What’s Coming to the New Apple Watch Series 7 (and What’s Not)
Credit: Darvik Patel / Twitter
This year, just like every year since 2015, we're expecting Apple to release a brand new Apple Watch. As always, the Apple Watch Series 7 will be Apple's best smartwatch yet, but what does that mean exactly? And what features should we expect from this device? There are many rumors as to what we may see on this year's Apple Watch. There have been many rumors about body temperature and blood sugar sensors, but will we actually see all of that this year? Continue reading to browse what's coming to the Apple Watch Series 7.
✅ Expect a Big Redesign
One thing that some don't like about the Apple Watch is that it doesn't change that much each year. And they're mostly right, to be fair. But this year, we might some big design changes from Apple. Will we finally see a round Apple Watch? Absolutely not! Instead, it seems like Apple will double down on a boxy design.
Ming-Chi Kuo and Jon Prosser, well-known Apple analysts and leakers have said that we should expect a major redesign. Prosser went a step further and asserted that the Apple Watch Series 7 will have a similar design to the iPhone 12, the iPad Pro, and the 2020 iPad Air. This means we should expect the next Apple Watch to have flatter edges with the same square design.
Some other rumors suggest that the Apple Watch might be a bit thicker this year, but it won't be noticeable for most users. Apple might also reduce the bezels like it's done with many other products.
Finally, we should expect Apple to add at least a new green color to the lineup to be on par with other Apple products, like the AirPods Max.
⌠Bad News for the Blood-Sugar Sensor
There have been rumors that the Apple Watch Series 7 will feature a blood-sugar monitor pretty much since the Series 6 came out. And even though that would make the Apple Watch a must-have for some users, don't expect it any time soon. It seems like we won't see a blood-sugar sensor on the Apple Watch Series 7 or even the Series 8.
According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple is working on a blood-sugar sensor to help measure glucose levels, but it's "unlikely to be ready for commercial launch for several more years." What first seemed to be the highest selling point for the Apple Watch Series 7 will need to wait, who knows for how long.
â“ Don't Expect a Body Temperature Sensor
Another big rumor for the Series 7 is the introduction of a new body temperature sensor, but this one might also have to wait. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple was planning to add a body temperature sensor on the Apple Watch Series 7, but now that feature is more likely to be included in the Series 8 in 2022. This one is a bit of a toss-up.
⌠The Extreme Sports Apple Watch Won't Happen This Year
There have been many rumors of an Apple Watch for extreme sports that would be rugged and more durable than the regular models. Some rumors say that this Apple Watch would be called explorer or adventure edition, and it was planned to be released this year. Unfortunately, like the temperature sensor, it seems that the Apple Watch Explorer edition will be pushed back to next year. According to Bloomberg, this rugged Apple Watch was in development for release this year, but now it seems like that won't be the case. Instead, we might see it released as early as 2022, but that might also change.
✅ Even Better Ultra Wideband Support
Something that's not yet clear, but is possibly going to be a major focal point during the Apple Watch Series 7 presentation this year will be Ultra Wideband. Rumor has it that Apple will improve the Ultra Wideband functionality on the Apple Watch, which is the same technology Apple uses on the AirTag. Funny enough, this technology is also available on the current Apple Watch Series 6. It's still unclear how these improvements will differentiate the Series 7 from the Series 6. But since iOS 15 and watchOS 8 have a bunch of connectivity features that use Ultra Wideband and the U1 Chip, including how you can unlock your car or hotel rooms with your iPhone, it's possible that Apple presents the upcoming Apple Watch as the most secure way to use Ultra Wideband.
✅ Unique Display, Thicker Body, Powerful Processor
It seems like this year's Apple Watch won't have any new health features to be excited about, but there are some major changes that might make it worth the upgrade, especially for users with an older Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Series 7 will be the most powerful Apple Watch yet. As you'd expect, this year Apple Watch will feature a faster processor. And even though we don't know the official name, it's possible that it'll be the Apple S7 chip. Additionally, as we mentioned before, the Series 7 will have better wireless connectivity, and it'll come with a better screen. Since the Series 7 will most likely have a thicker body, that leaves some extra room for new technology and maybe even a bigger battery too.
⌠Will We See an Apple Watch SE 2 in 2021?
In 2020, Apple expanded the Apple Watch lineup to include the Apple Watch SE. This Apple Watch was pretty much as powerful as the Apple Watch Series 6 with just a few compromises, similar to the iPhone SE. And all that starting at just $279. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that we'll see a new Apple Watch SE. It seems like Apple will wait until 2022 to bring in the second-generation Apple Watch SE. According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to update the lower-end Apple Watch next year. Still, it beats the iPhone SE, which Apple updated once after almost five years.
✅ Apple Watch Series 7 Release Date and Price
As always, no one outside of Apple knows exactly when it will announce the next Apple Watch, but based on past releases, we can expect Apple to reveal the Apple Watch Series 7 in September. Apple's been pretty consistent with the Apple Watch's price, so we should expect the Series 7 to start at $399 for the 40mm model and $429 for the bigger 44mm model.