Apple Watch Series 7 Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Smartwatch Market Experiences Significant Growth

The smartwatch market demonstrated robust performance in Q2, registering a 27% increase in sales compared to the previous year. This growth follows a 20% rise from the year before, occurring despite – or potentially due to – ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19. The increasing popularity of these devices is broadly benefiting major manufacturers as adoption rates continue to climb.

Apple Maintains Dominant Position

However, Apple continues to hold a particularly strong position within this expanding market. Recent data from Counterpoint Research indicates that the active user base of the Apple Watch has surpassed 100 million. The company secured three of the top four global smartwatch positions with its Series 6, SE, and Series 3 models, while Samsung managed to claim the No. 3 spot with its Galaxy Watch Active.

While competition exists at the lower end of the market, driven by the availability of devices priced under $100, Apple remains dominant in the premium and mid-range segments. This has led competitors like Samsung and Google to collaborate in an effort to challenge Apple’s leadership. Consequently, Apple’s strategy focuses on refinement and incremental improvements.

Apple Watch Series 7: Evolutionary Design Changes

Rumors of substantial health-related advancements did not materialize with the Series 7. Instead, the company prioritized aesthetic enhancements to the device. The Series 7 represents one of the most noticeable design updates in several generations, though it remains a subtle evolution rather than a radical overhaul.

Existing Apple Watch users will immediately perceive the difference. The larger model features a screen that has increased from 1.78 inches (diagonal measurement) to 1.9 inches. This represents a 20% increase over the Series 6 and a 50% increase over the Series 3, which continues to be offered.

This change isn’t a dramatic leap forward. Incremental improvements, such as 12% larger buttons on the calculator, are unlikely to motivate upgrades. The inherent nature of wearable technology limits drastic design changes, as the product must comfortably fit on the user’s wrist. Early smartwatches were often bulky, hindering widespread adoption.

Display and Case Refinements

Any increase in screen size necessitates a reduction in surrounding hardware. This was achieved by reducing the bezel thickness to 1.7mm. The black border is still present, but it is noticeably slimmer compared to the Series 6. Despite this reduction, the overall case size was increased from 40/44mm to 41/45mm. The added millimeter in size was barely noticeable, maintaining a comfortable fit on the wrist and during sleep.

The expanded screen real estate allows for a significant increase in displayed content. Apple states that apps like Messages can now display over 50% more text than on the Series 6. In other instances, larger font sizes are utilized, resulting in bigger buttons on the passcode screen.

Enhanced User Interface and Input Methods

A key improvement is the addition of a full QWERTY keyboard for text input, offering both tapping and QuickPath sliding options. Both input methods proved surprisingly effective on the small screen. Upon opening an application, a notification appears on the connected iPhone, inquiring whether text input should occur on iOS. While using the iPhone is often preferable, the on-watch keyboard provides a convenient alternative when the phone is unavailable.

Durability and Water Resistance

The Series 7 features a thicker display crystal, enhancing its durability. While smartwatches are less prone to shattering than phones, accidental impacts can occur. The Series 7 is also the first Apple Watch to include dust proofing, complementing its existing WR50 water resistance rating. The IP6X certification ensures complete dust-tight protection.

The display edges are slightly curved, seamlessly meeting the case, increasing visible screen area when viewed from the side. The new Counter watch face utilizes this design, while the Modular Duo and World Time faces leverage the additional space for more complications.

Battery Life and Charging

The larger case enables the potential for a larger battery. Apple has not confirmed an increase in battery capacity, but it is likely. The company aims to maintain the same battery life as previous models. Apple promises 18 hours of use, which is achievable throughout a typical day, despite the larger and brighter always-on display (70% brighter indoors).

A new USB-C magnetic charger offers faster charging, completing an 80% charge in approximately 45 minutes. This translates to a full night’s charge in under 10 minutes, allowing for strategic charging to enable continuous wear.

The new charger is backward compatible with older Apple Watch models, charging them at their standard speed. In line with Apple’s sustainability efforts, the Series 7 does not include a wall adapter, but it is compatible with existing USB-C adapters.

Sensors, Colors, and Pricing

The sensors remain largely unchanged, and the Series 7 utilizes the same processor and LTE chip as its predecessor. Future iterations, such as the Series 8, may incorporate 5G connectivity. The new color options are aesthetically pleasing, with the Green Aluminum model proving to be a subtle olive tone, often appearing gray or black in certain lighting conditions. The red and blue options offer more vibrant alternatives.

The Series 7 starts at $399 for the 41mm model and $429 for the 45mm model. Prices increase based on band type and finish. If you currently own a Series 6, the upgrade may not be substantial enough to warrant immediate replacement. Waiting a year or two to see future developments in health features and other innovations may be prudent. However, the Series 7 maintains Apple’s position as a leader in the smartwatch market.