The Apple Watch 7 is official. Revealed during the California Streaming Apple event, the next-generation smartwatch ushers in a subtle redesign headlined by a bigger, brighter display.
Aspiring to make the best smartwatch even better, the Apple Watch 7 looks a bit different than its predecessors. By adopting smoother chassis curves and slimmer screen borders, a keen eye could see that the latest Apple Watch gives users much more screen real estate on their wrist than before.
Top New Features in Apple Watch 7 45mm
– Thinner screen borders: Apple hasn’t changed the screen borders of the Apple Watch in several years. But now, the Apple Watch 7 screen is up to 20% larger than the Apple Watch 6. With a narrow 1.7mm bezel, the Apple Watch looks bigger, even though the chassis size hasn’t changed.
– Brighter screen: The Apple Watch 7 screen is 70% brighter than before. That’s a big claim we’ll have to see for ourselves, but last year’s 50% brighter screen made a difference compared to the Apple Watch 5, so we’re optimistic.
– Faster charging: Although the Apple Watch 7 has the same “all day” battery life, at least it charges faster. According to Apple, the Series 7 charges 33% faster thanks to a new USB-C cable.
Apple Watch 7 45 mm Design
Apple’s smartwatch design hasn’t changed for several years. While the curved squirrel is pretty iconic, we were definitely excited by the redesign rumors. Several big-name leakers said we’d see a flat-edge form factor, but it didn’t happen.
Instead, the Apple Watch 7 is actually more curved compared to previous Apple Watch models. It’s hard to tell how smooth the chassis shape is without actually wearing the new smartwatch, but it’s clear that Apple is going for a smoother overall aesthetic.
There are quite a few case options this year. The most popular aluminum brands come in silver and dark gray, as well as green, blue, and product red. For a premium, Apple also offers the Apple Watch 7 in stainless steel and titanium materials.
While the Apple Watch 7 has the same swim-proof rating (up to 50 meters), this year it’s more resistant to dust. If you’ve been into outdoor sports, you might be excited to learn that the Series 7 is IP6X certified. The altered geometry should also make the latest Apple Watch more durable overall.
And since the Apple Watch isn’t bigger this year than previously believed, all of the best Apple Watch straps will be compatible with the Series 7. Last year, Apple notably updated its basic silicone strap with the Solo Loop option; this year you will be able to shop among more Nike and designer options.
Apple Watch 7 45 mm screen
The Apple Watch 7 display is probably the biggest update in what appears to be a pretty incremental update. Apple hasn’t changed the screen borders on the Apple Watch in several years. But now, the Apple Watch 7 screen is up to 20% larger than the Apple Watch 6. With a tiny 1.7mm bezel, the Apple Watch looks bigger, even though the chassis size hasn’t changed.
The Apple Watch 7 screen is also 70% brighter than before. That’s a big claim we’ll have to see for ourselves, but last year’s 50% brighter screen made a difference compared to the Apple Watch 5, so we’re optimistic. Not only would this allow the Apple Watch 7’s screen to hold up better in sunlight, but it would also allow you to check the time or your last notification with a more subtle look than ever before.
Apple Watch 7 Features
Health functions continue to be protagonists in the Apple Watch. In this generation we repeat with the measurement of oxygen in the blood, in addition to being able to perform electrocardiograms (for informational purposes, not valid as medical tests).
New sports modes, such as Tai Chi or Pilates, are also added to the list of current modes. The Series 7 arrives with WatchOS 8, so we will have all the news at the software level related to stress measurement, sleep, the Fitness app and more.
Apple Watch 7 Battery Life
The Apple Watch 7 has the same 18-hour battery life as the previous Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 5. We would have liked to see some improvement in this area, but we’ll have to hope that better performance and display quality justify the daily charge.
On the plus side, the Apple Watch 7 can be fully charged up to 33% faster sooner with the new USB-C cable that comes in the box.
The Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $399 and can be purchased throughout this fall, with no specific dates from Apple. It will be available in the colors green, blue, Product Red, white and midnight.