Apple kicked off their ‘Time Flies’ event w/ their latest smartwatch: the Apple Watch Series 6. Now at 1st glance, this looks like the Series 5 save for the new bands + watchfaces. But there is a bit more here than what it seems on the surface.
The Series 6 offers a new S6 processor inside that’s based off of their A13 CPU & is 20% faster in performance. Its running watchOS 7 that adds a new fitness app for workouts, native sleep tracking, handwashing timer, sharing watchfaces, & more. Apple added an always-on Altimeter as well as the ability measure blood oxygen levels in 15 seconds via red + infrared lights. You can also use this to see if a person is infected w/ COVID-19 as well.
It also adding a new Family Setup feature that allows parents to setup managed Apple Watches for their kids who don’t have iPhones. Form there, they will be able to manage calls/messages, location alerts, and add DND mode for school. You will need the cellular Apple Watch to use this and utilize a carrier that supports it.
The Apple Watch Series 6 is available for pre-order today starting at $399 for the 40mm model & ships this Friday, the 18th. Apple won’t include the USB power adapter in the box, only the charging cable to reduce waste.
