Apple Watch Series 6
The Apple Watch Series 6 is the most powerful smartwatch introduced by Apple so far. Available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, the Watch features for the first time a blood-oxygen sensor and a brighter always-on display.
Table of contents
History
The Apple Watch was first introduced in 2015 and quickly became the best-selling wearable device of the year, reportedly selling 4.2 million units in Q2 2015. When the company introduced the Apple Watch Series 2 later in 2016, Apple labeled the original Apple Watch as “Series 0” while bringing an updated chip with “Series 1” and a brand new “Series 2” Watch.
When Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 3 in 2017 a lot of things changed. The company started seeing the Watch more like a fitness device rather than a fashion one, although it was available in aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic models. This Watch had a chip 70% faster than its predecessor, increased RAM, and introduced the LTE cellular connectivity variant with 16GB of storage.
Apple Watch Series 4, which launched a year later, featured a major redesign with a screen that was 30% bigger in both models and a 50% improvement on its processor over the Series 3 version. Speakers and microphones were rearranged so they were louder and more useful, and the Series 4 introduced the fall detection feature, ECG capabilities, and the second-generation heart rate monitor.
In 2019, the Apple Watch Series 5 was a notable upgrade over the Series 4: Apple introduced an Always-On display with an energy-saving LTOP OLED screen, a built-in compass, doubled the storage with 32GB and brought back the Edition tier with a ceramic model and a brand new titanium version.
In 2020, Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 6. This Watch brought a new S6 processor, up to 20% faster than its predecessor, a brighter Always-On display, a blood oxygen app, and an always-on altimeter, alongside new health sensors.
Apple Watch Series 6 Specs and Features
The Apple Watch Series 6 comes in two sizes, three finishes, and two connectivity options. With a brighter always-on Retina Display, the Series 6 is available in 40 or 44mm, in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, and with GPS connection or GPS + LTE.
The Apple Watch Series 6 introduced two new colors to the aluminum version: blue and (PRODUCT)RED alongside silver, space gray, and gold. It has the S6 processor, which is up to 20% faster than the S5 chip. This generation also introduced the blood oxygen sensor, which is recommended just for well-being and is not approved by the FDA like the ECG app is.
The Apple Watch Series 6 has a third-generation optical heart sensor, Digital Crown with haptic feedback, a built-in compass, an always-on altimeter, and a second-generation speaker and mic. With Emergency SOS and International emergency calling, you can quickly call for help and alert your emergency contacts.
Apple Watch Series 6 also detect if you’ve taken a hard fall, then automatically call emergency services for you. The Noise app alerts when decibels reach levels that could damage your hearing. It’s also water-resistant up to 50m in the water.
Apple Watch Series 6 special edition
With the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple created a special Watch edition called Black Unity. It was released in February to celebrate Black History Month:
Apple is supporting six global organizations to help advance their missions in promoting and achieving equality and civil rights in the US and around the world: Black Lives Matter Support Fund via the Tides Foundation; European Network Against Racism; International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights; Leadership Conference Education Fund; NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.; and Souls Grown Deep.
In April, the GPS and GPS + Cellular versions of the 44mm model were sold out. Later, Apple took the Watch away from the main page, although it’s still possible to find this smartwatch in the 40mm version here.
watchOS 7
The Apple Watch Series 6 runs watchOS 7. This operational system brings for the first time the Family Setup feature, more Watch Faces, and a new Sleep app.
With the Family Setup, for example, kids or older family members who don’t have an iPhone can now experience Apple Watch. The watchOS 7 brings Activity rings optimized for kids tracking move minutes instead of active calories. Running, walking, and cycling workouts also calculate metrics like distance and pace more accurately for kids.
With watchOS 7, it’s possible to create the ultimate Watch Face for anything. If you’re a surfer, for example, you can get the swell size, water temperature, and wind speed from a single app.
With watchOS 7.4, Apple introduced the iPhone unlock with the Apple Watch while wearing a mask, which works similar to the Mac/Watch integration. This version of the Watch also brings support for the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications to Australia and Vietnam. Learn more about it here.
The most recent version of watchOS is 7.5. Here are its features:
- Access to subscription content in the Podcasts app
- Apple Card allows members to track expenses, manage spending, and build credit together with a Family Sharing group
- Support for the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in Malaysia and Peru
- Support for irregular heart rhythm notifications in Malaysia and Peru
Pricing: Watch and Bands
The Apple Watch Series 6 pricing starts at $399 and can go up to $899 in the Space Black Titanium Case with Leather Link. The Apple Watch can get even pricier if you choose a Hermès model, up to $1,499.
- Aluminum, 40mm, GPS: $399
- Aluminum, 40mm, GPS + Cellular: $499
- Aluminum, 44mm, GPS: $429
- Aluminum, 44m, GPS + Cellular: $529
- Stainless steel, 40mm, GPS + Cellular: $699
- Stainless steel, 44mm, GPS + Cellular: $749
- Titanium, 40mm, GPS + Cellular: $849
- Titanium, 44mm, GPS + Cellular: $899
Pricing varies depending on the band you choose, as well as if it’s the Hermès model.
- Solo Loop: $49
- Sport Band: $49
- Spor Loop: $49
- Braided Solo Loop: $99
- Leather Link: $99
- Leather Loop: $99
- Milanese Loop: $99
- Modern Buckle: $149
- Silver Link Bracelet: $349
- Space Black Link Bracelet: $449
Lower prices may be available from Apple’s official Amazon store.
Apple Watch Studio
With the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Studio. With this feature, on Apple’s website, you can choose a case, pick a band, and create your own style. In the previous versions of the Watch, for example, you had to buy the product with a determined band. Now, you can choose everything.
- To start, click here;
- First, choose the size of the case: 40mm or 44mm;
- Then choose your case finish, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, or Titanium;
- Now, choose a band, it can be the Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop, Sport Band, Sport Loop, Leather, and Stainless Steel;
- Save your Watch then check out your bag.
Apple Watch Series 6 Review
In our video review about the Apple Watch Series 6 we recommended upgrading if you’re coming from an Apple Watch Series 3:
“If you’re coming from an Apple Watch Series 3 or below it’s a simple choice: upgrade. You’ll get a much, much faster watch, a larger case with a larger display, better speakers and microphone, and so much more. Plus you’ll be able to take advantage of all of the great new enhancements that watchOS 7 and future upgrades of watchOS bring to the table. In my opinion, it’s a no-brainer decision to upgrade to either an SE or Series 6 if you’re coming from an Apple Watch Series 1, 2, or 3.”
Deals
Over at 9to5Toys, you can find the best deals on the Apple Watch 6 and other Apple products. Download the 9to5Toys iPhone app to receive push notifications for new deals as well.
