Why are you looking to replace your Apple Watch Series 6? Larger screen? New colors? Faster charging? The Apple Watch Series 7 has it all. Let’s take a closer look.

Apple Watch 7 vs. Apple Watch 6 specs

This table compares the Apple Watch Series 6 Aluminum with the Apple Watch Series 7 Aluminum.

Design

The Apple Watch Series 6 featured a wide array of aluminum bands to accompany the sleek square watch face. The Series 7 Watches are no exception to that rule, and the borders around the watch face have been reduced by 40%, allowing for 20% more screen area than its predecessor. Both generations feature interchangeable Hermesè bands for those who want to make a statement. If you’re more interested in solid colors, the Apple Watch Series 7 introduces five new choices: Green, Blue, Product Red, Starlight, and Midnight. While the Series 6 Watch face is uniform, the Series 7 Watch face refracts light around the edges, creating a wraparound effect.

Display

Along with the aforementioned wraparound effect, the Apple Watch Series 7 display is the biggest and brightest we’ve seen, featuring a (on par with the Series 6) Always-on Retina watch face. The Series 7 display is 70% brighter when indoors than the previous generation. It also features a 50% thicker crystal interface than Series 6. A noticeable improvement comes in the form of touch sensor integration on the OLED panel, significantly reducing display thickness from the 6th Apple Watch series.

Performance

While there haven’t been notable performance improvements over the Apple Watch Series 6 models in the usual sense, Series 7 Watches are the most durable watches created by Apple. With a stronger front crystal, IP6X dust resistance certification, and 50 meter water resistance rating, the 7th generation is built tough for those who love to stay active.

Battery Life

So, with a 70% brighter Always-on display and a 33% faster charging time, the Apple Watch Series 7 has to have less battery life, right? Not quite. The all-day (18 hours under moderate use) Series 6 battery life you’ve come to know and love makes its way to the Series 7.

Software and other features

This is where the Apple Watch Series 7 truly shines. Apple rolled out a host of new apps and upgrades for users on the go and those who need to remain in the know on their current health conditions. Measuring blood oxygen level? Done. Taking an ECG no matter where you are? Easy. Monitoring heart rate, resting and active? Not even a challenge. The list goes on… and here it is:

Measure blood oxygen levelTake ECGsMonitor heart rateSleep trackingCreate sleep schedules and bedtime routinesMonitor respiratory rate while sleepingMindfulness aids (such as guided meditation)Measure progress and metrics of your workoutsNumerous preloaded workout routinesIntroduction of Tai Chi and PilatesTrack cycling workouts with built-in fall detection (can call emergency services if requested)Activity monitoring rings (dashboard that logs your exercise)Activity sharing and competitions (challenge friends!)Fitness+ (featuring workout routines ranging from HIIT to yoga)Full call and texting capabilitiesRedesigned keys for easier texting and calculatingQWERTY keyboard with swipe and tap functionalityScribble letters or symbols in iMessageWallet app to keep track of your money, keys, passports, etc.SiriMapsFamily Setup (kids don’t have Apple Watches but not iPhones? Link up your watches to communicate)App Store 

Quite the list, right? Apple definitely went all out in the software department with their 7th generation watches.

Price

Sure, there have been some notable improvements over the Apple Watch Series 6. Does that mean it has to carry a massive price tag? Apple says no. The Apple Watch Series 7 will start at $399, just like the 6th generation.  Of course, Hermesè bands will burn more of a hole in your wallet than the aluminum counterparts.

Verdict

Is it worth upgrading your Series 6 Watch to the new Series 7? That depends on what you’re looking to get out of upgrading.  If you’re looking for significant performance boosts, you can skip this generation in favor of improvements down the road. If you’re looking for new apps and ways to stay active, it’s absolutely worth picking up the new Apple Watch this fall, in our opinion. It’s also worth it if you’re just looking to get out with the old and in with the new. New colors, new design and display, and new fast charging. All great reasons to buy online or visit your nearest Apple Store. Have a question or two? Drop them in the comments section! We want to hear from you. You may like to read:

The history of the Apple Watch: 6 years and counting…How to turn Live Photos into GIFs on iPhone and iPadiPad mini 6 (2021) vs. iPad mini 5 (2019)Best Apple Watch 7 Screen protectors Apple Watch Series 7 vs  Apple Watch Series 6  In depth comparison  - 18Apple Watch Series 7 vs  Apple Watch Series 6  In depth comparison  - 73