Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Series 6

Apple Watch Series 6 Stainless Steel Pride Face Lifestyle
Apple Watch Series 6 Stainless Steel Pride Face Lifestyle (Image credit: Karen S. Freeman / iMore)

The Apple Watch Series 7 doesn't have an official release date yet, and by all indications, it's pretty similar to last year's model. The most significant difference is the Apple Watch Series 7 has a bigger screen and thinner bezels, making the Apple Watch Series 6 screen look smaller side-by-side. Not to mention that the Series 7 comes in two slightly bigger case sizes — 41mm and 45mm — making the device just a bit bigger than the Series 6. However, there are no new sensors on the latest Apple Watch that improve fitness tracking or other health data like we've seen Apple include in newer models in the past, meaning the Series 6 still has all the features you want.

Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Series 6: How do they compare?

The size difference is undoubtedly the most significant change between the Apple Watch Series 7 and its predecessor, and when you start to break it down, you'll realize how similar the two models are this time around. Let's just say the Series 7 has a few tricks up its sleeve to make it slightly more compelling.

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Header Cell - Column 0 Apple Watch Series 7Apple Watch Series 6
PriceFrom $399From $399
Case sizes41mm and 45mm40mm and 44mm
U1 chipYesYes
Always-on displayYesYes
Fast chargingYesno
ColorsMidnight, Starlight, Green, Blue, (PRODUCT)REDSilver, Space Gray, Blue, Gold, (PRODUCT)RED
FinishesAluminium, stainless steels, and titaniumAluminium, stainless steels, and titanium

The Apple Watch Series 7 will undoubtedly replace the Series 6 when it finally launches and likely become the best Apple Watch you can buy, but do you need to upgrade if you have a Series 6? The spec sheet between the two looks pretty neck-and-neck, but a few new features on the Apple Watch Series7 are worth diving into deeper.

Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Series 6: Bigger screen means a few new goodies

I've mentioned a couple of times that a larger screen and thinner bezels are the biggest change for the Apple Watch Series 7, but what exactly does that allow the Series 7 to do that the Series 6 can't? Here are a few details you should know about the bigger screen.

Access to a new keyboard

Apple Watch Series 7 Qwerty Keyboard

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

Due to its enhanced 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 display two new font sizes, thanks to its larger display.

New watch faces

Apple Watch Contour Face Press (Image credit: Apple)

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

Source: Apple

The Dynamic Contour face features on the watch face numbers located along the outside of the screen will animate when raising the Apple Watch.

While the Modular face isn't 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.

Apple Watch Series 7 vs. Series 6: Should you upgrade?

If you bought an Apple Watch Series 6 last year, you don't need to upgrade to the Series 7 unless you absolutely must have the bigger screen. With no new major features coming in Apple's latest smartwatch, it's hard to recommend the upgrade.

That being said, the ability to fast-charge, type better, and have a bigger screen is certainly compelling, and when the Apple Watch Series 7 launches this fall, it will no doubt become the best Apple Watch.

If you're in the market for a new watch right now, I won't blame you for opting to buy an Apple Watch Series 6, as you can find some great deals on prices. If you like saving money and don't feel like waiting around for the Apple Watch Series 7 to launch, the Apple Watch Series 6 will still be an excellent watch to have on your wrist for a few years.

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.