Apple Watch 6: Rumours, new features and upgrades coming to Apple’s smartwatch

A new Apple announcement is just around the corner 
The follow up to last year's Apple Watch Series 5 is expected to be revealed this week
AFP/Getty Images
Amelia Heathman7 September 2020

September means one thing in the tech world: new gadgets. While last week's IFA conference was a physical event, all eyes are on Apple as to whether it will be holding its famous new product launch event digitally, or resorting to the press release route.

One product which may not get a big launch announcement is the new Apple Watch Series 6. According to serious tech leaker John Prosser, Apple could resort to announcing the new Apple Watch this week via a press release.

Prosser believes Apple is set to reveal the new Watch tomorrow (September 8) at 2pm BST or 9am EST, though this could be set to change.

Here’s everything we know so far about the next Apple Watch, from features, to design, and that all-important sales date.

Apple Watch Series 6: design rumours

Not too much has changed with the Apple Watch between Series 4 and Series 5 and that’s likely to stay the same with the 6. Apple does like to introduce new finishes and colours so we could see some revamped colour options for this year.

One rumour points to Apple switching from an OLED screen to a microLED screen for the Apple Watch Series 6. MicroLED is more power-efficient than OLED, so this could improve the watch’s battery life, essential for those new sleep-tracking features.

Another thing that is changing with the Apple Watch 6 form factor is Force Touch. Apple revealed it is removing the need for Force Touch, which allowed people to press firmly on the display to change the watch face or reveal a hidden menu. Instead, the next watchOS 7 software means that a feature like Force Touch is unnecessary now.

9to5Mac thinks the removal of this hardware feature could allow the new Watch Series 6 to be thinner, feature different sensors inside, or even lead to a bigger battery which is certainly something we hope the watch will rock.

Apple Watch Series 6: features rumours

We know a lot of the new features the Watch Series 6 will sport this year thanks to the announcement of the new watchOS 7 beta in June.

Sleep tracking will come to the new Apple Watch finally, and an updated Sleep section in the health app will include all the information you want to see on your nighttime activities. The activity app is being renamed Fitness and Apple is improving the tracking of some of the fitness options including dance.

Sleep tracking is finally coming to the Apple Watch series in watchOS 7
Apple

There’s also a new option for cooldown stretches which will count as workouts for after a run or a HIIT workout.

WatchOS 7 will also see the introduction of a new Hand Washing feature. The watch will be able to automatically detect when you’re washing your hands, whilst a cute bubble countdown feature will make sure you’re doing it for a long enough time, along with haptics and sounds.

There will be new Watch faces, including the ability to create your own faces using complications, whilst you will even be able to get cycling directions delivered via your Watch.

Other potential new features include a blood oxygen level detection and an improved electrocardiogram (ECG) capability.

Apple Watch Series 6: two watches?

A new Apple Watch 6 might not be the only wearable Apple announces this year.

According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple could be looking to offer a new version of its popular Watch Series 3 model featuring things like a faster chip and fall detection, but at a cheaper price to compete with Fitbit.

2017's Apple Watch 3 series (pictured here) could be upgraded at an affordable price to compete with Fitbit
Apple

Apple Watch Series 6: price and release date

Prices for last year’s Apple Watch 5 started from £399, so we’re hoping the Apple Watch Series 6 fits a similar price structure.

In terms of release date, Apple could be set to announce the watch tomorrow (September 8).

Usually, Apple announces the Watch at its big annual product event but the current global situation has put a stop to that. It’s likely the new Watch could be on sale 10 days later, which could be September 18. However, if the supply chain issues have hit the Watch as well as the next iPhone, you may have to wait until October to get your hands on the new wearable.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in