On September 15, Apple introduced a number of new devices, including the sixth edition Apple Watch. It therefore also bears the simple name aptly Apple Watch Series 6. You can now find out whether the purchase is worthwhile for you.
Apple Watch Series 6: What's new?
Let's take a look at the technique first. Among other things, Apple has revised the following points:
- A modified version of the processor that is also in the current iPhone works inside the Apple Watch Series 6. This ensures more performance: +20% compared to the fifth edition of the Apple Watch.
- LTE is also available again, but remains optional. So if you think you don't need LTE on the go, you can save a little money and go for the normal version.
- Apple has also made changes to the battery - more on that later in a separate section.
What you'll probably notice immediately in everyday life is the new display: It's still 40 or 44 millimeters - depending on the edition - but it stays brighter when inactive. If you already own an Apple Watch 5, you know this from your smartwatch: If you don't do anything with it and let your arm hang down, the display dims until it can only be seen faintly. That saves electricity.
With the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple has increased the minimum brightness by a factor of 2.5. What does that mean in plain language? If you previously couldn't see anything on your Apple Watch Series 6 - especially in direct sunlight - you may still see everything now.
Oxygen measurement for your blood
Pulse oximetry is completely new - or to put it more simply: blood oxygen measurement. New, circular sensors are attached to the back of the Apple Watch. They constantly measure the amount of oxygen in the hemoglobin in your blood. The following applies: the higher this proportion, the better. Healthy people should show a value between 95 and 99% here. The sensor of the Apple Watch Series 6 measures every value between 70 and 100%.
To measure blood oxygen, the watch gives you instructions. For example, it tells you to put your wrist in a certain position. After a few seconds, the measurement is over and you have a reliable result at hand. While you sleep, the watch also measures the oxygen level once an hour.
This is primarily based on medical findings: A blood oxygen content that is significantly too low can indicate various diseases. So you could see a doctor in time and prevent worse. Incidentally, the Apple Watch Series 6 does not have medical approval - but a comparison with other devices shows that its values are still close to reality and are at least a good indicator for doctors.
Revised altitude measurement
The Apple Watch Series 4 already had the barometric altimeter integrated: you could use it to measure your height above sea level. However, that worked
only if you open a suitable app for it. So you could start the compass, scroll down and then see what altitude you are at. The reason for this was the power consumption: In favor of the runtime, the altimeter was not wanted to be kept active all the time.
With the Series 6, this power consumption no longer seems to play a role: the altimeter is switched on around the clock and you can have it displayed directly on the clock face. This could bring advantages, especially when hiking or during other sporting activities: you don't have to keep opening an app, you just look at the clock - done. Apple promises a high level of accuracy, with a measurement tolerance of only 30 centimeters.
Fast charging for longer availability
The battery capacity of the Apple Watch Series 6 has increased by about 10% compared to its predecessor. More important than this fact is probably the fast charging mode: A separate power supply
is no longer included with the smartwatch, instead you only get a USB charging cable. You can then connect it to any power supply - such as that of your iPhone. With its power of 5 watts, you can charge the entire Apple Watch Series 6 from 0 to 100% in 90 minutes.
When it comes to the battery life itself, the Series 6 seems to have dropped a bit: 8% shorter runtimes are criticized. However, this should be offset by the significantly faster recharge time.
Variants of the Apple Watch Series 6 at a glance
With a piece of technology that is worn permanently on the wrist so that it is clearly visible, the look also plays a role. There is no radical, new design: If you liked the look of the previous generations, you will also like the Apple Watch Series 6. The smartwatch is still unmistakable.
However, Apple has given the ceramic surface new coats of paint. A matt, strong blue is available; gold with a high gloss finish; as well as a dark gray color scheme that Apple has dubbed "Graphite" and that is also matte in nature. There is also a matte, red version known as "Product Red" and part of the sales goes to organizations that fight malaria or AIDS, for example.
Equally important are the new bracelets. First the good news: You can also use your old bracelets that you may have grown fond of with the new Apple Watch Series 6. The mechanism remains the same. However, Apple has also designed some new models.
The "Solo Loop" is made of 100% silicone and offers no interruptions in the bracelet and no clasp. Six colors are available and various sizes for different wrists. Alternatively, you can grab the "Solo Loop" in a braided version made from recycled materials. These are available in five colors.
Last but not least, there is the "Leather Link": The revised version of the leather bracelet now works completely magnetically. You no longer have to fold anything yourself, but let the watch do the work. The watch is still bombproof.
Family setup for families
The new option of connecting multiple smartwatches to just one iPhone might be very practical for you. So you could give other family members - possibly your children if you have any - an Apple Watch, but connect them to your own iPhone. This means that not everyone needs their own (expensive) iPhone and can still use the device without major restrictions - at least if you are nearby.
Conclusion: Do you need the new Apple Watch Series 6?
Let's recap what you can expect from the new smartwatch:
- Performance has been slightly improved
- The watch can measure your blood oxygen level
- The display is a bit brighter - even when inactive
- Fast charging functions charge the device faster - The altimeter is always active
- There are benefits to family use
- ...and some new colors and straps
Of course, we cannot tell you whether a purchase would be advisable for you or not. Especially owners of Apple Watch Series 5 will probably only find a few outstanding innovations. If you don't need to measure your blood oxygen content, things are already getting tight.
Of course, the older your current Apple Watch is, the bigger the jump. For example, if you still have an Apple Watch Series 3 on your arm, you will notice countless good innovations. On the other hand, if you don't have an Apple Watch yet, you can access it without hesitation. It is probably still the best smartwatch on the market - and if the wallet doesn't allow for big jumps, there is the new Apple Watch SE as an alternative model.