Tech giant Apple unveiled its new Watch Series 6 today and it’s good to see it goes further in helping you achieve a fitter you, the smart way. Its new Blood Oxygen feature means users can avail themselves to improved insights into their overall wellness. And, like the simultaneous announcement of the latest iPad Air, it comes in more finishes. That means more colour choices….finally! Think silver, space grey, and gold aluminium and even RED!
For a real luxe feel, check out what’s on offer with Hermès which also comes in vibrant new colours.
So what’s new?
Apple Watch Series 6 has a faster S6 System in Package (SiP) and next-generation always-on altimeter, along with new finishes and a palette of new case finishes and bands.
And Apple is introducing a new band called the Solo Loop. No clasps or anything; just a silicone band in seven colours.
Blood Oxygen Sensor and App
The biggest new feature measures the oxygen saturation of the user’s blood to help get a better idea of your fitness level. Oxygen saturation, or SpO2, represents the percentage of oxygen being carried by red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body, and indicates how well this oxygenated blood is being delivered throughout the body.
To compensate for natural variations in the skin and improve accuracy, the Blood Oxygen sensor employs four clusters of green, red, and infrared LEDs, along with the four photodiodes on the back crystal of Apple Watch, to measure light reflected back from blood.
Design and Performance
Apple Watch Series 6 packs more power into the same small design. Using a new dual-core processor based on A13 Bionic in iPhone 11, the upgraded S6 SiP runs up to 20 per cent faster, allowing apps to also launch 20 per cent faster, while maintaining the same all-day 18-hour battery life. Additionally, Apple Watch Series 6 features the U1 chip and Ultra Wideband antennas, which will enable short-range wireless location to support new experiences, such as next-generation digital car keys.
Faster charging is a bonus, completing a full charge in under 1.5 hours, and improved battery life for tracking certain workouts, such as indoor and outdoor runs.
An enhanced Always-On Retina display on Apple Watch Series 6 is up to 2.5 times brighter than Apple Watch Series 5 outdoors when the user’s wrist is down, making it much easier to see a watch face in bright sunlight. When their wrist is down, the user can also now access Notification Centre and Control Centre, tap on complications, and swipe to change faces without having to wake their watch screen.
Always-On Altimeter
The always-on altimeter provides real-time elevation all day long by using a new, more power-efficient barometric altimeter, along with GPS and nearby Wi-Fi networks. This feature allows for the detection of small elevation changes above ground level, up and down to the measurement of 1 foot, and can be shown as a new watch face complication or workout metric.
Apple Watch Collection Colours
For the first time, a new blue colour joins the silver, space grey, and gold aluminium case options, along with a RED Apple Watch with exclusive matching bright red bands. Stainless steel models are now available in graphite — a rich grey-black hue with a striking high-shine finish — and an updated classic yellow gold colour. Apple Watch Edition™ is available in natural and space black titanium.
New Solar Loop Band
Three all-new band styles offer customers innovative options and they have removed the traditional clasps or buckles. In an industry first, the ultralight Solo Loop introduces a continuous and stretchable band design that comes in two materials: soft silicone and braided yarn.
A special UV treatment process used on the soft silicone of the Solo Loop creates a smooth, silky finish, while a precision-braiding machine interweaves the 16,000 polyester yarn filaments, made of 100 per cent recycled material, with ultrathin silicone threads, giving unique stretchability and a distinct look to the Braided Solo Loop. To ensure the best fit, a new sizing system offers nine available lengths for the Solo Loop styles. The first-of-its-kind Leather Link wraps elegantly around the wrist, effortlessly attaching on the other side with flexible moulded magnets.
Apple Watch Nike now comes with new colours for the Nike Sport Band and Nike Sport Loop, and a new Nike Compact watch face allows for multiple Nike Run Club complications.
The spring collection also unveils the Hermès Attelage Single Tour and slimmer Attelage Double Tour bands, which feature a refined connection to the case that reflects the brand’s equestrian heritage, and a new Hermès Circulaire watch face that offers increased options for complications.
watchOS 7
With watchOS 7, customers can take personalisation to the next level with seven new watch face options, including Stripes, Chronograph Pro, GMT, and Artist, while curating, discovering, and sharing new watch face configurations with others. New health and fitness features, including low-range VO2 Max, sleep tracking, automatic handwashing detection, and new workout types, can help users better understand overall well-being. Conveniently accessible on the wrist, Maps includes cycling directions and Siri offers language translation.
Pricing and Availability
- Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS) starts at A$599 inc. GST and Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS + Cellular) starts at A$749 inc. GST.
- Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS) is available to order today from apple.com/au and in the Apple Store app, with availability beginning Friday, 18 September.
