The Apple Watch Series 6 maintains the iconic squarish design with rounded corners that Apple Watches are known for. Available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, the 40mm version measures 1.56 x 1.35 x 0.42 inches, while the 44mm version is slightly larger at 1.73 x 1.48 x 0.42 inches. The display sizes remain consistent with the Series 5, with the 40mm model featuring a 1.57-inch screen (394 x 324 pixels) and the 44mm model a 1.73-inch screen (448 x 368 pixels).
Build and Weight
The Series 6 is lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear, even during sleep. The aluminum versions weigh 1.07 ounces (40mm) and 1.28 ounces (44mm), while stainless steel models are heavier at 1.40 and 1.66 ounces. Titanium models fall in between, at 1.22 and 1.45 ounces. The watch is also water-resistant up to 165 feet, suitable for activities like swimming and showering but not for high-velocity water sports or scuba diving.
Setup and Interface
The Series 6 supports a seamless setup process, including Apple’s Family Setup service. Pairing is simple: hold the watch up to your iPhone’s camera and align the viewfinder. Features like the Blood Oxygen app (SpO2 monitoring), Apple Pay, Emergency SOS, and fall detection can be configured during setup. For cellular models, users can activate cellular plans to enable calls and app usage without the iPhone nearby.
Navigation remains intuitive, with swipes and taps controlling the interface. The digital crown allows for scrolling and zooming, while the side button offers quick access to apps and emergency features.
New Features: Blood Oxygen Monitoring
A standout feature of the Series 6 is the SpO2 sensor, which measures blood oxygen saturation in 15 seconds. It uses red and infrared light to gauge the color of your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory and circulatory health. The data integrates with the Health app, showing daily averages, trends, and sleep-related readings.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by the new dual-core S6 SiP, the Series 6 offers 20% faster performance than its predecessor. The display is also brighter in ambient mode, improving outdoor visibility. The battery life remains at 18 hours but exceeds expectations during testing, with up to 24+ hours under regular use. Additionally, the device now supports faster charging, reaching 80% in an hour and a full charge in 90 minutes.
Always-On Altimeter
Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the always-on altimeter, which provides real-time elevation data. This feature also integrates into watch faces for easy access.
WatchOS 7
The Series 6 ships with WatchOS 7, offering features like sleep tracking, handwashing detection, and cycling directions. New watch faces and workout types add further customization and utility.
Price
The Apple Watch Series 6 starts at $399 USD for the 40mm GPS model and $499 USD for the GPS + Cellular version. The 44mm models are priced at $429 USD for GPS and $529 USD for GPS + Cellular. Stainless steel and titanium options are priced higher, depending on the configuration and band choice.
Summary
The Apple Watch Series 6 combines familiar design with performance upgrades, enhanced health monitoring, and improved usability. While visually similar to the Series 5, its faster processor, brighter display, and SpO2 monitoring make it a worthwhile upgrade for health-focused users.
