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Apple Watch Series 6

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Apple Watch Series 6 includes two new color options (blue and red), an oximeter sensor, and the new faster S6 chip to enhanced performance.

apple watch series 6

The Apple Watch Series 6 was Apple’s flagship smartwatch from October 2020 to September 2021. Available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, it featured for the first time a blood-oxygen sensor and a brighter always-on display. The company ditched the smartwatch for its successor, the Apple Watch Series 7.

History

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The Apple Watch was first introduced in 2015 and quickly became the best-selling wearable device of the year, reportedly selling 4.2 million units in Q2 2015. When the company introduced the Apple Watch Series 2 later in 2016, Apple labeled the original Apple Watch as “Series 0” while bringing an updated chip with “Series 1” and a brand new “Series 2” Watch.

When Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 3 in 2017 a lot of things changed. The company started seeing the Watch more like a fitness device rather than a fashion one, although it was available in aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic models. This Watch had a chip 70% faster than its predecessor, increased RAM, and introduced the LTE cellular connectivity variant with 16GB of storage.

Apple Watch Series 4, which launched a year later, featured a major redesign with a screen that was 30% bigger in both models and a 50% improvement on its processor over the Series 3 version. Speakers and microphones were rearranged so they were louder and more useful, and Series 4 introduced the fall detection feature, ECG capabilities, and the second-generation heart rate monitor.

In 2019, the Apple Watch Series 5 was a notable upgrade over the Series 4: Apple introduced an Always-On display with an energy-saving LTOP OLED screen, a built-in compass, doubled the storage to 32GB, and brought back the Edition tier with a ceramic model and a brand new titanium version.

In 2020, Apple announced the Apple Watch Series 6. This Watch brought a new S6 processor, up to 20% faster than its predecessor, a brighter Always-On display, a blood oxygen app, and an always-on altimeter, alongside new health sensors.

In October of 2021, after the release of the Apple Watch Series 7, Apple officially discontinued the Series 6 model.

Apple Watch Series 6 specs and features

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The Apple Watch Series 6 comes in two sizes, three finishes, and two connectivity options. With a brighter always-on Retina Display, the Series 6 is available in 40 or 44mm, in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium, and with a GPS connection or GPS + LTE.

The Apple Watch Series 6 introduced two new colors to the aluminum version: blue and (PRODUCT)RED alongside silver, space gray, and gold. It has an S6 processor, which is up to 20% faster than the S5 chip. This generation also introduced the blood oxygen sensor, which is recommended just for well-being and is not approved by the FDA like the ECG app is.

The Apple Watch Series 6 has a third-generation optical heart sensor, Digital Crown with haptic feedback, a built-in compass, an always-on altimeter, and a second-generation speaker and mic. With Emergency SOS and International emergency calling, you can quickly call for help and alert your emergency contacts.

Apple Watch Series 6 also detect if you’ve taken a hard fall, then automatically calls emergency services for you. The Noise app alerts when decibels reach levels that could damage your hearing. It’s also water-resistant up to 50m in the water.

Apple Watch Series 6 special edition

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With the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple created a special Watch edition called Black Unity. It was released in February to celebrate Black History Month:

Apple is supporting six global organizations to help advance their missions in promoting and achieving equality and civil rights in the US and around the world: Black Lives Matter Support Fund via the Tides Foundation; European Network Against Racism; International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights; Leadership Conference Education Fund; NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.; and Souls Grown Deep.

In April, the GPS and GPS + Cellular versions of the 44mm model were sold out. Later, Apple took the Watch away from the main page, although it’s still possible to find this smartwatch in the 40mm version here.

watchOS 7

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The Apple Watch Series 6 runs watchOS 7. This operational system brings for the first time the Family Setup feature, more Watch Faces, and a new Sleep app.

With the Family Setup, for example, kids or older family members who don’t have an iPhone can now experience Apple Watch. The watchOS 7 brings Activity rings optimized for kids tracking move minutes instead of active calories. Running, walking, and cycling workouts also calculate metrics like distance and pace more accurately for kids.

With watchOS 7, it’s possible to create the ultimate Watch Face for anything. If you’re a surfer, for example, you can get the swell size, water temperature, and wind speed from a single app.

watchOS 7.4

With watchOS 7.4, Apple introduced the iPhone unlock with the Apple Watch while wearing a mask, which works similar to the Mac/Watch integration. This version of the Watch also brings support for the ECG app and irregular heart rhythm notifications to Australia and Vietnam. Learn more about it here.

watchOS 7.5

Here are the watchOS 7.5 features:

  • Access to subscription content in the Podcasts app
  • Apple Card allows members to track expenses, manage spending, and build credit together with a Family Sharing group
  • Support for the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in Malaysia and Peru
  • Support for irregular heart rhythm notifications in Malaysia and Peru

watchOS 7.6

Here are the watchOS 7.6 features:

  • Adds the ECG app to 30 new regions;
  • Add support for irregular heart rhythm notifications in 30 additional regions.

Learn more about these new places receiving these features here.

The latest version available of watchOS 7 is 7.6.1.

watchOS 8

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The Apple Watch’s operating system is the watchOS 8, previewed during the WWDC21. Here are its key features:

  • New “Portraits” Watch Face;
  • Focus mode so you can filter out distractions;
  • New Mindfulness app;
  • New Pilates and Tai Chi workouts;
  • Locate misplaced Apple devices with Find Devices, including Items, Devices, and People.

watchOS 8.1 features

A month after releasing watchOS 8, Apple seeded to users version 8.1. Check out what’s new:

  • COVID-19 vaccination card support that allows you to present verifiable vaccination information form Apple Wallet;
  • Fitness+ supports SharePlay to allow subscribers to invite up to 32 people to workout together through a FaceTime call;
  • Always On may not display the time accurately for some users when their wrist is down.

Apple recently launched watchOS 8.1.1 with some bug fixes for Apple Watch Series 7 owners.

watchOS 8.3 features

Here’s what’s new with watchOS 8.3:

  • Apple Music Voice Plan gives you access to all songs, playlists, and stations in Apple Music using Siri
  • Support for App Privacy Report to record data and sensor access
  • Fixes an issue where notifications may interrupt Mindfulness sessions unexpectedly for some users.

Learn more about watchOS 8 for the Apple Watch Series 6 here.

watchOS 8.4 features

watchOS 8.4 is another small update for the Apple Watch Series 6. Apple only notes a bug fix when charging the watch:

  • Fixed a bug that caused some Apple Watch chargers not to work as expected with the Apple Watch

watchOS 8.5 features

Different from the previous update, watchOS 8.5 brings some interesting new features:

  • New emoji;
  • New American non-binary Siri voice;
  • Ability to authorize Apple TV purchases and subscriptions;
  • COVID-19 vaccination cards in Apple Wallet now support the EU Digital COVID Certificate format;
  • Updates to irregular rhythm notifications designed to improve atrial fibrillation identification. Available in the United States, Chile, Hong Kong, South Africa, and many regions where the feature is available;
  • Audio hints in Fitness+ provide you with audio commentary of visually demonstrated moves during workouts.

watchOS 8.6 features

watchOS 8.6 is a small update. It includes improvements, bug fixes, and special features for Mexico users.

  • Support for the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in Mexico;
  • Support for irregular heart rhythm notifications in Mexico.

watchOS 8.7 features

watchOS 8.7 is a small update. It includes improvements and bug fixes. It’s the last watchOS 8 update before Apple released watchOS 9.

Pricing: Watch and Bands

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When available at the Apple Store, Apple Watch Series 6 pricing started at $399 and could go up to $899 in the Space Black Titanium Case with Leather Link. The Apple Watch could get even pricier if customers chose a Hermès model, costing up to $1,499.

  • Aluminum, 40mm, GPS: $399
  • Aluminum, 40mm, GPS + Cellular: $499
  • Aluminum, 44mm, GPS: $429
  • Aluminum, 44m, GPS + Cellular: $529
  • Stainless steel, 40mm, GPS + Cellular: $699
  • Stainless steel, 44mm, GPS + Cellular: $749
  • Titanium, 40mm, GPS + Cellular: $849
  • Titanium, 44mm, GPS + Cellular: $899

Pricing varies depending on the band you choose, as well as if it’s the Hermès model.

  • Solo Loop: $49
  • Sport Band: $49
  • Spor Loop: $49
  • Braided Solo Loop: $99
  • Leather Link: $99
  • Leather Loop: $99
  • Milanese Loop: $99
  • Modern Buckle: $149
  • Silver Link Bracelet: $349
  • Space Black Link Bracelet: $449

Although not available on the Apple Store anymore, it’s possible to find it at a better price on the Amazon store here.

Apple Watch Studio

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With the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Studio. With this feature, on Apple’s website, you can choose a case, pick a band, and create your style. In the previous versions of the Watch, for example, you had to buy the product with a determined band. Now, you can choose everything.

  • To start, click here;
  • First, choose the size of the case: 40mm or 44mm;
  • Then choose your case finish, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, or Titanium;
  • Now, choose a band, it can be the Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop, Sport Band, Sport Loop, Leather, and Stainless Steel;
  • Save your Watch then check out your bag.

Apple Watch Series 6 Review

In our video review about the Apple Watch Series 6 we recommended upgrading if you’re coming from an Apple Watch Series 3:

“If you’re coming from an Apple Watch Series 3 or below it’s a simple choice: upgrade. You’ll get a much, much faster watch, a larger case with a larger display, better speakers and microphone, and so much more. Plus you’ll be able to take advantage of all of the great new enhancements that watchOS 7 and future upgrades of watchOS bring to the table. In my opinion, it’s a no-brainer decision to upgrade to either an SE or Series 6 if you’re coming from an Apple Watch Series 1, 2, or 3.”

Deals

Over at 9to5Toys, you can find the best deals on the Apple Watch 6 and other Apple products. Download the 9to5Toys iPhone app to receive push notifications for new deals as well.

Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch SE: Which should you buy this holiday season?

The Apple Watch is bound to be a popular gift this holiday season, and we’re already seeing notable deals on the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE as we approach Black Friday. If you’re trying to make a decision on which model to buy, head below for more details on the Apple Watch Series 6 vs the Apple Watch SE.

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Apple Watch Series 6 review: Should you buy it over the SE or Series 3? [Video]

Today Apple sells three Apple Watch models — the three-year-old Apple Watch Series 3 starting at $199, and the just-released Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 6 models, which start at $279 and $399 respectively.

With these options in mind, which Apple Watch should you buy? Should you go all out and spring for the Apple Watch Series 6, or should you take the more cost-conscious route with the Series 3 or SE? Watch our hands-on video walkthrough as we explore Apple’s wearable lineup as it stands today.

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New report explains why the Apple Watch Series 6’s blood oxygen monitor didn’t require FDA approval

How to fix Apple Watch Workout tracking and Activity tracking

One of the headlining features of the new Apple Watch Series 6 is the blood oxygen monitor. Paired with a new Blood Oxygen app in watchOS 7, this allows Apple Watch users to monitor their oxygen saturation with the Apple Watch. A new report from The Verge explains why Apple did not have to get Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the new feature.

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Masimo escalates Apple Watch lawsuit after Series 6 debuts with blood oxygen sensor

Apple Watch Series 6 sensor

Last month we saw Epic Games file a lawsuit against Apple not long after Tim Cook testified to Congress during an antitrust hearing looking into big tech. Now just after Apple launched its Apple Watch Series 6 with a new blood oxygen detection feature, medical-sensor maker Masimo Corp. said in a new court filing that Apple is trying to delay the lawsuit it filed back in January and abusing its power to “capture the market.”

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Apple Watch Series 6 Diary: Graphite hands-on and battery life tests

When I wrote my first Apple Watch Series 6 diary piece on Monday, I was still waiting for my graphite stainless steel model to arrive. I was concerned about the graphite replacing the space black, and after some hands-on time, it’s apparent that the differences are noticeable, but I don’t think they are a dealbreaker.

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Hands-on: Product (RED) Apple Watch Series 6 and the new Braided Solo Loop

Apple Watch Series 6 is packed with awesome new features like a blood oxygen saturation sensor, brighter always-on display, and all the great features from Apple Watch Series 5 and earlier.

The newly released version also comes in new finishes including blue, graphite, and a new version of gold. It’s also the first Apple Watch to be offered in Product (RED), and today we’re checking out the new case color alongside Apple’s new Braided Solo Loop watch band.

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Apple Watch Series 6 Diary: How I’m making my upgrade decision

The Apple Watch Series 6 has officially arrived, bringing new health-monitoring features, new colors, and more to the Apple Watch lineup. I’m a die-hard Apple Watch user, but unlike my iPhone, it’s not something I upgrade every year. Last year, I made the decision to skip the Series 5 and stick with my trusty Series 4 for another year.

This time around, the addition of the blood oxygen sensor, an aging battery in my Series 4, and a desire to finally have the always-on display prompted me to make the jump to the Series 6. But while the decision to upgrade has already been made, there are still several other factors to consider.

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Comment: Yesterday’s Apple event was a solid one

yesterday's Apple event

Some might argue that the most notable aspect of yesterday’s Apple event was the fact that the company didn’t announce the iPhone 12, or even make any reference to the new phones it will launch next month.

That, however, wasn’t a surprise: all the signs had pointed to that. Instead, what we got was a pretty solid event. What it lacked in excitement (except for developers), it made up for in good news for consumers …

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Apple’s YouTube stream for September event includes reference to Apple Watch Series 6 announcement

It’s been a busy morning for Apple news, with the company having officially announced its September 15 event that will reportedly be focused purely on Apple Watch and iPad announcements. Apple has also published a YouTube placeholder stream for the September event, and it includes a clear reference to the Apple Watch Series 6.

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Everything we know so far about Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple’s rumored Series 3 replacement

Apple Watch Series 4

Following the introduction of an always-on display with last year’s Apple Watch Series 5, early indications are that the Apple Watch Series 6 will continue to expand the wearable’s health capabilities. Read on as we round up everything we know so far about the 2020 Apple Watch, including details on the rumored lower-end replacement for the Series 3.

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Apple Watch Series 6 and watchOS 7 to include ‘Infograph Pro’ with tachymeter, SchoolTime and kids mode, sleep tracking, more

9to5Mac exclusively reported over the weekend that Apple Watch will gain the ability to detect blood oxygen saturation, a critical vital for maintaining heart and brain health. The new health feature isn’t the only change coming to Apple Watch Series 6 and watchOS 7.

Based on leaked iOS 14 code obtained by 9to5Mac, we can share many more details including new watch faces, sleep tracking, and parental control features in development for later this fall.


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Apple Watch blood oxygen detection feature found in iOS 14 code snippet

Apple is developing at least two new features focused on health that will expand Apple Watch capabilities in the future. Apple Watch will add the ability to detect blood oxygen levels for the first time, 9to5Mac has learned based on an exclusive look at iOS 14 code snippets

Blood oxygen levels between 95 and 100% are considered healthy; blood oxygen levels below 80% may lead to compromised heart and brain functionality. Risk of respiratory or cardiac arrest is common after continued low blood oxygen saturation.

To that end, Apple is developing a new health notification based on the vital measurement. When Apple Watch detects low blood oxygen saturation below a certain threshold, a notification will trigger alerting the user similar to current heart rate notifications.


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