As part of its not-iPhone event, Apple today revealed two new Apple Watches: the higher-end Apple Watch Series 6 and a more affordable Apple Watch SE. While both were expected, what's more surprising is they're both available to order right now ahead of a Friday release date.
The biggest new feature in the Apple Watch Series 6 is a sensor that can measure your blood oxygen levels using red and infrared light. The process takes about 15 seconds, but the Watch will also be able to take periodic readings while you sleep. Blood oxygen levels can provide fitness and wellness information, but the feature will also support studies to see if they can be used to provide an early indicator of early indicators such as asthma, heart failure, flu, or even COVID-19.
Other new Apple Watch Series 6 features include an S6 processor said to be up to 20% faster than last year's model, an altimeter that can show real-time elevation, and an always on display that's 2.5 times brighter than last year's model.
The Apple Watch Series 6 will also be available in a couple new colours. There's new blue and red finishes for aluminium models, and redesigned "graphite" and gold finishes for stainless steel models. Silver, space grey, and gold are all sticking around for aluminium models too, as well as classic silver stainless steel. Space black stainless steel has gotten the chop, along with ceramic models.
Apple Watch Series 6 pricing is as follows:
- Aluminium Apple Watch Series 6 (40mm) WiFi only: From $599
- Aluminium Apple Watch Series 6 (44mm) WiFi only: From $649
- Aluminium Apple Watch Series 6 (40mm) 4G: From $749
- Aluminium Apple Watch Series 6 (44mm) 4G: From $799
- Stainless Steel Apple Watch Series 6 (40mm) 4G: From $1,049
- Stainless Steel Apple Watch Series 6 (44mm) 4G: From $1,119
- Titanium Apple Watch Series 6 (40mm) 4G: From $1,199
- Titanium Apple Watch Series 6 (44mm) 4G: From $1,269
Notably, all Series 6 models are $50 cheaper than what the equivalent Series 5 model cost at launch.
Adding different bands such as braided loops or leather options will increase your Apple Watch price.
The Apple Watch SE is a more affordable take on the company's wearable, using a similar design to the Series 6 but with last year's S5 processor. Features like fall detection, compass, altimeter, swim-proofing, sleep tracking are all on board, but the Watch SE doesn't have an always-on display. The blood oxygen sensor is also missing.
Price is obviously a key drawcard for the Watch SE, which starts at $429 for a GPS model, or $499 for a cellular model in 40mm. These go up to $549 and $619 respectively if you'd prefer a model with a 44mm screen.
The Apple Watch Series 3 will stick around for the time being, and is now a bit cheaper selling at $299 for a 38mm model or $349 for a 42mm model.
As aforementioned, both the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE are available for pre-order from today, ahead of a Friday release. These will ship with watchOS 7 - the latest Apple Watch operating system - which will be available for existing Apple Watch owners from tomorrow along with iOS 14.
Key new features in watchOS 7 include sleep tracking, a handwashing timer, and more customisable watch faces.
It will run on Apple Watch Series 3, Series 4, and Series 5. Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 will not be able to upgrade to watchOS 7.
Apple also introduced an Apple Watch virtual workout service dubbed Fitness+. The service will provide ten different types of guided workouts that can mostly be done without equipment (other than dumbbells) such as yoga, core, strength, rowing, and HIIT routines. You'll be able to follow you workouts on iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. There'll also be a program for beginners, and Apple plans to add new workouts each week.
Fitness+ will be available before the end of the year, and Australia will be one of the first markets to get it. You'll pay $14.99 per month, or $119.99 per year. You'll get a three-month free trial with the purchase of an Apple Watch. Otherwise, anyone will be able to try Fitness+ for free for a single month.
Lastly, Apple announced Family Setup for Apple Watch. This lets you set up an Apple Watch for someone - such as a child or elderly relative - who doesn't have an iPhone. The Apple Watch in question has to be a cellular model and has to be part of Series 4 or better. This won't be available in Australia at launch, however.
Alex Choros
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