Don’t expect any major improvements to Apple Watch hardware this year as the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7 models are thought to gain an improved screen and other minor updates.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Apple Watch Series 7 will see minor updates to its screen.
- Also in the works: Improved UWB networking.
- Oh, and don’t forget a faster Apple chip!
- Models with new features due in 2022.
2021 Apple Watch Series 7 will be a minor update
Mark Gurman and Debby Wu, writing for Bloomberg, have learned from their own sources familiar with Apple’s plans that users should expect minor improvements to the Apple Watch in 2021, with new functions expected to appear in future watches coming in 2022 and later.
“Apple had previously aimed to put a body temperature sensor in this year’s model, but that is now more likely to be included in the 2022 update,” reads the write-up.
According to Bloomberg, Apple Watch Series 7 should feature three minor hardware changes.
A faster processor
You don’t need sources to figure out that all Apple gadgets on an annual release schedule get a new, faster chip every year, like clockwork.
An updated screen
The tentatively named Apple Watch Series 7 should feature skinnier display bezels, which should make the screen even bigger without enlarging the device chassis. On top of that, Apple’s suppliers have apparently created a “new lamination technique that brings the display closer to the front cover,” like on the iPhone.
An improved wireless connectivity
This entails refreshed wireless features and better UWB functionality. UWB chips are also found in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 series, as well as the current Apple Watch Series 6 and the company’s personal item tracker, dubbed the AirTag.
It makes sense to use updated UWB hardware in Series 7 considering that the upcoming watchOS 8 software update will let the device unlock doors and hotel rooms.
One consequence of the aforementioned enhancements is that the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7 may be slightly thicker overall, “but not in a way that’s noticeable to the user.”
According to earlier leaks, this year’s Apple Watch may feature a redesigned appearance with flat sides along with a new green color option.
When will Apple Watch Series 7 release?
The original Apple Watch launched in April 2015 but subsequent models moved to Apple’s standard release schedule. Apple typically updates the Apple Watch alongside the iPhone in September or in October when new iPads are usually announced.
We don’t expect Apple to deviate from this established schedule in 2021.
New Apple Watch features in 2022
Gurman is saying that more substantial updates to the Apple Watch are to be expected in 2022, with features like temperature and blood glucose monitoring.
On top of that, 2022 should also see launches of the next Apple Watch SE along with a new sports-focused Extreme edition that we first heard about in March 2021.