Apple has recently announced the Apple Watch Series 6, the latest in its line of popular smartwatches. While the Series 6 model design looks same as the Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 5 it includes a variety of new features such as blood oxygen monitoring and better sleep tracking and many more.
Apple says the Series 6 can measure blood oxygen levels in about 15 seconds, using both red and infrared light. The company says it’s partnering with health networks to start large-scale studies using the new blood oxygen measurement feature, including testing to see if it can detect if a person is infected with COVID-19.
The Series 6 also comes with the new S6 processor, which gives 20 percent faster performance than the earlier watches. It’s based on Apple’s in-house A13 chip. Apple says it provides improved performance while maintaining the 18 hours of battery life of the prior model. The Series 6 can recharge faster, though, going from zero to full in about 1.5 hours.
The always-on display is said to be 2.5 times brighter than the one on the Series 5, so it’s easier to read when your arm is on a desk or when outdoors. It’s also now possible to access notifications, Control Center, change watchfaces, or tap on complications without fully waking the screen.
Another new sensor is the always-on altimeter, which provides real-time elevation information. Apple says it is accurate down to a foot of measurement. Lastly, Apple says the Series 6 has the same U1 ultrawideband chip that first debuted in the iPhone 11 line, but it did not elaborate on how it would be used by the Apple Watch, other than to support new experiences, such as next-generation digital car keys.
The Series 6 is available in gray, silver, gold, or blue aluminum finishes or a new Product (RED) version that has a striking red finish on it. The stainless steel model is available in either graphite, yellow gold, or silver. The top-end Edition model is available in natural or black titanium, but no ceramic options this year.
Apple is adding a new feature called Family Setup, which allows parents to set up managed Apple Watches for their kids who don’t have iPhones of their own. Parents will be able to manage who the child can message or call from the watch, set up location alerts, and add do not disturb modes for school time.
