Apple Watch Series 6 review: The most feature-rich smartwatch yet

Apple Watch Series 6 is the most feature-rich smartwatch you can buy today. If you want the best of what Apple wearables have to offer, this is the option for you.

Before the release of the Watch SE, the question was: how is Apple going to improve its already great watch? Perhaps by lowering the price. However, now another problem has arisen: what to do with the Watch Series 6? How to tempt buyers when there is a much cheaper model on the shelves?

Apple Watch Series 6 Specifications

Design and appearance

Apple didn't change the design of the Watch Series 6 after the Series 5, but it did what smartwatch makers often do: changing the colors and releasing a special edition. There are already aluminum Watch Series 6 on sale with a blue case, as well as gold and black.

In addition, there are two strap designs: Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop, as well as new colors for many existing straps. Of course, they are compatible with previous models. The size and weight remain almost identical to the Series 5. A dark blue Sport Loop strap is also available to choose from. It's made from a soft nylon woven material that fastens with Velcro and is incredibly comfortable.

The back surface of the Apple Watch Series 6 tested is slightly curved, made of ceramic and sapphire, which offers additional comfort. The curved screen and sides mean the device can be easily hidden under a sleeve. The cheapest Series 6 is made from recycled aluminum, although there is a more expensive stainless steel option and even a titanium Watch Edition. However, such watches are heavier, and the difference in materials is not felt on the hand.

The thing about Apple smartwatches is that they're comfortable to wear all day, so it's not worth spending extra money on. However, the aluminum body is not very durable, so you will have to use the device with caution. Series 6 can withstand submersion to a depth of 50 meters, so you can swim with them without worry.

Background

Perhaps the main event that cast a shadow over the entire future fate of this product was the death of Steve Jobs. After all, this gadget is the first in the history of the company, the development and formation of which took place without his sensitive leadership. According to some reports, Jony Ive, senior vice president of design at Apple, decided to create a “smart watch” after Steve’s death in October 2011.

As follows from the introduction, the gadget was originally supposed to be called iWatch. Thus, he would harmoniously fit into the ranks of his “big brothers.” But it turned out differently. The Swiss company Swatch owned the rights to the iSwatch trademark. Even before the release of their competitor's products, the Swiss made it clear that they would fight for this name. As a result, at a thematic event in September 2014, Tim Cook, the company’s CEO, presented Apple Watch.

It is worth noting that even at the development stage, iWatch gave rise to many rumors about its future functionality, which, in turn, prompted other companies to start their own searches. At some point, the information field turned out to be simply oversaturated - not only Apple, but also Samsung, LG and Sony were talking about their wrist devices. This noise played against Apple, because expectations on the eve of the presentation were, to put it mildly, too high. However, the company showed exactly what it intended. The gadget did not have a built-in teleport, it could not brew coffee. In appearance it was... an ordinary electronic watch. Therefore, the developers received a lot of complaints not even because of the functionality, but because of the appearance of the device. But it comes down to taste and color.

New watch display

The Always-On screen is a key feature of the Watch Series 6 that sets it apart from the SE. The display does not turn off after a minute of inactivity, but fades slightly and begins to show the time. The transition process looks nice, it's not a sudden change, but a smooth transition from the main dial to an alternative option.

The Apple Watch Series 6 display is sharp and detailed, and it's also brighter than the Series 5. I didn't notice any problems when using it during the day. In general, the always-on display here is rather a pleasant addition. While the SE's lift-to-wake gesture is fast and reliable, the new Apple Watch's always-on screen transforms from a soulless technology into something more alive. A rich collection of customizable watch faces adds even more personalization.

SpO2 level tracking

The blood oxygen measurement function is not suitable for medical use. These are Apple's words from a page on the official website, where the manufacturer explains the principle of working with the Blood Oxygen application for measuring SpO2 in the blood using the Watch Series 6.

In medical terms, pulse oximetry checks whether there is enough oxygen in the blood. Necessary for those people who have suffered a heart attack, have lung disease or other breathing problems. The technology can also detect complications from coronavirus, although more accurate measurements will require an actual medical device. A gadget like the Apple Watch is not best suited for this.

Then why do I need this function in a smartwatch? Well, knowing the approximate level of oxygen in the blood, you can identify sleep problems, as well as make recommendations for rest after training. Analyzing this indicator takes about 15 seconds and requires only pressing the “Start” button in the application. You can set up periodic monitoring, and if Apple Watch Series 6 detects a change in SpO2 that is too dramatic, the device will notify you immediately.

The option works in the background, and it hardly makes sense to constantly check it through the application. Together with other body tracking functions, it will complement the picture of your overall health and let you know if something unusual has happened.

Purchase

Until the last minute of visiting the Apple Store in Los Angeles, I was tormented by the question: what if the watch slows down, as was written about in the first reviews? These doubts were dispelled by communication with a copy at the stand in the store - everything worked very quickly, and the touch screen was not inferior in responsiveness to that of an iPhone. Plus, I was completely blown away by the design of the device - the watch looked great. As planned, I took the most inexpensive version of the Apple Watch Sport in a 42 mm anodized aluminum case. Taking into account the California state tax, the watch cost me about 24 thousand rubles (in Russia, this option will be sold for 27,990 rubles).

ECG monitoring

With Apple Watch Series 6, you can get your own data in the form of an electrocardiogram (ECG), just like the Series 4 and Series 5. This feature is here primarily so that you can transfer the data to your doctor. It will prevent you from detecting heart attacks, strokes, or other heart conditions yourself.

However, it works better than SpO2 monitoring. According to Apple, readings from the Watch Series 6 are similar to those recorded by professional medical devices. If you have heart problems, the Apple Watch will prove useful. The watch will warn you about changing indicators, although there are already studies that cast doubt on any warnings from Apple smartwatches.

An ECG is taken within 30 seconds. At this time, you only need to sit in a certain way and also touch the Digital Crown. The results are displayed immediately and can be saved for the doctor. ECG is another useful function that will not be superfluous and in extreme situations can come in very handy. However, most users will think about it infrequently.

Control

The Apple Watch is controlled using the digital crown (wheel), the main button on the side and the touch screen with 3D Touch. Despite dozens of functions and supported applications, you can figure everything out within 1-2 days of active use of the watch.

This is what the screen looks like with all available applications. The scale is adjusted using the wheel.

Dials are switched using side swipes.

A swipe from below opens the control center. It turns on the flashlight, silent mode or airplane mode.

Pressing the side button opens a list of active applications. You can scroll through the list using the wheel, and select the desired program by tapping on the screen. Double tapping the side button enables Apple Pay.

To turn off the watch screen, you need to turn your wrist away from you or slap your palm on the screen.

What you can't do on the watch itself, you can do in the Watch app on your iPhone. Here the user selects watch faces and applications that are displayed on the Apple Watch screen, updates software, changes the appearance of text on the watch display and manages other gadget settings. Apple Watch also uses the Activity app, which contains workout metrics and time in motion.

Workouts and body performance

In terms of workout and sleep monitoring, the Series 6 is not much different from the Watch SE, and is an excellent daily activity tracker. The Activity Rings system is easy to understand and motivates people to increase their daily activity and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Apple Health presents information in a clear, simple way.

Of course, for athletes who rely on multiple running readings, interval training, and accurate heart rate tracking, an Apple smartwatch won't be enough. For ordinary users, everything you need is here.

A prime example is the sleep tracking feature in WatchOS 7. After wearing your Apple Watch in bed, you will only have information about the duration of your sleep—no phases, interruptions, or sleep quality. Apple Health is just another addition to your overall health picture. The application allows you to get general information, but nothing more.

Other watchOS 7 and Apple Fitness Plus features

The library of preset workouts gives Apple a real edge over the best fitness trackers. The watchOS 7 update adds basic dance, functional training, relaxation exercises, and activity tracking to the Apple Watch arsenal.

Apple Watch users will have access to Apple Fitness Plus before the end of this year. The promising workout subscription service offers 10 types of classes taught by real fitness instructors. A subscription to Apple Fitness Plus will cost users $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year. Apple Watch 6 buyers will receive a three-month subscription for free.

Other notable updates to watchOS 7 include a handwashing timer, mobility metrics, and watch face sharing. I wouldn't say the hand washing timer is working correctly. Mobility metrics can help older users monitor walking speed and monitor stride length and symmetry. Watch face sharing may be a useful feature, but these days you're unlikely to get close enough to someone to see their screen settings, much less steal them.

Component Performance

Watch Series 6 uses the new Apple S6 processor. It improves performance relative to the Series 5 and Watch SE, which have the S5 chipset.

The high speed of the Series 6 is noticeable to the naked eye. Navigating through the WatchOS 7 interface is as if in accelerated mode, everything opens instantly. Customizable watch faces give you quick access to the data you need without any delays, and the animations are smooth and instant.

The changes are almost imperceptible when comparing the Apple Watch Series 6 to the Series 5, however, if you are switching from an older Apple Watch, you will notice the difference immediately. If you have a Series 4 or earlier, the Series 6 will feel like Apple has added more power to the new processor.

Competitions

The Fitness+ service will help you improve your athletic achievements. Thanks to the application, the owner has the opportunity to work with a personal trainer online. The sports mentor will see information on each physical discipline, which will help achieve better results.

Activity Rings

Now an athlete who has the latest generation Apple watch can share his achievements with family and friends right during training. Competitions can be held if all participants in the competition have a smart watch with the “Activity Rings” option.

Access to activity

When the user puts on the gadget, the system immediately analyzes the physical condition and makes a conclusion: whether it is recommended or not to exercise physically. Thus, Apple developers gave the owner a personal medical professional who evaluates the most important vital data.

Daily use

In daily use, the Apple Watch Series 6 doesn't differ much from the Series 5, other than a slight increase in speed. The same applies to the Watch SE, although there is also a difference in the Always-On screen. The Series 6 retains the same familiar apps and features: Apple Pay, convenient music playback, hourly reminders to get moving, breathing exercises, Apple maps and Siri voice assistant.

You can buy the LTE version of the Series 6 if you need internet access without a smartphone, but you'll have to pay extra for that. However, the Apple Watch can handle calls when connected to a phone, where the speaker is surprisingly loud. However, when talking on the street, the subscriber will have difficulty hearing you. Notifications can be received on the watch, they are simple and short, and almost everyone can be interacted with in some way.

Powerful selection of fitness activities

A whole range of sporting events is provided for training. The main parameters, in addition to the basic ones, are recorded: deviations from the norm, alerts if indicators exceed the prescribed value. The gadget has a unique ability to motivate, collecting extended information about the training process, comparing results with data from previous days.

On a note! The smart gadget separates indoor and outdoor workouts.

Apple Watch Series 6 autonomy

The always-on screen doesn't have the best impact on the Watch Series 6's battery life, although not as much as its competitors. The sixth version of Apple smartwatches can work for a day and a half without recharging, with all indicators tracked. When the battery starts to run low, the device will offer to switch to power saving mode, which will extend the operating time by several more hours.

The Series 6 also has built-in GPS, so you can go for a run without your phone, but this will also affect the battery. If you turn off the gadget at night, the battery will last for two days of full operation.

If you are going to track your sleep, charging the device becomes an issue. Full battery recovery takes about 80 minutes, and it is not always possible to find that much free time during the day or evening. By the way, there is no charging block included - just a USB cable with a magnetic base.

Bottom line

Apple Watch Series 6 is Apple's most advanced smartwatch yet. There are a number of features here that you won't use often, but in terms of functionality, this model has no equal. If you already have a Series 5, there's no point in upgrading - unless you really need the blue, red or gold case.

When you don't have an iPhone, the best alternative is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. It has the same SpO2 and ECG monitoring and more features than any Wear OS watch from Google. However, even the best model from Samsung is an inferior competitor to the Apple Watch.

Is it worth buying?

If you've only ever used Wear OS smartwatches, Apple Watch will surprise you with its performance, reliability, and capabilities. Watch Series 6 starts at 36,990 rubles, and is the best smartwatch on the market. But, before buying them, I advise you to ask yourself: do you need ECG readings, SpO2 monitoring and an always-on mode for the display? If not, then check out the Watch SE, which is significantly cheaper.

Working hours

Thanks to the Always-on Display option, a person can constantly see the inscriptions on the display, which cannot but affect the operating time of the device. The lithium-ion battery is completely discharged after 20 hours, but if the owner uses additional options, such as listening to music tracks, this time will be reduced to 11-12 hours. The highest energy consumption was recorded with constant use of the navigation system. After enabling the option, the smart watch will be completely discharged in 7-8 hours.