As a new year gets underway, and many of us are still grounded due to the COVID pandemic, I thought now is the right time to finish the specifications list of the new Apple devices from the Fall event. And, as many try to get fit at the start of a new year, checking out the new Apple Watch Series 6 might just help you on your way!
The full list of devices announced during the Apple 2020 Fall Event is:
Apple Watch Series 6
If you already own a Series 5 Apple Watch then the 6th version of the market-leading wearable probably didn’t change enough to want an upgrade.
The big difference this time around is the inclusion of a new sensor and some different case colour options.
Neither of which are groundbreaking by any means but both help to keep Apple at the front of the long list consumers can choose from.
Watch Series 6 Overview
The Series 6 comes with a new Blood Oxygen sensor which monitors the amount of oxygen being carried in your bloodstream. Most of us would have not given too much thought to such a reading, but COVID has changed that!
If you’re suffering from the virus and have a reading lower than 95% could be a concern and an indicator to contact the medical services.
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Sensors & Software
There is a small tweak to on the Altimeter which is now Always-on. However, the same 2nd Gen Optical Heart Rate sensor from Series 5 returns along with the Electrical heart sensor. Both of which allow Series 6 to provide an ECG (electrocardiogram).
WatchOS 7 (currently v7.2) was rolled out shortly after Series 6 was released and made good use of the Apple Watch specifications.
A new app to track your sleep patterns helps you to build a routine and monitor how well you are sleeping. One of my biggest issues with Apple Watch has also been addressed. Thanks to the new Family Set-Up in OS7 someone can make use of Apple Watch without the need for owning an iPhone
Same Design but New Looks
With the exception of the display increasing slightly, Apple has maintained almost a near-identical design from the 1st Gen up to Series 5. The new Apple Watch breaks that pattern. Sort of!
The design remains the same as the Series 5 with either a 40mm or 4mm display size but the casing now comes in one of 4 colours.
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Silver and Space Grey, the original Apple colours are now joined by Blue and a special Product (RED)™️ case options. These of course can be further highlighted by one of the 100s of Apple and 3rd party strap or loop options.
As an entry-level option, Apple has a new Solo Loop strap that is more of a stretchable silicone band than a traditional wrist strap.
Apple has gone to great strides to turn its smartwatch into a device that does everything a fitness tracker can do… but better. The Series 6 continues that transformation!
And, if you’ve not already done so, for a limited time you can make use of a free month on Apple Fitness+ and really put your Watch Series 6 to the test.
“With powerful new features, including a Blood Oxygen sensor and app, Apple Watch becomes even more indispensable by providing further insight into overall well-being.”
Apple
Compare Apple Watch Models 2020/21
| Apple Watch | SE | Series 3 | Series 6 |
| Sizes | 40mm 44mm | 38mm 42mm | 40mm 44mm |
| Display | Retina LTPO OLED display Ion‑X glass | Retina OLED display Ion‑X glass | Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display Ion‑X glass Sapphire Crystal (Stainless steel and titanium models) |
| Colours | Silver Space Grey Gold | Silver Space Grey | Silver Space Grey Blue Product (RED)™️ |
| Casing Options | Aluminium | Aluminium | Aluminium Stainless Steel Titanium |
| Connectivity | GPS GPS + Cellular Wi-Fi Bluetooth 5.0 | GPS Wi-Fi Bluetooth 4.2 | GPS GPS + Cellular Wi-Fi Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Storage | 32GB | 8GB | 32GB |
| Chip | W3 | W2 | W3 |
| Battery Performance | Up To 18 Hours | Up To 18 Hours | Up To 18 Hours |
| Charging | Magnetic Cable | Magnetic Cable | Magnetic Cable |
| Apple Pay | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor Accelerometer 2nd Gen Optical heart sensor Always-on altimeter Compass | Ambient light sensor Accelerometer Optical heart sensor Altimeter | Ambient light sensor Accelerometer 2nd Gen Optical heart sensor Always-on altimeter Compass Blood oxygen sensor Electrical heart sensor |
| Water Resistant | 50m | 50m | 50m |
| Control | Touchscreen Digital Crown w/ haptic feedback | Touchscreen Digital Crown | Touchscreen Digital Crown w/ haptic feedback |
| Emergency Calling | Fall Detection Emergency SOS Noise monitoring | Emergency SOS | Fall Detection Emergency SOS Noise monitoring International Emergency Calling |
| Notifications | High/Low Heart Rate Irregular Heart Rhythm | High/Low Heart Rate Irregular Heart Rhythm | High/Low Heart Rate Irregular Heart Rhythm Blood Oxygen ECG App |
| Prices (from) | $310 £269 | $199 £197 | $399 £379 |
