The Apple Watch Series 7 represents the latest iteration in Apple's wildly successful smartwatch lineup. While it may appear to be a subtle update at first glance, the Series 7 brings meaningful improvements that enhance the overall user experience. This review will delve deep into the new features, performance, and value proposition of the Apple Watch Series 7, examining whether it's a worthy upgrade for existing Apple Watch users or an compelling entry point for newcomers to the ecosystem.
A Display That Demands Attention
The most striking change in the Series 7 is undoubtedly its display. Apple has managed to increase the screen size to 45mm and 41mm, up from the 44mm and 40mm of the Series 6, while keeping the overall watch dimensions nearly identical. This feat of engineering was accomplished by reducing the bezels and slightly curving the display to meet the edges of the case.
The result is truly impressive. The larger display offers approximately 20% more screen area than the Series 6, and nearly 50% more than the Series 3. This expansion isn't just about numbers – it translates to a noticeably more immersive and functional experience. Text is easier to read, complications are more detailed, and interactive elements are easier to tap.
The brightness has also been improved, with the always-on display now 70% brighter indoors when your wrist is down. This makes it easier to discreetly check the time or notifications without fully activating the watch.
Durability Enhancements for Real-World Use
While the larger display is the headlining feature, Apple has also made significant strides in durability. The front crystal is now thicker and more crack-resistant, which should provide peace of mind for active users. The watch also boasts an IP6X dust resistance rating, making it more suitable for beach days or dusty environments.
These improvements don't come at the cost of water resistance, as the Series 7 maintains its predecessors' 50-meter water resistance rating. This means you can confidently wear your Apple Watch while swimming or engaging in water sports.
Under the Hood: Familiar Yet Refined
Internally, the Series 7 shares much of its DNA with the Series 6. It's powered by the S7 chip, which, while renamed, offers similar performance to the S6. This isn't necessarily a drawback, as the Series 6 was already a snappy performer, and the Series 7 continues this tradition with fluid animations and quick app launches.
The 18-hour battery life remains unchanged, which may disappoint some users hoping for multi-day battery life. However, Apple has improved charging speeds, with the Series 7 capable of charging up to 33% faster when using the new USB-C magnetic fast charging cable. This faster charging somewhat mitigates the need for extended battery life, especially for those who use their watch for sleep tracking.
Health and Fitness: Building on a Strong Foundation
The Apple Watch has long been praised for its health and fitness tracking capabilities, and the Series 7 continues this tradition. It retains the full suite of sensors from previous models, including:
- Optical heart rate sensor
- Electrical heart sensor for ECG
- Blood oxygen sensor
- Always-on altimeter
- Compass
- Accelerometer and gyroscope
These sensors work in concert to provide a comprehensive picture of your health and activity. The watch can track a wide range of workouts, from traditional exercises like running and cycling to more niche activities like tai chi and pilates. The Fitness app on the iPhone provides detailed metrics and trends over time, allowing users to track their progress and set achievable goals.
The larger display of the Series 7 enhances the fitness experience by making it easier to read workout stats at a glance, even during intense exercise. The improved durability also means you can worry less about damaging your watch during rugged outdoor activities.
watchOS 8: Software Optimized for the New Hardware
The Apple Watch Series 7 ships with watchOS 8, which brings several new features and optimizations designed to take advantage of the larger display. One of the most notable additions is a full QWERTY keyboard for text input. Users can either tap or slide their finger from letter to letter, with impressive accuracy thanks to Apple's QuickPath technology.
Other UI elements have been redesigned to make better use of the increased screen real estate. Buttons are larger and easier to tap, and new watch faces like Contour and Modular Duo are specifically designed to showcase the edge-to-edge display.
watchOS 8 also introduces new health features, such as respiratory rate tracking during sleep and Tai Chi and Pilates workout types. The Mindfulness app, an evolution of the Breathe app, now includes Reflect sessions to promote mindfulness throughout the day.
Ecosystem Integration: The Apple Advantage
One of the Apple Watch's greatest strengths has always been its seamless integration with the broader Apple ecosystem, and the Series 7 continues this tradition. Setting up the watch is a breeze for iPhone users, and features like automatic hand-off between devices, Apple Pay, and Siri integration all work flawlessly.
The watch also serves as an excellent extension of your iPhone, allowing you to respond to messages, take calls, and control smart home devices from your wrist. With cellular models, you can even leave your phone behind and still stay connected.
Limitations and Considerations
Despite its many strengths, the Apple Watch Series 7 isn't without its limitations. The most significant drawback for many users will be its continued reliance on daily charging. While the faster charging speed is welcome, it doesn't change the fact that the watch needs to be charged every day for most users, especially if sleep tracking is a priority.
The Apple Watch also remains exclusively compatible with iPhones, which limits its appeal to Android users. While this allows for tighter integration with iOS, it does mean that a significant portion of the smartphone market is unable to use what is arguably the best smartwatch available.
Lastly, while the App Store for watchOS has grown significantly over the years, many watch apps still feel limited compared to their iOS counterparts. Developers are continuously improving their offerings, but the watch's small screen and limited input methods naturally constrain the complexity of apps that can be developed for the platform.
Should You Upgrade?
The decision to upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 7 largely depends on your current watch model and how much you value the new features.
For Series 6 owners, the upgrade may be harder to justify. While the larger display is nice, the internal hardware is very similar. Unless you're particularly drawn to the new screen or improved durability, you may want to wait for a more substantial update.
Owners of Series 5 or older watches will find more significant improvements. The always-on display (introduced with Series 5), blood oxygen monitoring, and ECG functionality (for Series 4 and older) represent major upgrades in addition to the Series 7's unique features.
For first-time smartwatch buyers or those upgrading from non-Apple wearables, the Series 7 represents the most refined version of the Apple Watch to date. Its combination of health features, ecosystem integration, and now larger display make it a compelling choice.
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the GPS + Cellular version. It's available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium finishes, with a wide variety of band options to suit different tastes and use cases.
Conclusion: Refinement at Its Finest
The Apple Watch Series 7 may not be a revolutionary upgrade, but it doesn't need to be. It takes an already excellent product and refines it in meaningful ways. The larger, brighter display enhances every aspect of the user experience, from reading notifications to tracking workouts. The improved durability provides added peace of mind for active users.
While some may be disappointed by the lack of new health sensors or multi-day battery life, the Apple Watch Series 7 remains the most capable and user-friendly smartwatch on the market. Its seamless integration with the iPhone, comprehensive health and fitness tracking, and robust app ecosystem make it an easy recommendation for iOS users.
For those deep in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 7 continues to be the gold standard in smartwatches. It's a device that not only tells time but also helps you make the most of it – tracking your health, keeping you connected, and motivating you to stay active. While it may not be a necessary upgrade for everyone, it's undoubtedly the best Apple Watch to date and sets a high bar for competitors in the wearable space.
