The Apple Watch Series 7 is not a revolution. Apple's new connected watch only aims to improve the ergonomics of the benchmark in a market that may need competition.
Since its very first generation, the Apple Watch has been available in two sizes: a large and a smaller one. And the Cupertino company has always kept this range diagram, according to aesthetic developments that have changed the look of the connected watch (from the Apple Watch Series 4). In 2021, the Apple Watch Series 7 is betting on a major novelty, no pun intended: a larger screen, on its two versions. We recall that it was announced in the company of the iPhone 13, the iPhone 13 Pro and the iPad mini 6.
I've been using an Apple Watch since the very first version and I've always favored the smaller size (I find the big one...too big). In short, enlarging the screen is excellent news for me: keeping a watch of an acceptable size while enjoying a larger display area. Because, in use, it must be recognized that the few millimeters gained improve the experience in every way.
Find the Apple Watch Series 7 for less than €430 on AmazonApple Watch Series 6 (left) versus Apple Watch Series 7 (right)
Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama
Even more beautiful
The rumors were still false. While the indiscretions pointed to a profound change in design (flat edges, like the latest iPhone and iPad), the Apple Watch Series 7 resembles the Apple Watch Series 6 in terms of looks. We are therefore always dealing with a rectangular, thick and elegant watch. Apple product requires, the finishes are neat and this Series 7 is still more resistant than previous generations. Better, it gains an IP6X certification (it is completely dustproof). Of course, the more money you put in, the more beautiful your Apple Watch Series 7 will be. As standard, the watch is based on an aluminum case (5 colors), but stainless steel (3 colors) and titanium (2 colors) are available for those who want a more luxurious watch.
The Apple Watch Series 7 is a little larger than the Apple Watch Series 6, which was based on the DNA of Series 5 (legacy of Series 4). Its case gains 1 millimeter to go from 40 to 41 millimeters, and from 44 to 45 millimeters. Note that the smallest of the Series 7 is almost as large as the largest of the first Apple Watch (42 millimeters). In terms of comfort, this very slight growth is imperceptible. It should be emphasized: Apple continues to control the measurements so as not to transform its watch into an unsightly mini-computer stuck to its wrist. As a bonus, you can always enjoy your collection of bracelets bought at a high price: the fastening system is always the same, since the very first Apple Watch.
The attractive design of the Apple Watch Series 7
Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama
Apple Watch Series 7: a screen with 20% more display surface
If the case of the Apple Watch Series 7 is barely larger, the screen wins really change. We benefit from 20% more display surface (50% more compared to the original Apple Watch). It's colossal. To achieve such a result, the engineers stretched the Retina panel as much as possible towards the edges, which have never been so thin – in addition to gaining smoothness.
You will notice that the screen overflows a little on the sides, giving the illusion of a more assertive roundness. In a way, Apple is gradually managing to move towards this round watch – dear to watchmaking purists. At least in appearance. Small detail: the edges reflect the light to better blend the screen into the shell and catch the eye. It's pretty.
Of course, the Apple Watch Series 7 benefits from the greatest innovation ever brought to the product: the always-on screen, which appeared with the Series 5 and which really changes everything in terms of design. Thanks to this technology which leaves the screen always on (with an attenuation to preserve autonomy when you are not using the watch), you really have the impression of wearing a watch, no longer a simple black square that is animates when you raise your wrist. With always-on, the Apple Watch has seriously gained in elegance. And with 70% more light output, the mode is even more relevant.
The Apple Watch screen keeps getting bigger
Source: Apple
Fast charging on the Apple watch, if not better battery life
How much does it cost?The price of the Apple Watch Series 7 starts at €429, in a 41 mm aluminum case and with a basic bracelet. Prices can exceed €1,500 for a Hermès edition.
When Apple announced the Series 7, the multinational surprisingly did not discuss the technical characteristics. As if she had reached the end of what her watch could offer in terms of performance. The Apple Watch is still entitled to a new chip – the S7, which replaces the S6 – but it does not seem to be more powerful (Apple would have boasted about it during the presentation). What to remember? That the Apple Watch Series 7 remains powerful enough to offer an ideal experience on the wrist… as the Series 6 was already. The applications launch quickly, and there are no software bugs to report. This was already the case with previous generations.
Apple could nevertheless have made an effort on autonomy, which remains fixed at 18 hours of use according to official figures. In other words, it requires recharging on a daily basis. The Apple Watch Series 7 still improves the speed of charging thanks to a refined architecture, both at the level of the charger and of the watch itself (which means that the new charger will not fill the battery of the old Apple Watch faster). In 1 hour of recharging, the Series 7 recovered 97% of autonomy, against 85% for the Series 6 (both watches were flat at the start of our test).
This faster charging is interesting for monitoring your sleep, even if it involves a less obvious charging routine: you plug the watch in before sleeping, put it back on before going to bed and plug it back in when you wake up. In this case, the improved recharge makes sense. But those who prefer to charge their Apple Watch overnight will see no difference compared to before.
Sleep tracking on the Apple Watch Series 7
Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama
What good is a bigger screen?
Apart from that larger screen, slightly revised design and faster charging, the Apple Watch Series 7 hasn't gained any major features. In 2020, the Series 6 bet on health with the addition of a sensor measuring the level of oxygen in the blood. The Series 7 keeps it, of course, but instead focuses its positioning on improved ergonomics thanks to its larger display (watchOS is optimized for). These few simple examples will prove it to you.
Fewer errors when clicking on an icon
A larger display area means icons have more room to flourish. Read: they are larger, which means fewer mistakes when clicking on them. This advantage materializes as soon as you switch on, when you have to type your code to unlock. It continues with the Control Center, which displays larger shortcuts.
Unlocking on Apple Watch Series 6 (left) versus unlocking on Apple Watch Series 7 (right)
Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama
Control Center on Apple Watch Series 6 (left) versus Control Center on Apple Watch Series 7 (right)
Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama
More on-screen information
Using Maps on your Apple Watch? The map will be larger, and more streets and names will be displayed. Do you check your emails? More lines will be shown, while any images that illustrate it will display much better. Do you like having more shortcuts on the home screen? The Series 7 is cut out for. Note, moreover, that it is possible to adjust the size of the texts on additional levels: 9 for the Series 7, against 6 for the previous models. It's also an opportunity to take even more advantage of your photos taken with your iPhone, from your wrist - or even to better distinguish the time with the Bedside table mode (which would also benefit from taking advantage of the always-on technology ).
Plans on Apple Watch Series 6 (left) versus Plans on Apple Watch Series 7 (right)
Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama
Mails on Apple Watch Series 6 (left) versus Mails on Apple Watch Series 7 (right)
Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama
The different text sizes of the Apple Watch Series 7
Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama
A notification on the Apple Watch Series 7
Source: Maxime Claudel for Numerama
Integration of a (real) keyboard
For Apple, the Series 7 is the opportunity to finally offer a real keyboard, which then offers a new option for replying to a message from his watch. Unfortunately, to date, it is not yet available in France. The Cupertino company has confirmed to Numerama that, for the time being, only English (QWERTY) and Chinese users can benefit from it. There is no doubt that a future update of watchOS will integrate the AZERTY variant.
The verdict
10/10Apple Watch Series 7There are currently no offers
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The Apple Watch Series 7 is a rather paradoxical new generation. When the Series 4 revolutionized design, when the Series 5 brought the always-on technology and when the Series 6 affirmed the positioning on health (in the middle of the year of covid-19...), the Series 7 bet on a less evolution highlight: a larger screen. However, it changes everything with use. With its extended display surface, despite preserved dimensions (1 millimeter more for both formats only), and its ever better integrated screen, the Apple Watch Series 7 always comes closer more than one fantasy: that of looking like a real watch. And for ergonomics, everything is better.
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