The latest addition to the Apple Watch family, the Series 7, has finally been released and it’s already creating a buzz in the tech world. This highly anticipated smartwatch boasts new features and improvements that make it stand out from its predecessors. But is it worth the hype? In this review, we’ll dive into all the details of the Apple Watch Series 7 and see if it lives up to the expectations.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing you notice about the Apple Watch Series 7 is its design. It features a larger display and thinner borders compared to the Series 6, giving it a more modern look. The overall design is sleek and elegant, with rounded edges and a flat-oval shape. Apple offers five different color options – silver, graphite, gold, blue, and PRODUCT(RED) – to suit every taste.
One of the biggest changes in the design of the Series 7 is the screen size. The 41mm model now has a 1.9-inch display, while the 45mm model has a 2.4-inch display, which is 20% larger than the Series 6. This means more space for notifications, widgets, and apps, making it easier to read and navigate. The larger screen also allows for bigger and more detailed watch faces, giving users more customization options.
In terms of build quality, the Series 7 is as sturdy as ever. It’s made with durable materials, including an aluminum frame and Ion-X glass or ceramic back for the GPS models, and a titanium frame and sapphire crystal back for the cellular models. This makes the watch water-resistant up to 50 meters, perfect for swimming and water sports.
Improved Durability
Apple claims that the Series 7 is the most durable Apple Watch yet. It uses a new, more robust design with a crack-resistant front crystal and improved IP6X dust resistance. This means the watch can withstand tougher conditions and is less prone to damage. It’s also worth noting that the Series 7 now has a larger, more tactile digital crown, making it easier to use, especially for those with bigger fingers.
Interchangeable Bands
As always, the Apple Watch Series 7 allows for interchangeable bands to match your style or activity. This time, Apple has introduced a new fastening system called the “Solo Loop.” It’s a seamless band made from stretchy silicone that slides onto your wrist without any buckles or adjustments. Despite its comfortable fit, the Solo Loop may not be suitable for all wrist sizes, so it’s good that Apple still offers other band options like the Sport Band, Milanese Loop, and Leather Link.
Display and User Interface
As mentioned earlier, the Series 7 has a larger display, which is a significant upgrade compared to the Series 6. The LTPO OLED Retina display is clear and bright, providing excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. It also has an always-on feature, meaning you can see the time and complications on your watch face without having to touch or raise your wrist.
The user interface of the Series 7 remains similar to previous models, with a focus on swiping and tapping to navigate through apps and menus. However, Apple has made some improvements to make it more user-friendly. For instance, the buttons are now larger and more spaced out, making them easier to press. The text is also bigger, making it easier to read, especially for older users or those with visual impairments.
Accessible Features
Continuing with the theme of user-friendliness, the Apple Watch Series 7 has several accessible features that make it more inclusive. These include VoiceOver, which speaks out loud what’s on the screen, zoom options for those with visual impairments, and the ability to control the watch with head movements. These features make the Series 7 a great option for users of all abilities.
Always-On Display
One of the most significant changes in the Series 7 is the always-on display. This feature allows the watch face to stay visible even when your wrist is down, thanks to the LTPO OLED technology. It’s perfect for quick glances at the time or notifications without having to raise your wrist or tap the screen. While this feature may drain the battery faster, it’s worth it for the added convenience.
Performance and Processing Power
The Apple Watch Series 7 is equipped with the new S7 chip, which Apple claims is 20% faster than the previous generation. This means smoother performance and faster app loading times. In our testing, we did notice a difference in speed compared to the Series 6, especially when launching apps or switching between them.
Aside from the processor, the Series 7 also has improved sensors, including an updated accelerometer and gyroscope, which provide more accurate fitness tracking. The watch also uses a new ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, which enables precise spatial awareness and supports features like digital car keys. These improvements make the Series 7 not only faster but also more capable than its predecessors.
WatchOS 8
The Apple Watch Series 7 runs on the latest version of WatchOS, which brings new features and improvements. One of the most notable additions is the Mindfulness app, which offers guided meditations and breathing exercises. There’s also a new Portraits watch face that creates a unique background using portrait mode photos from your iPhone.
Another exciting feature of WatchOS 8 is the ability to share photos and playlists through the Messages app on the watch. This makes it easier to send and receive content without having to take out your phone. Overall, WatchOS 8 adds even more convenience and functionality to the Series 7.
Health and Fitness Tracking Features
The Apple Watch Series 7 is a powerhouse when it comes to health and fitness tracking. It has all the features you’d expect from a smartwatch, including a heart rate monitor, ECG sensor, and fall detection. However, Apple has also introduced some new features and improvements in this area.
Blood Oxygen Monitoring
One of the major additions to the Series 7 is the blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring feature. This measures the oxygen saturation levels in your blood, which is an essential indicator of overall health. The Series 7 uses an advanced algorithm and infrared light beams to calculate the SpO2 levels accurately. You can view your readings on the watch or track them over time using the Health app on your iPhone.
Workout Modes
The Series 7 offers over 100 workout modes, including popular options like running, swimming, and yoga, as well as unique activities like e-biking and tai chi. The watch also has automatic workout detection, meaning it will start tracking your activity even if you forget to start a workout session manually. This is especially useful for those who frequently forget to log their workouts.
Another great feature of the Series 7 is the ability to track multiple workouts in one session. For example, if you’re doing a circuit training workout that includes jogging, strength training, and yoga, the watch will automatically switch between modes and track your progress accordingly.
Sleep Tracking
Since the launch of the Series 6, Apple has added sleep tracking to its wearables, and the Series 7 continues this feature. It measures your sleep duration and quality, providing insights into your sleeping patterns. The watch also has a “Wind Down” mode, which helps you relax and prepare for bedtime by displaying calming content and dimming the screen.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life has always been a pain point for smartwatch users, and the Series 7 is no exception. While Apple claims the watch can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, this can vary depending on your usage. In our testing, we found that the battery lasted around 12-14 hours with moderate use, which includes checking notifications, using fitness tracking features, and listening to music.
The Series 7 charges faster than its predecessors, thanks to the new USB-C fast charging cable. You can get around 80% charge in just 45 minutes, which is perfect for those times when you need a quick boost before heading out. However, it’s worth noting that the Series 7 doesn’t come with a power adapter, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you don’t already have one.
Software and Operating System
As mentioned earlier, the Apple Watch Series 7 runs on WatchOS 8, the latest version of Apple’s operating system for wearables. The interface is similar to previous versions, with a focus on swiping and tapping to navigate through apps and menus. However, there are some notable improvements and additions.
Customization Options
WatchOS 8 offers more customization options for watch faces, including the ability to add multiple complications from the same app. This means you can have all the information you need from your favorite apps right on your watch face. There are also new watch face colors and designs to choose from, including collaborative works with artists like James Jean and Nike.
Enhanced Messaging Features
Along with the already mentioned photo and playlist sharing, WatchOS 8 also brings some new messaging features. You can now use Scribble to write messages, even in languages like Mandarin and Tamil, and send animated GIFs directly from the watch. These small but useful additions make staying connected with friends and family easier than ever.
Focus Mode
Another new feature of WatchOS 8 is the Focus mode, which allows you to customize notifications and apps based on your current activity or mood. For example, you can set a work focus that only allows important work-related notifications and blocks distractions like social media alerts. This is a great way to stay focused and reduce distractions throughout the day.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Apple Watch Series 7 offers both GPS and cellular models, giving users the option to stay connected even without their phone. The cellular models allow you to make calls, send messages, and stream music without needing your iPhone nearby. However, this does come with an additional monthly fee from your carrier.
In terms of compatibility, the Series 7 requires an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14.7 or later. While it’s not compatible with Android devices, it seamlessly integrates with other Apple products, including AirPods and HomeKit devices.
Unique Features and Innovations
Apple never fails to impress with its unique and innovative features, and the Series 7 is no exception. Along with the already mentioned additions, here are some of the standout features of the latest Apple Watch:
Digital Car Keys
As mentioned earlier, the Series 7 uses ultra-wideband technology, which enables digital car keys. This means you can unlock, start, and drive your car using just your watch. Currently, this feature is only available for BMW cars, but we can expect more manufacturers to adopt this technology in the future.
Family Setup
Another exciting addition to the Series 7 is the Family Setup feature, which allows parents to set up and manage Apple Watches for their children who don’t have iPhones. This allows kids to stay connected with their parents, receive location updates, and use limited features like Emergency SOS. Parents can also set Schooltime mode, which restricts access to games and apps during school hours.
Mindfulness App
The Mindfulness app, as mentioned earlier, offers guided meditations and breathing exercises to help users relax and reduce stress. The app also has a feature called “Reflect,” which prompts you with a gratitude or reflection question each day, encouraging a positive mindset.
Comparison with Previous Models
It’s fair to say that the Apple Watch Series 7 is a significant improvement over its predecessors, especially the Series 6. Here’s a quick comparison of some key features:
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 6 | Apple Watch Series 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 1.78 inches | 1.9/2.4 inches |
| Processor | S6 | S7 |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Blood Oxygen Monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | Up to 50 meters | Up to 50 meters |
As you can see, the Series 7 has similar features to the Series 6 but with noticeable improvements in design, performance, and health tracking capabilities.
Price and Value for Money
The Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the cellular model, with prices varying depending on size, material, and band options. While this may seem like a steep price, considering the improvements and added features, it’s worth every penny. Plus, the Series 7 is sure to last you a few years before needing an upgrade, making it a good investment in the long run.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple Watch Series 7 lives up to the hype and is a solid choice for those looking for a high-quality, feature-packed smartwatch. It’s a significant improvement from the Series 6, with a larger display, faster performance, and new health tracking features. The added customization options and unique innovations make it stand out in the crowded wearable tech market. If you’re in the market for a new smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 7 is definitely worth considering.
