Apple unveiled a brand new Apple Watch Series 7 at its “California Streaming” special event (alongside new iPhones and iPads, we might add). The new device puts its large display and increased durability at the forefront, making this the toughest and best-looking Apple Watch to date.
A new display
The most notable feature of Apple Watch S7 is its big, beautiful display. To achieve this, Apple has reduced the bezels on the watch by 40%, resulting in borders of just 1.7 mm. Compared with last year’s Apple Watch S6, the new model’s screen is 20% bigger. And when it comes to Apple Watch screens, make no mistake: bigger is better.
It’s not just the size, though. The display subtly wraps around the curved edges of the watch, making it look even more like it’s covering the entire face and opening up even more screen real estate.
Apple’s watchOS is quick to take advantage of this larger display, adding a native QWERTY keyboard (with swipe-to-type support in the form of QuickPath input), bigger buttons, and more content on-screen. Some of your favorite watchOS faces have been updated for the Apple Watch S7, adding additional complications.
On top of that, this bigger display is also brighter – at least indoors. When your wrist is down and you’re in an indoor setting, Apple explains that the Apple Watch S7 is 70% brighter, making it far easier to glance down and check the time without moving your wrist. Apple has bolstered the display brightness while continuing to offer the same 18 hours of battery life, which is an impressive feat.
Long-lasting
There’s also an updated charging architecture, meaning the Apple Watch S7 can be boosted from 0% to 80% in just 45 minutes. Great for those of us who struggle to find an opportunity to charge their watch, considering it’s now in use all night for sleep tracking. On that note, Apple says an 8-minute charge will provide enough juice for 8 hours of sleep tracking.
We also said the Apple Watch S7 is more durable – Apple explains that the device’s screen is made from a new crystal that’s even more crack-resistant, and the Apple Watch has also added all-new IP6X dust-resistance certification. This means that the new model is completely resistant to dust – something not yet offered by the device.
Colors and availability
New cases and colors are here to adorn your Apple Watch S7 – blue, green, (PRODUCT)RED, starlight, and midnight for the aluminum models. The stainless steel models come in silver, graphite, and gold steel, while titanium models come in “natural” and space black.
Apple Watch S7 starts at $399 and will be available later this fall – Apple hasn’t yet given a specific date. The Apple Watch SE also remains at the lower price of $279, while the Series 3 Apple Watch continues to be sold for $199.