Weve spent 24 hr up until now checking out the best new functions discovered on the most recent Apple Watch Series 6. Here are our impressions of the brand-new features, how beneficial they are, and how they compare to the prior generation.
The brand-new colors
Different staff member have purchased different colors, but we were just able to get the brilliant brand-new (PRODUCT) RED version on launch day. In-person, the color is extremely intense, no matter the lighting condition.
We are consumed with the color however get that it has to match your style. Anytime you select a bright red color that never ever changes, you need to like that color significantly.
Apple Watch Series 6 (PRODUCT) RED is quite bright, but looks fantastic
In usage though, we didnt see much difference up until now. We tried launching applications side-by-side with our Series 5 and they both opened things practically exactly as quickly.
Thats due to the fact that the Apple Watch Series 5 was currently quite fast, and everyday tasks do not need a lots of silicon to power them.
The time we discovered the change most was when rebooting the watch, which will most likely be welcomed by anyone who has to reboot the wearable.
Going with red does limit the colors of bands you can match with it. Some clash a bit but we still discovered a lots of fantastic choices that enhanced the wearable.
Others might choose the brand-new blue which is more subdued however still has a pop of color.
This year we also got the new Graphite stainless to change the old Space Black. Based upon the images from Apple, it appears to have a small grey tint compared to the formerly darker Space Black.
S6 SiP
With Series 5, Apple embraced an always-on Retina screen. This year, Apple has upped it with an always-on screen that is brighter on typical, but the optimum brightness of the screen still sits at 1000 nits.
When the watch is in its non-active state which makes a big difference in intense situations, it is only brighter. When the arm is down and the Watch isnt actively being used, Apple says it is up to 2 and a half times brighter.
What the S6 does allow for is more headroom going into the future. As Apple continues to add brand-new functions to Apple Watch through watchOS, Apple Watch Series 6 will easily support them.
This is most likely going to be quite important as the watch does more of the heavy lifting, reducing its dependence on the iPhone.
Always-on display screen
The new S6 system-in-package is based on the A13 Bionic processor and optimized for the Apple Watch. In performance, this must yield around 20% improved speed.
When non-active, Apple Watch Series 5 (left) and Series 6 (right) comparing the display screens
In our studio, when both the last-gen and present were inactive, we could not inform any distinction in the brightness of the display screens. When we took our set of watches outdoors to the midday sun the difference was clear.
The brand-new Apple Watch Series 6 is noticeably brighter which makes it far easier to read our problems without having to wake the watch or raise our wrist.
Apple Watch Series 5 (left) and Series 6 (right) comparing the displays when non-active outdoors
Originally, as we were simply around the studio doing work, we felt this may have been an over-boasted claim. Throughout the night and rest of the day when we actually got outdoors and on the go, we recognized how numerous times we intuitively had to raise our wrist to see the time, a problem, or an exercise.
Series 6 allowed us to be less active in doing so. Generally we had the ability to simply glance at the watch and get the info we needed.
Blood oxygen sensor
Apples most-touted feature of the new watch is the blood oxygen sensing unit, which has an accompanying app. As numerous of the early reviews noted, your watch should be tight on your wrist and you need to guarantee you dont move.
As long as you meet those requirements, it just takes 15 seconds for the reading to come back.
Measure your blood oxygen level with Apple Watch Series 6
Charging Apple Watch Series 6 is quicker.
There were a few other functions we attempted out on the brand-new Apple Watch as well. Things such as the brand-new always-on altimeter.
This feature is not necessarily something everyone will utilize, however just another important sensor that will make a big difference for hikers, bicycle riders, and other fitness junkies. You can view it in the Compass app however you can likewise add it ideal to your watch face.
It also reveals in numerous workouts in real-time as you are going.
Our only concern with our O2 reading was the absence of info surrounding it. It reports back a number however many people wont any idea what to do with that number. What is great, what is bad, and how do you enhance it?
Apples vagueness about the value is likely due to its skirting of the medical gadget requirements. Apple says that the blood oxygen measurement is only for wellness and physical fitness functions and not intended to replace a medical gadget, such as a pulse oximeter which needs federal approval.
If Apple would begin offering guidance and stating it is good or bad, it may be getting precariously near to a medical gadget and the guideline that features it.
Faster charging
This is one weve already observed to be much better. Weve been using sleep tracking on Apple Watch for months during the beta procedure, however at times, we d still end up with a low battery that required charging.
Apple Watch Series 6 now can charge 20 percent much faster That yields an entire charge in a half and an hour.
In our use, we do not charge it from absolutely no to 100 frequently, however we generally topped off half the battery. We d position it on the charger in the morning while we ready ourselves for the day and at night as we prep and shower for bed.
This extra 20 percent speed is obvious in this and we currently feel less concerned about charging the watch.
Obviously, Apple might simply help us by increasing the battery life however it appears that will not take place without a bigger battery and a larger case. A minimum of in the meantime.
Other new features
See your elevation in real-time on Apple Watch Series 6
It reports back a number but many people wont any idea what to do with that number. What is excellent, what is bad, and how do you improve it?
Apple continues to sharpen the Apple Watch. Numerous of the new changes arent exactly fancy but are extremely impactful for those that utilize them. We arent sure after a day it requires an upgrade for Series 5 owners, but it is a big upgrade from anyone coming from the Series 4 or earlier.
This time around, Apple has baked in its U1 chip, and while this is an interesting new addition, at the minute it does virtually absolutely nothing. There is no other way to engage with the chip, but it does unlock much future potential for Apple to check out.
We can see the ability to AirDrop contacts or images to an Apple Watch which is beneficial for relative who can now utilize an Apple Watch without an iPhone of their own. Or perhaps locating lost products like your secrets, AirPods, Apple television remote with the launch of AirTags.
Apple continues to hone the Apple Watch. Much of the new modifications arent exactly flashy however are extremely impactful for those that use them. We arent sure after a day it calls for an upgrade for Series 5 owners, however it is a big upgrade from anyone originating from the Series 4 or earlier.
Apple Watch 6 rates and deals