Apple Watch Series 6 release date, price, and everything you need to know

Apple just announced the Apple Watch Series 6 at its Apple September 15 event. It's got brand new colors and there are some major upgrades that might make you want to upgrade this year (or buy your first Apple Watch if you haven't already). Here's everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Series 6.

The short list

• Release date: Order Sept 15/ships Sept 18
• Price: From $399
• New features: Blood Oxygen monitor, new colors, faster processor, Fitness+, new bands
• New case colors: Aluminum blue, graphite, classic gold stainless steel, (Product)RED

Apple Watch Series 6 Faster processor

The Apple Watch Series 6 comes with a new S6 processor built to make the Apple Watch run better and for longer before the battery runs down.

It runs 20% faster than the Series 5 and makes it possible to have a brighter always-on screen as compared to the Series 5.

Apple Watch Series 6 blood oxygen monitor

The hot new technology for the Apple Watch Series 6 is the blood oxygen monitor or SpO2 sensor, which can keep track of ... you guessed it, the oxygen levels in your blood. This can help identify such issues as sleep apnea, anxiety, and more.

The sensor lets you measure your blood oxygen in just six seconds and can record your levels in the background while you sleep if you sleep with your Apple Watch on.

Combined with sleep tracking, an SpO2 sensor can have significant health benefits and help wearers get a broader overview of their general health and wellbeing.

Case material

Apple Watch Series 6 comes in more colors than ever before with blue aluminum, classic gold stainless steel, graphite, and (Product)RED.

Watch Bands

Apple has launched a handful of brand new watch bands and some new versions of current models.

• Solo loop: No clasp silicon loop that slips over the wrist. Comes in 7 colors
• Braided solo loop: similar to the Solo Loop, but made from braided recycled yarn. Comes in 5 colors
• New version of the Leather band
• New Nike Watch band colors
• New Hermes styles

New Watch faces

There are some exciting new watch faces coming in watchOS 7, which will be available for the Series 4 - 6. Some watch faces aren't available on 38mm and 42mm model Apple Watch.

• GMT face - multiple time zones at once
• Count Up face - timer
• Cronograph pro face - tachymeter
• Typograph face - new style of numbers
• Artist collaboration - Geoff McFetridge
• Memoji face - your favorite memoji with animations when you tap
• Stripes face - multiple designs for sports, LGBTQ+, and even to match your outfit

Apple also noted new watchOS 7 custom watch faces for surfing, photography, and health care

How much does the Apple Watch Series 6 cost?

The Apple Watch Series 6 is the same price as the Apple Watch Series 5, which starts at $399 for the aluminum model with a Sport Band or Sport Loop. For $100 more, you can get the GPS + Cellular model. The stainless steel model starts at $699 with the same band options. There is no GPS-only stainless steel Apple Watch. The difference between Apple Watch Cellular vs. GPS isn't too significant, but you should look into which one is right for you before making an unnecessary purchase.

Apple Watch Family Setup

Apple has just added the ability for people in your family plan to be able to use an Apple Watch without needing an iPhone. Now, you can't just go out and buy an Apple Watch without an iPhone, but if someone in your Family Sharing family has an iPhone, you can use an Apple Watch without one.

Family Setup requires an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with Cellular.

Apple Fitness+

Apple also announced a new fitness service called Apple Fitness+. It will be available later this year for $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year. If you buy the Apple Watch Series 6, you'll get three months of the service for free.

When can I order the Apple Watch Series 6?

The Apple Watch Series 6 is available to order today with shipping dates starting on September 18.

Any questions?

Do you have any more questions about the Apple Watch Series 6? Put them in the comments and we'll answer as soon as we find out!