Apple Watch Series 7: Price, features, and more

Apple Watch Series 7 Hero Underwater Apple
Apple Watch Series 7 Hero Underwater Apple (Image credit: Apple)

The new Apple Watch Series 7 was unveiled at Apple's event, it is the successor to last year's Apple Watch Series 6, and it comes with some new features and new designs. Here's everything you need to know to know about the Apple Watch Series 7.

Does it have a bigger screen?

Apple Watch Seris 7 Screen

Apple Watch Seris 7 Screen (Image credit: Apple)

Yes, the screen is bigger. The Apple Watch Series 7 is about 20% more screen area than the Series 6 from last year, and the bezels are about 40% thinner.

So, is the Series 7 a new size?

Technically, yes. The Apple Watch Series 7 will come in two case sizes — 41mm and 45mm — which are 1mm bigger than last year's Series 6.

Does it have better battery life?

Unfortunately, the Apple Watch Series 7 is rated for the same 18-hour battery life that its predecessor was. Your mileage will vary based on usage but don't expect the Apple Watch Series 7 to have a significant increase in battery life.

Does it fast charge?

Although the battery life saw no real improvements, the Apple Watch Series 7 — and only the Apple Watch Series 7 — will be able to take advantage of fast charging. Apple states it should charge about 33% faster than the Series 6 did thanks to a new charging architecture and Magnetic Fast Charger USB-C Cable that will ship with the Series 7.

It has dust protection now?

In somewhat of a surprising twist, the Apple Watch Series 7 will have an official Ingress Protection rating (IP) for solids. The Series 7 holds an IP6X rating, which means it should be dust-tight. Falling in the sand, or dirt should be absolutely no problem for the Series 7.

Of course, the Apple Watch has the same 50M water resistance that has been on the flagship Apple Watch for a couple of years.

Do I need a new band?

Nope! Despite being just slightly larger, the Apple Watch Series 7 is compatible with all former bands.

What about new watch faces?

Giving consumers new watch faces has become a staple when Apple launches a new Apple Watch, and this year is no different. Here's a quick breakdown of the new Apple Watch faces you'll find only on the Apple Watch Series 7.

Dynamic Contour face

Apple Watch Contour Face Press

Apple Watch Contour Face Press (Image credit: Apple)

The Dynamic Contour face features the watch face numbers along the outside of the screen and will animate upon rasing the Apple Watch.

New Modular Duo face

Apple Watch Modular Duo Face Press (Image credit: Apple)

While the Modular face isn't totally new, it now can show more information due to the bigger screen size. So, the Modular Duo face will allow you to have two places for big complications that give you more detailed information.

What's this about a new keyboard?

Apple Watch Series 7 Qwerty Keyboard

Apple Watch Series 7 Qwerty Keyboard (Image credit: Apple)

Due to the larger screen, the Apple Watch Series 7 will have access to a full QWERTY keyboard that can be tapped or swiped using QuickPath to compose text on your wrist. Plus, the Series 7 will also be able to display two new font sizes thanks to its bigger footprint.

Are there new colors?

Apple Watch Series 7 Colors Press (Image credit: Apple)

Yes, the Apple Watch Series 7 in aluminum finish comes in five colors this year: midnight, starlight, green, blue (slightly different from last year's), and (PRODUCT)RED.

The stainless steel models of the Apple Watch Series 7 will come in three colors; silver, graphite, and gold.

What's the price?

The Apple Watch Series 7 will debut at $399, its predecessor's price at launch. Plus, Apple is keeping around both the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 3 at $279 and $199, respectively.

When is the release date?

There was no specific date given for the Apple Watch Series 7 launch. Apple only said it would be available later this fall.

Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 

Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.