Smart Watches 

Apple Watch 6 Rumors – Expected Release Date September 2020

WearableTechGirl ,

 

Let’s keep this simple, quick and to the point.  Here’s everything we’ve heard so far about the Apple Watch Series 6.

Rumor #1

Since the original Apple Watch was followed by the Apple Watch Series 1, the company has followed with sequential numbers every year.  Therefore we expect this year’s watch to be called the Apple Watch Series 6.

It will be running Apple’s watchOS 7, which was previewed during Apple’s virtual developer conference on 22 June.

Rumor #2

Apple typically holds its iPhone launch event in September of every year and the next version of the Watch is normally announced at the same time.

This year the rumor is that the September launch event will be delayed because of the Covid-19 situation.

Rumor #3

We expect to see some big design changes in the Apple Watch Series 6.  There haven’t been many changes since the Apple 4, so change is due.  We’ve heard the Apple Watch 6 could even switch to a new screen type.  The Apple Watch 5 uses an OLED screen, but a report suggests the Apple Watch 6 might use microLED.  Another design change that’s possible is the addition of a digital crown. A patent shows a design for an on-body optical sensor, which would sit flush with the watch case and eliminate the need for a protruding physical button.

Rumor #4

We’ve heard there will be more fitness and health features, along the lines of Garmin, that will include more running functions like cadence tracking.  The ability for users to share their runs or activities has also been rumored.  And, the most consistent rumor is that the new Apple Watch Series 6 will allow you to check your blood oxygen levels.  It’s expected to warn users if blood oxygen levels drop low enough to risk cardiac arrest.

Rumor #5

Mental health tracking is a rumored addition to the Apple Watch Series 6.  By monitoring blood oxygen levels, the watch could identify panic attacks of it’s users, tell the wearer to stop or pull over (if driving) and coach them into breathing until the attack passes.

Rumor #6

One of the biggest complaints users have about the Apple Watch is the battery life.  We’ve heard Apple is finally taking these concerns seriously and improvements to battery life have been a priority.  If the Apple 6 switches to a microLED screen, it should be more power-efficient, improving battery life.

Rumor #7

The expected cost is $399 / £399 / AU$649.

Rumor #8

The Apple Watch Series 6 may use Touch ID fingerprint scanning as a biometric security feature.

Rumor #9

The Apple Watch 5 is already water resistant to depths of 50 meters.  Ming-Chi Kuo, an Apple analysts believes Apple may be switching to liquid crystal polymer materials in the circuit board which will allow even greater water resistance.

Apple Watch 6 Will Have watchOS 7

The Apple Watch 6 will also come with a new version of the company’s software.  The watchOS 7 includes:

  • More customisable watch faces
  • Shareable watch faces
  • Cycling turn-by-turn directions in Maps
  • Activity app rebranded to Fitness app
  • Ability to track Dance as a workout, as well as cool down and functional strength
  • Sleep tracking
  • Silent alarms
  • Wind down mode to get you ready for bed
  • Siri enhancements, including translation
  • Hand-washing tracking with 20-second countdown timer
  • More hearing protection features