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Apple Watch 7 Release Date, Price, Design, Features ....
The Apple Watch 7 is official. Revealed during the California Streaming Apple event, the next-generation smartwatch ushers in a subtle redesign headlined by a larger and brighter display. Aspiring to make the best smartwatch even better, the Apple Watch 7 looks a bit different than its predecessors. Adopting smoother chassis curves and thinner display borders, a sharp eye could see the latest Apple Watch gives users far more screen real estate on their wrist than before. There's not much else beyond aesthetic upgrades compared to the Apple Watch 6. Still, it promises to be the best Apple Watch yet. Even with the same "all-day" battery life estimate that's stuck around since the Apple Watch 3. Speaking of the Series 3, it remains on sale for US$ 199, as does the US$ 279 Apple Watch SE. But the Apple Watch 7, starting at US$ 399 and shipping with watchOS 8, is sure to be the smartwatch every iPhone user wants this year. It’s coming later this fall, so here’s what you’ll need to know before then.
Apple Watch 7 New Features
- Thinner display borders: Apple hasn't changed the Apple Watch's display borders in several years. But now, the Apple Watch 7's display is up to 20% bigger than the Apple Watch 6's. With a narrow 1.7mm bezel, the Apple Watch looks larger year, even though the chassis size hasn't changed.
- Brighter screen: The Apple Watch 7's display is 70% brighter than before. That's a big claim we'll need to see ourselves, but last year's 50% brighter display did make a difference compared to the Apple Watch 5, so we're optimistic.
- Faster charging: Although the Apple Watch 7 has the same "all-day" battery life, it charges faster, at least. According to Apple, the Series 7 charges 33% faster thanks to a new USB-C cord.
Apple Watch 7 Release Date, Price and Pre-orders
The Apple Watch 7 starts at US$ 399 for the 40mm GPS model. Although Apple hasn't announced official pricing for every model, we expect the 44mm model to start at US$ 429. For Cellular support, which lets your Apple Watch optionally work untethered from your iPhone, we're guessing you'll spend US$ 499 for the 40mm size or US$ 529 for the 44mm size. Pre-orders for Apple Watch 7 haven't been announced yet. We've heard rumors in recent weeks that the smartwatch is suffering production delays, potentially pushing the launch back. Apple said the Apple Watch 7 is arriving "later this fall," not elaborating when we'll know more on availability.
Apple Watch 7 Design
Apple's smartwatch design hasn't changed in several years. While the curved squircle is pretty iconic, we were definitely excited about redesign rumors. A number of renowned leakers said we'd see a flat-edged form factor, but it didn't happen. Instead, the Apple Watch 7 is actually curvier compared to previous Apple Watch models. It's difficult to tell just how smooth the chassis shape is without going hands-on with the new smartwatch, but it's clear Apple is going for a softer overall aesthetic. There are quite a few case options this year. The most popular aluminum makes come in silver and a dark grey, as well as green, blue and product red. For a premium, Apple is offering the Apple Watch 7 in stainless steel and titanium materials, too.
While the Apple Watch 7 has the same swim-proof rating (up to 50 meters) it's more dust-resistant this year. If you've taken to outdoor sports, you might be excited to know the Series 7 has an IP6X certification. Altered geometrics should make the latest Apple Watch more durable overall, too. And since the Apple Watch isn't larger this year as previously believed, all the best Apple Watch bands will be compatible with the Series 7. Last year Apple notably updated its basic silicone band with the Solo Loop option — this year you'll be able to shop from more Nike and designer options.
Apple Watch 7 Display
The Apple Watch 7 display is probably the biggest upgrade of what's seeming to be a rather incremental refresh. Apple hasn't changed the Apple Watch's display borders in several years. But now, the Apple Watch 7's display is up to 20% bigger than the Apple Watch 6's. With a tiny 1.7mm bezel, the Apple Watch looks larger, even though the chassis size hasn't changed. Apple Watch Series 7 (right) display is about 20% larger than that of Apple Watch 6 (center,) and over 50% percent larger than that of Apple Watch 3 (left.) (Image credit: Apple)The Apple Watch 7's display is also 70% brighter than before. That's a big claim we'll need to see ourselves, but last year's 50% brighter display did make a difference compared to the Apple Watch 5, so we're optimistic. Not only would this let the Apple Watch 7's screen hold up better in sunlight — it'll let you check the time or your latest notification with a more subtle glance than ever.
Apple Watch 7 Features
The Apple Watch 7 doesn't introduce as many new features as we might've hoped, but luckily watchOS 8 is on the way with several software upgrades. watchOS 8 introduces support for multiple timers, digital keys, a new Mindfulness app and tracking for Tai Chi and Pilates workout types. One feature that seems exclusive to the Apple Watch 7, though, is one we've had on our wishlist for a while now. Taking advantage of the expanded screen, the Series 7 gets a full keyboard for typing out messages.
Apple Watch 7 Battery Life
The Apple Watch 7 has the same 18-hour battery life as the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 5 before it. We would have liked to see some improvement in this area, but we'll have to hope a better performance and display quality justify the daily charge. On the bright side, the Apple Watch 7 can charged to full up to 33% faster before with the new USB-C cord that comes in the box.
Apple Watch 7 Outlook
With the Apple Watch 7 not yet out, it's still too early to make any concrete judgements about the watch. We're a bit let down by the actual announcement compared to leaks up to now, but that just proves you should always take tech rumors with a grain of salt. The competition is more convincing than ever: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Fitbit Charge 5 are among compelling new Apple Watch alternatives. The display improvements could come as a revelation to existing Apple Watch users, but the lack of true health upgrades and same 'ole battery life don't make us too upset the Series 7 isn't shipping right away.