Apple looks to widen the gap with all new Apple Watch models
We don’t really focus too much on what’s happening in Cupertino at Apple’s spaceship campus, but the company held an event today, unwrapping some pretty interesting products. The primary focus was on the Apple Watch, as evidenced by the “Time Flies” catchphrase that was introduced with the invitations. Let’s take a look at what’s to come from the new Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Series 6
The flagship successor to the Watch Series 5 has been announced with the Apple Watch Series 6. On the outside, it may not seem like an enormous upgrade, but Apple packed in a larger display, the new S6 processor, and even a Blood Oxygen sensor.
Apple claims that the new S6 chipset in the Series 6 is 20% faster than its predecessor, while being better for overall battery life. The Series 5 already implemented an always-on display for the first time, but with the new Apple Watch, that AOD will be a bit brighter and easier to see.
The biggest addition to the Apple Watch is the all-new blood oxygen monitor. In just 15 seconds, your Watch will be able to measure your SpO2 levels which can be used to identify an array of underlying health issues such as anxiety and sleep apnea. Although you can use the Watch to measure this in real-time, the sensor will also work in the background, occasionally taking readings throughout the day and notifying you if something is awry.
Apple Watch Series 6 starts at $399 and is available for pre-order starting today, with it being available everywhere starting on Friday, September 18th.
Apple Watch SE
When the Series 5 was announced, Apple opted to lower the price of the Watch Series 3, providing an entry-level model for potential owners. While the Series 3 is still hanging around, Apple has now introduced a new “mid-range” option with the Watch SE.
This gives users the same display that’s found in the Series 6, along with the chipset from the Series 5. As for the sensors available, you’ll find an accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, and altimeter, to go along with the fall detection sensor.
In addition to coming in both GPS and Cellular configurations, the Watch SE is also swim-proof, so you won’t have to worry about taking it off all the time. The Watch SE starts at $279 and is available for pre-order today, with the release coming on Friday, September 18th.
But wait, there’s more
You didn’t think Apple would stop at just announcing some new watches, did you? Well, it didn’t, as there was a new focus on different services that are coming to the Watch later this year.
- Family Setup – This makes it easier than ever to get an Apple Watch into the hands of your loved ones, even if they don’t own an iPhone. You can set everything up from the primary Apple ID on the Family account, and will receive various location updates to make sure your children made it to where they are supposed to be going.
- Apple Fitness+ – In lieu of going to the local gym, Fitness+ is here with video workouts that integrate with your Apple Watch. You don’t need special workout equipment, and there are 10 different workouts to take advantage of. Pricing starts at $9.99/month or $79.99 per year and is coming by the end of 2020.
- Apple One – With many different services available, it was only a matter of time for Apple to bundle them together. Apple One has different tiers, ranging from Individual to Premium, with the core services of Music, Arcade, TV+, and iCloud Storage being available. When it launches later this year, there will be a 30-day free trial available.
- Individual – Apple Music, Arcade, TV+, and iCloud for $14.95 per month.
- Family – All of the same services as Individual, but for the whole family (up to 6 members) for $19.95 per month.
- Premium – All of the same services, but also includes News+ and Fitness+ for $29.95 per month (in select regions).