It’s September, the traditional launch month for Apple a bunch of products from the Cupertino company. Although its launch schedule may have been knocked slightly off course due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the company is expected to reveal the Apple Watch Series 6 alongside the iPhone 12 series at some point this year.
Details of the Apple Watch Series 5 successor have been spilling all over the internet for months now. As we near the rumored Apple Watch Series 6 release date, we’ve rounded-up some of the biggest Apple Watch Series 6 rumors and leaks so far.
Apple Watch Series 6: Everything we know so far
Design
If Apple sticks to its wearables design philosophy, the Apple Watch Series 6 could employ a similar chassis as the Series 5. Considering the Series 5’s improvements over the Series 4, it’s possible that Apple could further shave bulk from the Watch Series 6’s frame while improving its display resolution.
See also: The best smartwatches you can buy right now
But Apple’s design may not be driven only by improvements this time around. According to a report on September 1, Apple could introduce a second, cheaper model that would replace the dated entry-level Series 3. Although no specs were revealed, it’s possible that Apple could save costs by using cheaper materials in its construction.
A patent filing spotted by AppleInsider in March supports such a design. Based on composite material, the filing suggests Apple could offer a Watch body made of this substance which would allow the company to drop the price of the device. It’s not a given that the patent would be used in this case, but a cheaper Apple Watch would likely require a design rethink.
Specs and features
Would it be a stretch to imagine Apple buffing the chipset in its new wearable? Not at all. Considering the Watch Series 5 debuted with the S5 processor, it’s likely the company’s next revision will be dubbed the Apple S6. While specifications are unknown, we can expect chipset improvements to focus on efficiency.
Battery life is arguably the key feature for smartwatch users, especially those who forget to charge their companions overnight. In August, Tipster Abhishek Yadav spotted a battery on Korea’s Testing and Research Institute which could be for a new Watch. The capacity was tipped at 303mAh, slightly larger than the Series 5’s 296mAh cell. The Series 5 gave users up to 18 hours of juice, but arguably, this still isn’t enough for some.
Although it’s long been rumored that Apple would employ micro LED displays on its wearable, a May report by MacRumors suggests that 2020 may not be the year for the technology’s introduction. MicroLED tech would allow for brighter but more efficient displays, which could also eke out more battery life from the Watch.
As for connectivity, the Apple Watch Series 6 could see Wi-Fi connectivity improvements through the use of liquid crystal polymer. This rumor was first spotted back in November 2019 (via MacRumors), which could open the door for better wireless performance on the wearable. We’ve not heard reports of this technology’s possible inclusion since so Apple may choose to stick with more traditional antennae solutions instead.
Sensors and health tracking
Shoving sensors into smartwatches seems to be a valid design strategy for wearable companies in 2020. In March, 9to5Mac spotted code in iOS 14 that points to the inclusion of a blood oxygen monitor in the forthcoming Watch. It’s a feature we’ve seen arrive on wearables from Garmin and Fitbit and measures the concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream. The publication’s report adds that Apple could also address the electrocardiogram’s (ECG) inaccurate readings at higher heart rates.
Related: Pulse oximeter: What is it and why does it matter?
Software-based features heading to the Watch Series 6 can be gleaned from the upcoming watchOS 7. Announced at WWDC earlier this year, the latest OS version tick will bring sleep tracking, automatic hand wash detection, and a rebranded Workout app dubbed Fitness.
Apple Watch Series 6 release date and price
When is the Apple Watch Series 6 release date? Many of this year’s traditional tech launch dates have been impacted by the pandemic, but a number of leaks suggest the new Apple Watch could launch within the next two months. Some reports are slightly contradictory, however.
According to Mac Otakara citing unnamed suppliers, an Apple event is reportedly on the cards at the end of October. However, tipster Jon Prosser alleges the Apple Watch will be announced via a press release as early as September 7. Prosser’s track record is not flawless, so take this info with a pinch of salt.
Related: The best accessories for the Apple Watch
Adding weight to the wearable’s imminent arrival, MacRumors on August 26 spotted eight Apple Watch models passing through the Eurasian Economic Commission’s database.
As for pricing, Apple’s strategy this year will be one to watch if it debuts that aforementioned cheaper Apple Watch model. The Series 3 currently starts at $199 — the same price bracket as the Fitbit Versa 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. It’s likely Apple would want to offer potential buyers a device in a similar price range.
The more premium Series 6 may debut around $200-$300 more, judging by the Watch Series 5 variants’ pricing. The Series 5 GPS model currently bears a $399 price tag, while its LTE connected model is available for $100 more.
That’s everything we know so far about the Apple Watch Series 6 release date, price, specs, and more. We’ll update this article as more leaks and rumors emerge. What do you want to see from the Apple Watch Series 6? Let us know in the comments.
