APPLE WATCH. In addition to its new iPhone and iPad, Apple has just presented the Watch Series 7, a new version of its famous connected watch. A model with interesting characteristics, but the availability of which remains to be defined.
[Mise à jour le 5 octobre à 12h05] After an Apple Watch Series 6 launched last year, it is logically a Series 7 that Apple has just unveiled for this fall. Even if the connected watch market is showing only meager growth (+ 1.5% in 2020) according to the research firm CounterPoint, Apple remains the undisputed master in this field by capturing no less than 40% of market share in the fourth quarter last year. The manufacturer could not therefore refrain from developing his tocante, even if it means not revolutionizing the concept. The apple firm therefore plays it safe by sprinkling here and there a few new features focusing on a more delicate design and improvements dedicated mainly to athletes.
What are the differences between Apple Watch Series 7 and Apple Watch Series 6?
Never change a winning team. The Apple Watch Series 7 ultimately does not differ much from its predecessor released last year.
Traditional design
While we expected a less domed screen and flatter edges inspired by the design of the iPhone 12, the case of this new Apple Watch is ultimately not that much different from the Series 6. Available in two sizes , 41 and 45 mm (instead of 41 and 44 mm for the previous version), this Series 7 has a screen with borders 40% thinner than on the previous model. We therefore benefit from a curved effect like the panels of certain Samsung or Huawei smartphones.
The screen is therefore larger with almost 20% more display surface. By the way, the watch also becomes more adventurous thanks to the glass of the screen, which is thicker. Apple claims this is the first model to be IP6X certified for its dust resistance and WR50 for water resistance. Swimming in a pool or in open water (even salted) therefore remains on the program.
Finally, five new colors for the aluminum cases are appearing: midnight, starlight, green, a new blue and (PRODUCT) RED. The models equipped with stainless steel cases, on the other hand, keep the same colors.
Faster recharging
In the absence of being able to really boost the battery of its Apple Watch (Apple announces an autonomy of 18 hours, the same as for the Apple Watch Series 6), the manufacturer has focused on recharging. According to Apple, it would be 33% faster than the previous model. A breakthrough due to a cable (supplied) with a USB-C plug. Still according to Apple, it would only take 45 minutes to recharge the Apple Watch Series 7 to 80% from a completely dead battery. Eight minutes would even be enough to gain eight hours of use. As a reminder, it takes 1 hour 30 minutes to charge an Apple Watch Series 6 to 100%. Be careful, however, that the 20 W charger required to achieve this is not delivered.
Identical components
Apart from a larger screen, up to 70% brighter in Always On Display mode (when the watch continues to display the time and some information on the screen while it is in standby) and with thinner edges, the technical characteristics of the Apple Watch Series 7 remain identical to those of its predecessor. There is the same processor, the same ECG sensors, heart rate monitor to measure heart rate or even SpO2 to measure the level of oxygen in the blood. Apple has not communicated any improvement regarding the GPS or 5G module.
Software innovations
The Apple Watch is powered by WatchOS 8, the new version of the operating system dedicated to it. It improves keyboard typing, enlarges the size of certain buttons to be more comfortable and provides its Activities application with new sports. Cyclists will also appreciate the improvements to automatically manage break times or the fall detector.
WatchOS 8 also welcomes a new application: Apple Fitness +. This paid service ($ 9.99 per month) available since September 27 in the United States should arrive in France before the end of the year. It offers fitness and Pilates exercises to train alone with a coach or in groups using videos (subtitles in six languages).
When will the Apple Watch Series 7 be released?
Unlike the other products announced during the September 14 keynote – iPad and iPhone – which are already available (read our article), the Apple Watch Series 7 had until yesterday not benefited from an official release date. And for good reason, as we explained, it seems that Apple’s subcontractors have difficulty integrating all the components – in particular certain new sensors -, which leads to a delay in production and in marketing. Apple has just corrected the problem. The Apple Watch Series 7 will be available for pre-order from Friday October 8 and will be available for purchase in stores from October 15. WatchOS 8 has been available since Monday, September 20. Apple Watch owners from Series 3 can now install it.
What are the prices of the Apple Watch Series 7?
Here again Apple has been rather vague on the prices. We just know that the prices for the Series 7 will start at 399 dollars (the prices in euros are not yet communicated). The other Apple Watch models remain in the catalog. The Apple Watch SE is billed at 299 euros and the Series 3 model (compatible with WatchOS 8) continues at a price of 219 euros. The Apple Watch Series 6, released last year, remains available from 429 euros.
