Skip to main content

New Apple Watch Series 7 has a 20% larger screen that’s much brighter indoors

Apple’s third big revelation at its September 14 “California Streaming” event was a new generation of its Apple Watch. The Series 7 is planned for release later this fall at a starting price of $399, and it will bring a host of improved features, including a larger screen with thinner borders.

The Series 7 watch runs off of the new Watch iOS8. It features a 20% larger screen with a new retina display that continues to slim down the already-skinny borders of the watch, which are now 40% thinner, clocking in at just over 1 millimeter wide.

Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Series 7.
Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Series 7. Image used with permission by copyright holder

The case and display both have softer, rounded corners for a wraparound effect, and the face is claimed to be 70% brighter in indoor settings. It features a modular face that will let users customize its interface, thanks to larger and more visible buttons that are easier to tap.

In a feature that might have been less generally useful before the pandemic, the Series 7 retains the Series 6’s ability to track its user’s blood oxygen levels. It’s part of a more sensitive suite of fitness options, including cycling updates, more accurate fitness tracking, and health-sensitive data such as being able to run a personal ECG.

Recommended Videos

The new screen can fit 50% more text on its display than last year’s Series 6, with a full keyboard available as part of its standard kit that you can either type on or swipe with.

The Series 7 features a 100% recycled metal case that contains magnets made from 100% recycled rare earth elements, as well as a crack-resistant front crystal. Its battery can last up to 18 hours, and cit harges 33% faster than last year’s Series 6 model. According to Apple, a dead Series 7 can go from 0% to 88% in around 45 minutes with use of its new charger.

Apple Watch Series 7 Environmental Impact overview.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s also the first Apple Watch with IP6X certification, making it “dust-tight,” eliminating ability for dust to make ingress within the watch’s case. It’s also claimed to be water resistant at up to 50 meters (you can shower with it on, but maybe take it off before you go into the pool).

The Series 7 will ship in multiple colors, including midnight, starlight, green, blue, product red, silver, black, and titanium.

The Apple Watch was initially released in April 2015, and it became one of the bestselling wearable items on the tech market. One analyst, Neil Cybart of Above Avalon, has claimed that the Watch has an installation base of well over 100 million people as of February of this year, with around 10% of global iPhone users also using an Apple Watch. While it’s most famous as a fitness/workout companion, boasting calorie tracking and a heart rate monitor, it also features contact-free Apple Pay, an app that turns it into a two-way wrist radio reminiscent of the “Dick Tracy” comic strips, and built-in mapping and compass functionality.

Thomas Hindmarch
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Thomas Hindmarch is a freelance writer with 20 years' experience in the gaming and technology fields. He has previously…
Everything announced at Apple’s iPhone 16 event
Tim Cook at September 2024 iPhone event.

After weeks of anticipation, Apple's "It's Glowtime" event finally arrived, with the company unveiling several new products. These include the four-model iPhone 16 series, the Apple Watch Series 10, and the AirPods 4. Modest updates were announced for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and AirPods Max. Here's a brief overview of what was discussed.

Apple Watch Series 10 and updated Apple Watch Ultra 2

Read more
We finally know when your Apple Watch is getting watchOS 11
New Apple Watch face in watchOS 11.

We've been waiting (im)patiently for today's Apple event, but it's finally here and brings with it fantastic news about watchOS 11 -- namely, when you can expect it to release.

Apple's watchOS 11 will drop on September 16 for all compatible devices.

Read more
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 just got a stunning new color
Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Satin Black.

It's Glowtime! Apple has kicked off its biggest event of the year, where it unveils a myriad new devices. Although the 10th anniversary Apple Watch is the star among wearables being unveiled today, the Watch Ultra is getting some attention in the form of a new Satin Black finish without many internal changes. That means, there's no actual update besides the new finish, but Apple has a lot to back it up.

The new Satin Black Apple Watch Ultra 2 is also made with Grade-5 recycled titanium. Apple says the finish has been achieved through a blasting process. To match the new finish, Apple is betting on a dark zirconia crystal for the underside. The orange accents remain unchanged from previous generations.

Read more