The Apple Watch has received a hardware update every year since it was first introduced and the Series 7 version of Apple's smartwatch will no doubt see several upgrades, including a faster processor, improvements to the display technology, and new health and fitness-focused features. An updated design has been suggested as well, which might be the first big change to the appearance of the Apple Watch. The announcement is most likely to come at Apple's fall event, but early rumors help to give some insight about what to expect from Apple's next wearable.
The very first Apple Watch launched in April 2015, receiving mixed reviews initially but proving to be wildly successful and becoming the most popular smartwatch in the US and worldwide. In September of 2016, Apple released two models, called the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2, with the latter having a brighter display and better water resistance. A single model, the Apple Watch Series 3, followed in the fall of 2017 and is still available as a low-cost option on Apple's website. The pattern of fourth-quarter launches continued with the Apple Watch Series 4 through Series 6 appearing in subsequent years, each bringing faster performance, brighter displays, and more health tracking options. In 2020, Apple also launched a budget model called the Apple Watch SE, which is quite similar to the Series 5 but lacking the ECG feature. With three price points, starting at $199, Apple has smartwatches to suit different types of people.
Rumors about the Apple Watch Series 7 began as early as September of 2020 before the Series 6 appeared. Apple analyst Ming Chi-Kuo of 9to5Mac suggested a significant update to the appearance of the Apple Watch would come in 2021. While detail was lacking at that time, speculation of a flat-edged design quickly took hold. This would match the look of the iPhone 12, iPad Air 4, the iPad Pro, and, more recently, the new iMac, adding weight to this idea. Jon Prosser posted a YouTube video in which he claims to have seen images of the Apple Watch Series 7 and confirmed that it would indeed feature flat sides. In addition, Prosser stated that it might be available in a pale green color that is similar to that of the AirPods Max headphones.
Apple Watch Series 7 Specifications
While nothing definitive has been leaked yet, there have been rumors of further health monitoring hardware coming to the Apple Watch Series 7. An optical sensor that may be able to scan at greater depth was described in an Apple patent application in 2018. This could be applied to blood glucose monitoring, which would be of most interest for users that have diabetes and would provide a useful health metric for all wearers. Blood glucose usually requires a pin-prick and a blood drop for analysis, however, optical readers are being researched by several medical manufacturers. If Apple can launch an Apple Watch with this advanced sensor, it will be a breakthrough as impressive as the electrocardiogram feature that came with the Apple Watch Series 4. A blood pressure sensor has also been described in a patent, which would be a big win for Apple's health focus. Talk of a rugged version of the Apple Watch has also circulated. There are already stainless steel and titanium options, but a rubberized coating might help to protect from scratches.
When the Apple Watch Series 7 launches, shoppers can be fairly certain that it will feature a faster processor and an improved display. Rumors of a microLED display have slowed but were mentioned as a possibility for the Apple Watch last year. This could improve the always-on capability, possibly even allowing maximum brightness all day long, as opposed to the dimming that occurs when the arm is down with the Series 6. Currently, an Apple Watch requires an iPhone for initial setup, but some features can be used without an iPhone. If the 2021 model eases that requirement, there is potential for a massive sales increase as it becomes available to Android phone users. The Apple Watch Series 7 will continue Apple's stretch to make the most popular smartwatch in the world even better.
Source: 9to5Mac, Jon Prosser/YouTube