in the new WatchOS and which are only on S7
    edited September 2021
    rinosaurspock1234watto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 1Informative
  • Reply 5 of 42
    KBuffett said:
    What are the hardware & software features that are only available on S7 (and not S6?)
    No major new features discussed. Bigger, brighter, tougher screen, IPX6 dust resistance, faster charging, refined UI controls for the bigger display -- like the new on-screen keyboard.

    I wouldn't expect Series 6 users to upgrade, but when people get a new Watch the Series 7 is solid. Iterative development.
    edited September 2021
    jahbladeikirGeorgeBMacspock1234watto_cobrajony0
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  • Reply 6 of 42
    My Series 2 is worried. 
    StrangeDaysmwhitejahbladeikirMplsPjas99watto_cobra
     7Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 7 of 42
    mike1mike1 Posts: 3,487member
    Existing bands???
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 8 of 42
    mike1 said:
    Existing bands???
    They are compatible 
    mike1jahbladecaladanianspock1234jas99watto_cobra
     4Likes 0Dislikes 2Informatives
  • Reply 9 of 42
    Japheyjaphey Posts: 1,773member
    Pretty anemic upgrade, imo. At least the rumors got that right. I was going to go with titanium this time, but now I’m thinking I’ll probably just get aluminum again. Bigger display and fast charging are undoubtedly great, but I’m not sure it’s enough for me to warrant the extra cost, especially since next year is looking to potentially be a more significant upgrade. 
    edited September 2021
    jahbladerinosaurwattoukwilliamlondonwatto_cobra
     4Likes 0Dislikes 1Informative
  • Reply 10 of 42
    mike1 said:
    Existing bands???

    All existing bands work with series 7
    caladanianjas99watto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 1Informative
  • Reply 11 of 42
    RoxTarroxtar Posts: 5unconfirmed, member
    Not enough for me to jump from the 5. First time in the Apple Watch lifetime that I'll go at least 3 years. Maybe next year. I'm actually surprised the leakers got the design wrong.
    caladanianwatto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 12 of 42
    adybadyb Posts: 205member
    JFC_PA said:
    My Series 2 is worried. 
    As is my Series 3, being a keen cyclist!
    JFC_PAjas99watto_cobra
     3Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 13 of 42
    AW 4 still feels comparable to most of this AW7 to not justify a significant upgrade cost. Might even look at discounted 6 instead.
    GeorgeBMacwatto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 14 of 42
    RoxTar said:
    Not enough for me to jump from the 5. First time in the Apple Watch lifetime that I'll go at least 3 years. Maybe next year. I'm actually surprised the leakers got the design wrong.
    I would be the same but I sold me s5 in anticipation for this… now I’m thinking wether I may just buy the s6 at a discount
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 15 of 42
    I really (REALLY) like my AW. I distinctly remember thinking "As soon as this [s.0] dies, I most likely won't get another one."
    Then it died and less than a day later I was seriously missing it. Fortunately Apple replaced it with a s.2. Frankly I'd still be wearing my s.2 (which my son wears now) if I it would run WatchOS 7 AND I hadn't found a great deal on a s.5.

    Frankly, the upgrade to s.5 wasn't huge for me. Oh, it's faster, and there are a few things I'd never attempt on my s.2 just because they were too slow, but for 90% of what I use an AW for, it doesn't make much of a difference. The thing I use the most is the always on screen.  Yes, the rapid charging is actually appealing to me, but I've become so accustomed to charging it before bed AND during work that it's not that big of a deal.

    So I'll most likely keep my s.5 for several more years until it dies and then buy whatever is current (or recently replaced - like buying a s.6 right now) at that point. I learned that - to me - it's more important to have SOME AW on my wrist than it is to have the latest and greatest.
    wattoukwatto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 16 of 42
    rattlhed said:
    KBuffett said:
    So it doesn’t have the flat edges, as the rumours suggested 

    Ya, I like this look much better.  Flat edges would have been weird.  Love to see the leekers get it wrong!
    The “leaker” renderings were ugggggly!! So happy it was just wrong.
    DscheyHjas99watto_cobra
     3Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 17 of 42
    If the SE is on sale does that mean a new version will be released soon too? 
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 18 of 42
    Mixed feelings about this upgrade. I have series 6 and was hoping for further e-health sensors. I was really hoping for glucose and stress meters but perhaps that is with Apple Watch 8 or maybe they are opting to go with medtech wristbands.

    Series 7 looks gorgeous however and the fast charge feature would be a boon for me to quickly top up the watch before going to bed. That definitely addresses a friction point for me.

    I do not know if I would benefit from a larger screen on the watch but perhaps this is to accommodate WatchOS 8 features and planned software upgrades in the future. It would not have been the top pick on my list. 

    Tougher screen and dust resistance is very nice but I have to say the Series 6 can take a beating and hijacking by small children already. 

    On device Siri will be epic with Apple Watch. For me on device Siri unleashes a lot more of its true potential. I am hoping a future iteration of the HomePod follows suit.
    ikirwatto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 19 of 42
    adyb said:
    JFC_PA said:
    My Series 2 is worried. 
    As is my Series 3, being a keen cyclist!
    It sounds like your Series 3 may get the cycling enhancements from the WatchOS upgrade.   All the enhancements except the fall detection.   But, if you don't fall off, you don't need that!.

    spock1234watto_cobra
     2Likes 0Dislikes 0Informatives
  • Reply 20 of 42
    pairof9 said:
    AW 4 still feels comparable to most of this AW7 to not justify a significant upgrade cost. Might even look at discounted 6 instead.

    I agree...  My Series 4 is meeting my needs well.   But the quicker charging would be nice since I sleep with mine and charge it in the morning.
    watto_cobra
     1Like 0Dislikes 0Informatives
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