We break down all the upgrades in the Apple Watch Series 6 – starting with Apple’s claim to deliver “breakthrough wellness and fitness capabilities”.

If you were counting on the iPhone 12 to make an appearance during last week’s Apple Special Event, you’ll have to wait another month (check back in with us then). But the Apple Watch Series 6 did arrive on schedule (along with the new iPad Air 2020), and it comes with decent upgrades to the Series 5.

Let’s start with Apple’s claim to deliver “breakthrough wellness and fitness capabilities” in the Series 6. To achieve this, the latest smartwatch is fitted with a new Blood Oxygen sensor and app, which measures Oxygen saturation, or SpO2 – the percentage of oxygen being carried by red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body. This expands on the brand’s existing health suite, providing users (and their doctors) a better analysis of their health.

The Series 6 launches with the updated watch OS7, also available on Apple Watch Series 3 and above from 16 September, which comes with a host of new features such as sleep tracking, additional watch faces and a rebranded Fitness App that supports more types of workouts. Coupled with an improved always-on altimeter, we can see why Apple positions this as its most fitness-centric smartwatch yet.

Supporting these features is a new dual-core processor called the S6 SiP, which is based on the A13 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 11. Apple says it’s able to run 20% faster than its predecessor, whilst maintaining the same 18-hour battery life. Also running faster is the charging time, completing a full charge in under 1.5 hours.

In terms of display, you won’t find significant changes, except for the Always-On Retina Display that’s now 2.5 times brighter than before for optimal day-time viewing. Design-wise, you’ll notice new finishes for the case and band – including a metallic blue and a (PRODUCT)RED Apple Watch with exclusive matching bright red bands.

Plus, there’s are three all-new brand styles designed sans buckles and clasps: Solo Loop, Braided Solo Loop and Leather Link. The standard silver, space gray and gold aluminum case options are still available, as are Apple’s interchangeable watch straps as well as the Nike and Hermes models.

Now if you’re looking for an Apple smartwatch that’s essentially identical to the Series 6 minus the Blood Oxygen sensor and app, Always-On display, processor upgrade and stainless steel/aluminium case finishes, there’s the Apple Watch SE for you.

The Apple Watch Series 6 retails from RM1,749 while the Apple Watch SE retails from RM1,499, depending on your case and band of choice. Availability for both is yet to be announced.

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For more information, log on to the official Apple website here.