Apple Watch Series 6: 10 things worth noting
Measures the oxygen saturation in the blood and has watchOS 7 pre-installed
Text:
Daniel Haaf
Apple has unveiled the new generation Watch model. It’s the sixth model in the series with a ton of improvements. Don’t be fooled by the fact that the design is identical to last year's Watch Series 5, inside the watch there are many notable hardware improvements. Here we’ll go through some of the bigger and more interesting changes compared to previous models.
1. Watch Series 6 has a new and more powerful processor
The Apple S6 is the latest and most powerful processor built into Apple’s smartwatch. It’s 20 per cent more powerful than the S5 processor in last year's Watch Series 5 model. The processor is based on the same A13 circuit as in the iPhone 11 series, but with a lot of adjustments to fit the new smartwatch.
2. Brighter display
Prior to the launch of the Watch Series 6, it was rumoured that the display would go from OLED to micro-LED. We now know that that rumour wasn’t true, however, the display does come with some improvements. The always-on retina display is up to 2.5 times brighter than Watch Series 5. This makes it easier to see what is displayed on the screen in, for example, bright sunlight.
3. Same battery life as Watch Series 5
Although the Watch Series 6 has better performance and a brighter display, battery life hasn’t been affected. You can use your smartwatch for up to 18 hours during normal use. The battery is charged from zero to one hundred per cent in just 90 minutes.
4. No power adapter is included in the box
Apple doesn’t provide any power adapter for the Watch Series 6 and Watch SE. The reason is that Apple wants to reduce its environmental impact. It still includes a charging cable that you can use for your computer or a power adapter that you might already have.
5. Watch Series 6 can measure the oxygen level in the blood
The Watch Series 6 has a new sensor that can measure the oxygen level in the blood. It only takes 15 seconds for the sensor to measure the blood oxygen level and the result can be found in the new Oxygen Level app. The new feature and app complement the ECG recording feature introduced with last year's Watch Series 5.
This is why it’s good to measure the oxygen level in the blood
A blood oxygen level below 90 per cent is considered low and is called hypoxemia. When the oxygen level drops that low, there are several possible reasons. Hypoxemia can occur due to, for example, asthma, sleep apnea, anaemia and COPD. A normal oxygen level is between 95 per cent and 100 per cent.
6. Released with watchOS 7 directly from the box
The Watch Series 6 is released with watchOS 7 directly from the box. The second you put the smartwatch on your wrist, you’ll have everything the new version offers. If you have an older Watch model, a Watch Series 3 or newer, it’ll get watchOS 7 with an update. The new version will be released on 16 September and is, as usual, a free update.
7. First Watch Model to Be Released as Product (RED)
Until today, only iPhones have been available with the exclusive red colour that characterises Apple's Product (RED) series. A series where part of the income goes to HIV / AIDS research. In addition to red, the Watch Series 6 is also available in the grey, silver, gold and blue.
8. Can be bought with the new Solo Loop bracelet
During its event, Apple introduced not only two new smartwatches, but also a range of new bracelets for the Watch series. First to be presented was the Solo Loop. A bracelet made of a solid piece of silicone which cannot be adjusted in any way. You choose a size that matches your wrist, the material then stretches when the bracelet is used. You can get the Watch Series 6 with Solo Loop.
9. Watch Series 6 has a built-in altimeter that is always active
A new sensor in the Watch Series 6 is the always-on altimeter. It can show elevation changes in real time and Apple says that the precision is down to about 30 centimetres. An altimeter works with GPS and makes it easier to find your exact position. The altimeter also gives an extra dimension to your measurement data when you keep track of, for example, running or skiing routes.
10. Uses the same Apple U1 circuit as the iPhone 11 series
One detail about the Watch Series 6 that was mentioned only briefly is that the smartwatch has the same U1 circuit as the iPhone 11 series phones. It’s a circuit that uses radio waves to find and communicate with other gadgets that use the same U1 circuit. This is useful for extremely precise position-finding, for example.
This article is written by Prisjakt’s editorial staff. No one else has influenced the content of it. There are no paid links or other types of advertising collaborations. Daniel Haaf can be reached at [email protected].