What you need to know

• Apple has a new Apple Watch repair program.
• The company says it has recognized an issue where 40mm Series 6 devices "may go permanently blank."
• Affected users can now check their devices and get them repaired free of charge.

Apple says that it has discovered an issue with the 40mm version of the Apple Watch Series 6, and is offering free repairs for affected users through a new repair program.

The company stated:

Customers of the Series 6, which was replaced as the Best Apple Watch by the Apple Watch Series 7 last year, can enter their serial number to check eligibility. If they are, they can get help through an Apple Authorized Service Provider, an appointment at the Genius Bar, or through Apple support if they'd prefer to get help remotely.

Apple says it may restrict repairs to the country or region of purchase, and that the program doesn't extend the Watch's standard warranty. Apple says devices are eligible for the program for two years after the first retail sale of the unit, so some users might not have too much longer to check.

There's always Amazon

The Apple Watch Series 7 is now official and we even have an Apple Watch Series 7 launch date. With pre-orders opening for the new model on Friday, retailers are rushing to clear out remaining stock of the soon-to-be-discontinued Apple Watch Series 6.

For those that don't want or need the latest and greatest smartwatch from Apple, this is great news as there are some killer Apple Watch deals going on right now with as much as $140 off regular prices.

Though the Apple Watch Series 6 is about to be replaced at the top of the line, it still has an excellent feature set with accurate heart rate monitoring, the ability to take an ECG, fall detection, customizable watch faces, an always-on altimeter, and daily activity tracking.

The Series 6 was also the first to add Blood Oxygen monitoring, allowing the wearer to measure the level of oxygenation in their blood via the Apple Watch's built-in sensor and Blood Oxygen app. The watch also does some background monitoring of your blood oxygen levels as you go about your day, whether you are working, working out, relaxing, and even sleeping.

Powered by the S6 chip, the Series 6 maintains an all-day 18-hour battery life, charges faster than previous models, and actually has improved battery life for some tasks, such as certain types of workouts like running.

Of course, the Apple Watch Series 7 has some improvements like a larger display which brings along new watch faces and access to a full QWERTY keyboard, though the specs are pretty similar overall as our Apple Watch Series 6 vs Apple Watch Series 7 guide shows. If the new features don't interest you, it's well worth considering the Series 6 while you still can.

Deciding between Fitbit Sense (the best Fitbit ever), and Apple Watch Series 6 (the best Apple Watch to date) is a tough choice as they're two of the best fitness wearables available. Both offer advanced features when it comes to health and fitness monitoring. They're capable of tracking every part of your day and will keep you on track to wellness. Deciding which to buy comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and operating system.

Fitbit Sense vs. Apple Watch Series 6: Breaking it down

When it comes to comprehensive health and fitness monitoring, Fitbit Sense is a worthy adversary of Apple Watch Series 6 — they have a lot of features in common. But when you consider the Series 6's advanced navigation, safety tracking, and optional built-in cellular, this Apple Watch offers a bit more. However, it's important to keep in mind that those additional features come at an additional cost. Let's break down the specs to see exactly how these two differ.

As you can see, Fitbit Sense hosts nearly the same sensors as Apple Watch Series 6, minus a compass for advanced health and fitness monitoring. Plus, it offers fast charging, longer battery life, and iOS and Android compatibility. Apple Watch Series 6 features more in terms of built-in cellular, advanced navigation, safety tracking, and preloaded maps, but it's much more expensive. So, which is for you? Let's find out.

Fitbit Sense vs. Apple Watch Series 6: Fitbit Sense makes sense

If you're looking for comprehensive health and fitness monitoring, and don't have the need to go phone-free or use advanced navigation, Fitbit Sense makes sense. It's the best Fitbit because it's loaded with Fitbit's most advanced sensors, making it a great value. It offers features like EDA scans and ECG monitoring to help manage stress and keep tabs on your heart health.

Although its navigation system isn't as advanced as Apple Watch Series 6, it is outfitted with built-in GPS, so you can track your workout routes. Active Zone Minutes give your wrist a buzz when you reach target heart rate zones, and you can view how your heart rate changes along your routes in your workout intensity map in the Fitbit app.

Your Daily Readiness Score is a new Fitbit feature. It's a score based on your exercise, sleep, and heart rate variability to help optimize your energy throughout the day. It will tell you if you're ready for a tough workout, if you need a lighter training session, or if you must rest and recover.

When it comes to music, you can store and play music and podcasts on Deezer or Pandora, and control Spotify straight from your wrist. However, Fitbit Sense only offers 4GB of storage, so your storage space is minimal, especially in comparison to the 32GB on Apple Watch Series 6. However, you still have the option of downloading a few favorite playlists to motivate your workouts.

Fitbit Sense vs. Apple Watch Series 6: Adventure with Apple Watch Series 6

If you've got the budget for it, and you love exploring and adventuring, Apple Watch Series 6 is your best bet. It offers an advanced navigation system that includes A-GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and QZSS to pinpoint your location worldwide. The Maps app comes pre-downloaded on this watch, so not only will you always know where you are, you can also get turn by turn directions to wherever you need to go.

A key difference between the Sense and Apple Watch Series 6 is safety tracking. Series 6 has it, the Sense does not. This means that Apple Watch can detect if you've taken a hard fall and connect you with emergency services if you're immobile. You can also get immediate help in an emergency — even when traveling internationally, by pressing and holding the side button.

Another important difference between these two wearables is the optional built-in cellular system on Apple Watch Series 6. This means you can text, make calls, and answer emails with ease; anytime, anywhere — completely phone-free. Again, if you're someone who loves exploring the great outdoors, this is a desirable feature to have. From hiking the mountain tops, to surfing the waves, you'll always be connected.

When it comes to media, you can store, stream, and play your favorite tunes, audio books, and podcasts via Apple Music. Apple Watch Series 6 has 32GB of storage, so there is ample space to download your desired media.

Fitbit Sense vs. Apple Watch Series 6: Customization, compatibility, and battery life

Both Fitbit Sense and Apple Watch Series 6 feature customizable watch faces, apps, and interchangeable bands, but the Apple Watch has a lot more options when it comes to colors and materials. Fitbit Sense has three band and casing options, whereas Apple Watch Series 6 has a plethora of band and casing material and color combinations. If you're a fan of major personalization, Apple Watch Series 6 is the right fit.

When considering compatibility, Fitbit Sense is the obvious choice for Android users, as it's compatible with both iOS and Android. Apple Watch Series 6 is only compatible with iOS. Fitbit Sense has Apple Watch Series 6 beat in battery life. It offers six plus days of battery depending on your usage, while the Apple Watch Series 6 offers only up to 18 hours.

Unlike the Apple Watch Series 6, Fitbit Sense offers fast charging. You can get a full day's charge in just 12 minutes. This is a valuable feature to have if you're someone who is always on the move.

Fitbit Sense vs. Apple Watch Series 6: Which should you buy?

The Fitbit Sense and Apple Watch Series 6 offer comprehensive health and fitness monitoring. The choice on which to buy comes down to compatibility, budget, and lifestyle. If you're an Android user, or someone who wouldn't necessarily benefit from advanced navigation and safety tracking, Fitbit Sense is a great value. It's outfitted with high-tech sensors and offers much longer battery life and fast charging at a hard to beat price.

If you love personalization, have the budget for it, and frequently adventure and explore around the world, Apple Watch Series 6 is your best bet. You can make it uniquely your own, and its advanced navigation, safety tracking, and built-in cellular features ensure you'll always stay safe and connected. Ultimately, both of these wearables are great products and will keep you on the right track to health.

Ready for an Apple Watch band that you can feel good about? Here it is! Casetify's unique Saffiano Watch Bands are made with biodegradable, vegan faux leather out of 90% recycled materials! They are also shipped in sustainable packaging that is printed in biodegradable ink and manufactured in ISO14001-certified facilities. How's that for conscious consumerism? Besides all that feel-goodness, these watch bands are super cute to boot.

With pages of signature prints to choose from as well as customization options, you can find the Apple Watch band that perfectly represents your personality. There are hundreds to choose from! Certain styles can be custom-printed with initials or short names, as well, so your Casetify Saffiano Watch Band will be truly one-of-a-kind. I chose the 'Romantic watercolor flowers pattern' because it's pretty and feminine, and it goes nicely with my pastel-printed Casetify MagSafe-compatible iPhone Case.

Casetify Saffiano Watch Band: Price and availability

Casetify's Saffiano Watch Bands for Apple Watch are super popular — you can find them in many major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and even Nordstrom. If you're looking for a personalized watch band, however, it's best to buy directly from Casetify. Their website is set up to allow you to see a preview of the product you're buying with the initials or name of your choice. The custom print is available at no additional cost, so a Saffiano Watch Band will cost you about $52 whether you have it customized or not.

Casetify Saffiano Watch Band: Pretty eco-friendly, pretty to look at

For me, design is crucial so my favorite thing about Casetify's Saffiano Watch Band is the amazing selection of beautiful designs. My own watercolor flowers print is pretty, organic, and colorful, the perfect complement to my spring and summer dresses. There are also tons of choices, from plain leather bands to customized prints with initials and names. You can make your Apple Watch into something truly special and unique with one of these bands. While the beautiful design choices caught my eye initially, once I began looking into the Casetify brand, I became deeply interested in its sustainability practices.

I was surprised to find out that the Saffiano material that Casetify uses is actually biodegradable vegan leather that's made with recycled materials. This is a definite plus, and once I saw that even the packaging, printing ink, and manufacturing facilities are all made or operated using eco-friendly practices, I was even more happy with my choice. I love supporting brands that make such extensive efforts to improve their impact on our planet. If you're trying to be a more conscious consumer, this is one brand you can feel good about buying from.

Another plus regarding the Casetify Saffiano Watch Band is the durability of the material. Since Saffiano is made from vegan leather, it's water-resistant and scratch-resistant, which isn't always true of animal leathers. Since I know that the tough Saffiano leather won't be easily damaged, I don't feel nervous to wear it while I'm running around the city with my kids. It's not going to be easily stained or scratched from everyday activities.

Finally, I think it's relevant to note that this product makes an amazing gift. I plan to get custom-printed bands for both my sisters come Christmas, and I know they'll love the tasteful initials that are incorporated into the band. If you're looking to get something extra unique for a special person in your life, a customized Saffiano band from Casetify is an excellent choice.

Casetify Saffiano Watch Band: Not for pumping iron

After using the Casetify Saffiano Watch Band every day for a month, I don't really have any complaints to speak of. I will say that although the watchband is sweat and water resistant, I don't like using it for intense sports and exercise. If I get sweaty, it gets all slippery and slides around on my wrist. My Nike Sport Band from Apple has a little more grip and breathability, even when wet, so I do prefer that one for exercise. So yes, the Saffiano watchband is sweat-resistant, but the pretty designs are better suited to work or casual environments — not so much for exercise.

Casetify Saffiano Watch Band: Competition

There are few brands that offer a similar variety of prints and customization options for Apple Watch bands. There is one that comes close: Case Station has a wide range of cute designs and they also do custom prints on Apple Watch bands. However, I feel like the custom print on the Case Station bands aren't as well integrated into the design as the Casetify bands, but Case Station does offer room for more characters. The custom-printed bands from Case Station come in at a similar price as the Casetify at around $50. The major difference here is probably Casetify's commitment to sustainability and the fact that its Saffiano watch bands are made from recycled materials. If you were to ask me, I'd choose the brand with better sustainability practices.

Casetify Saffiano Watch Band: Should you buy it?

• You want to make more environmentally conscious purchases.
• You like to have a lot of design styles to choose from.
• You're looking for really unique gift ideas.

• You want an Apple Watch band that's made for sports and exercise.

If you're looking for the perfect gift for an Apple Watch owner, this is it. Customize it with the initials or name of someone special, and feel good knowing that your purchase is a better choice for your planet. Even better, gift yourself! With so many fun and interesting designs to choose from, you can find a Casetify Saffiano Watch Band that perfectly suits your individual style. Make sure you have an alternative sport band on hand for heavy exercise, but for everything else, the Saffiano watchband from Casetify is a stylish and eco-friendly choice.

What you need to know

• Apple Watch Series 6 is currently unavailable in its titanium finish.
• It's likely Apple simply ran out and refuses to make more as Apple Watch Series 7 nears.

Anyone wanting to buy a titanium Apple Watch Series 6 is out of luck right now, with Apple Stores the world over showing the wearable as unavailable. They also seem to be very difficult to find on-store, too. Why? It's a simple case of economics.

With Apple getting ready to launch the Apple Watch Series 7 in just a couple of months, it's likely the company stopped making the titanium Apple Watch Series 6 a good long while ago. It was never the most popular version of Apple's smartwatch thanks to its relatively high price, and Apple presumably only made a limited number to begin with. As we near Apple Watch Series 7 time, it seems foolhardy to build more of the outgoing product — especially when it's likely you'll be lumbered with stock once the new model arrives.

That's the line coming out of Mark Gurman's Power On newsletter, too. As he notes, we'll just have to hope titanium makes a return in the new lineup.

Still hoping to bag an Apple Watch Series 6 before the rest of the lineup's gone? Check out these Apple Watch deals before it's too late!

What you need to know

• A new Apple Watch Series 6 ad focuses on activity and how the watch can inspire us.
• Apple tells viewers that "the future of health is on your wrist."

A new Apple Watch ad focuses on health and activity, not to mention the ways an Apple Watch Series 6 is able to motivate us to do more — even when we want to just relax.

Posted to the company's YouTube channel, the video follows a woman who just wants to relax during her summer. But as her inner voice begins to narrate the story, we hear her change her mind and decide that she wants to run. And swim. And get back into dancing. And so, so much more.

Check it out!

Health has long been one of the best Apple Watch use cases for most people and being able to track activity is important for everyone. Apple always leans into health when talking about Apple Watch — as well it should. The wearable has been proven to help save lives time and time again, often thanks to its ECG functionality.

All being well we expect Apple to announce the Apple Watch Series 7 wearable before the year comes to a close, although the next few months are already looking mighty busy. New Apple Watches are likely to join new iPhones, new iPads, and possibly even more before the year 2022 rolls around. And then there are the Apple silicon MacBook Pro refresh rumors that just won't go away, too!

What you need to know

• Masimo has filed a patent-fringement complaint against Apple.
• The company is attempting to block the import of the Apple Watch Series 6 into the U.S.

A company is attempting to prevent Apple from selling the Apple Watch Series 6 in the United States.

As reported by Bloomberg, Masimo Corp. has filed a patent-infringement compliant at the United States International Trade Commission that is attempting to stop Apple from being able to import its smartwatch.

Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Tamlin Bason believes that the lawsuit could end with a settlement benefiting Masimo in the form of yearly payments from Apple.

Masimo's argument for keeping the Apple Watch Series 6 from customers in the United States is based on the fact that the blood oxygen sensor built into the watch is not yet to be used for medical purposes.

While the threat exists from the lawsuit, it is highly unlikely that the Apple Watch Series 6 will just disspear from store shelves in the United States. If you're paranoid and want to get one quickly, though, check out our list of the Best Apple Watch Series 6 deals.

Apple Watch has already established itself as the premier smartwatch on the market, though it's certainly not the cheapest. It has been around for a few years now, and there are various generations to choose from up through the Apple Watch Series 6 and all manner of customization options available so you can pick the best Apple Watch for your needs.

There are regular discounts on the Apple device, so those looking for a great Apple Watch deal can often find one, but those savings rarely come from Apple itself. Instead, third-party retailers may offer discounts or accessory bundles to sweeten the deal, especially during events like Amazon Prime Day. Keeping track of all of the Prime Day Apple Watch deals can be tough, though, so we're rounding them up here for you.

Whether you're looking for the cheapest Prime Day Apple Watch price or want the best Apple Watch Series 6 deal you can find, you don't have to look much further than right here. We track Apple Watch pricing, deals, and discounts from the moment they become available and have seen them drop as low as $169 for the entry-level model, while $320 is the best we've seen on the latest Apple Watch Series 6 so far.

Today's best Prime Day Apple Watch deals

• Apple Watch Series 6 - $329 (Was $399)
• Apple Watch SE - $269 (Was $279)
• Apple Watch Series 3 - From $159 (Was $199)

We've rounded up all of the best Apple Watch deals you can find around the web below. Be sure to check out the list and give one of them a try today!

Best Prime Day Apple Watch Series 6 Deals

Apple Watch Series 6 is the latest, top-of-the-line Apple Watch iteration. Though it looks like the Series 5, for the most part, it is powered by an all-new S6 system-in-package that is built to make the Apple Watch run better and for longer before the battery runs down. According to Apple, it runs 20% faster than the Series 5 and makes it possible to have a brighter always-on screen than the Series 5.

The key new technology for the Apple Watch Series 6 is the blood oxygen monitor (or SpO2 sensor) to keep track of how oxygenated you are. 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. Other updates include new case finishes, like a blue and (Product)RED aluminum, and new bands and watch faces.

Best Prime Day Apple Watch SE Deals

The new Apple Watch SE is designed to be an entry-level model that includes many of the same features as the Apple Watch Series 6, save for a few key aspects, at a lower price. It doesn't include an always-on display like the Series 6, though its Retina Display is 30% larger than the Series 3. It also can't take an ECG or read your blood oxygen.

However, the Apple Watch SE still provides high and low heart rate notifications, irregular heart rhythm notifications, emergency SOS, and fall detection. It also includes a compass and always-on altimeter, water-resistance up to 50m, and runs the dual-core S5 chipset from the previous-gen Series 5, meaning it will be future-proofed for many years of software updates.

Best Prime Day Apple Watch Series 5 Deals

Apple Watch Series 5 is the 2019 iteration of Apple's smartwatch. The biggest addition to Series 5 compared to the Series 4 before it was the always-on display, so you can check the time without having to move your arm. It also had its internal capacity boosted to 32GB, so you'll have more room for music and podcasts as well as the newer S5 chip. On top of that, it has a built-in compass. If those things matter to you, or you want a solid jump in performance from an older Watch model, then opt for the Series 5. Looks-wise, it is basically the same as the Series 4, though.

Since the Series 5 has now been discontinued, deals are few and far between as the product goes away. However, when retailers have stock to clear, there are sometimes some great deals on offer.

Best Prime Day Apple Watch Series 4 Deals

The 2018 Apple Watch Series 4 has officially been discontinued by Apple, though you can still purchase it via third-party retailers. The supply tends to be constrained since it's not being manufactured anymore, but you can often snag a decent saving if you know where to look. As the Series 5 represents a modest update, the Series 4 is a great pickup if you can get a deal on one.

Best Prime Day Apple Watch Series 3 Deals

The Apple Watch Series 3 stuck around as the entry-level model when Apple launched the Series 5 last year, and it is still available now that the Series 6 has been released. It doesn't boast the same edge-to-edge display as the Series 5 or Series 6. However, it's still a more-than-capable smartwatch for tracking your daily movement and delivering you timely notifications. It retails at $199 and occasionally drops even lower, making it a good starter device for those not wanting to spend a bunch of money or not wanting to stretch to the Apple Watch SE.

Prime Day Apple Watch Price Tracking

When it comes to Apple Watch pricing, the best time to buy is around major shopping events like Prime Day and Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales. These events are when retailers compete for your dollars, particularly ahead of the gift-giving season, so you're more likely to find big discounts.

It's also worth keeping your eyes peeled for when Apple releases new Apple Watch models. We've seen some movement in the Series 5 and Series 3 pricing, for example, now that the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE have been released.

If you don't need something brand new, refurbished units are the way to go. When purchased from a reputable seller like Apple or Best Buy, you can save a good amount and get hardware that looks and performs like new.

Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Apple Watch SE vs. Apple Watch Series 3: Which Apple Watch model should I buy on Prime Day?

There are a lot of things to factor in when it comes to picking the right Apple Watch, balancing features with price, as well as ensuring you're investing your money in a product that will stand the test of time.

As it stands, Apple sells the Apple Watch Series 3, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 6 after discontinuing the previous-gen Series 4 and Series 5 models. The Series 3 stuck around as the lower-end option last year, with the price falling to $199. At that time, the Series 5 was there for those wanting the latest cutting-edge features. The Series 6 has now taken that top-of-the-line spot, and an all-new model has been added between it and the Series 3: the Apple Watch SE. The Series 3, Series 4, Series 5, SE, and Series 6 all support watchOS 7 released last fall.

If you want to snag yourself or a loved one their first Apple Watch, the Series 3 is the lowest-priced option and a good entry point for those wanting to spend the least amount of money possible. Despite being a few years old now, it supports the latest watchOS software. Still, it packs in a bunch of advanced health and fitness monitoring sensors while keeping you connected to your friends and family without being glued to your iPhone.

The Series 4 was the first model to take the screen edge-to-edge, bumping the sizes up to 40mm and 44mm. Internally, it got a new processor with the S4 chip, twice as fast as the one in the Series 3. It also added an optical heart rate sensor for the first time to perform an ECG and upgraded the Bluetooth to version 5.0 for a more reliable and battery-efficient connection.

Apple Watch Series 5 built on the Series 4, maintaining the same design while boosting the processor, storage capacity, and other sensors. It was also the first model to add an always-on display.

Those wanting to have the latest and greatest Apple Watch should, of course, go for the Apple Watch Series 6. It's the newest top-of-the-line model, having only been released this September, and is, therefore, the most advanced (and most expensive). Key differentiators between the Series 6 and its predecessor are its brighter always-on display, improved S6 processor, blood oxygen sensor, always-on altimeter, plus new case finishes, including a blue and (Product)RED aluminum.

The Apple Watch SE poses an interesting mid-range option. It has the same features as the Apple Watch Series 6, like the edge-to-edge display, compass, always-on altimeter, water-resistance up to 50m, and cellular options. To keep its price affordable, it runs last year's S5 processor from the Series 5, eschews the always-on display, blood oxygen sensor, and ECG capability. That being said, it's an affordable model that will last for quite some time thanks to its powerful internals and may make a wiser choice than the Series 3 at this stage if you can stretch to the extra $80.

What's the difference between Apple Watch case materials?

Apple Watch is available with an aluminum case or a stainless steel case, with each material being available in a few colors to suit your personal tastes. The aluminum case has a matte finish, while stainless steel is shiny and has more of a "jewelry" look. Both of these configurations work the same in a functional sense with the same features and internal components, so it is really a personal preference for case materials.

That being said, there is a subtle difference with the display glass of the aluminum and stainless steel Apple Watch models, with the former making use of an Ion-X glass and the latter using the sapphire crystal to cover the display. Ion-X glass is lighter and more resistant to impact than sapphire crystal, though it will scratch far more easily. The activity you intend to use your Apple Watch for may dictate your choice here. It's worth noting that traditional mid-to-high-end analog watches usually sport a sapphire crystal. You also might consider an Apple Watch case if you're concerned about damaging your screen.

The current Apple Watch Edition has a titanium case with a light or dark gray finish and with sapphire crystal display. Titanium is particularly strong and lightweight, with a special surface coating to resist stains and fingerprints. This coating also helps preserve the natural brushed finish.

Do I need an Apple Watch with Cellular connectivity?

All of the Apple Watch models currently sold offer a GPS-only model or a GPS + Cellular version. Both the GPS-only and the GPS + Cellular iterations of the Apple Watch can make and receive calls, send and receive texts, get notifications, listen to music directly, and perform actions for various supported third-party apps. The big difference is that the Cellular model allows you to use your Apple Watch, even if your iPhone is nowhere near you. If that sounds like something you need, then go for Cellular. Bear in mind, though, that the Cellular models are generally a tad more expensive and require you to have a data plan with your carrier or service, which may cost more per month if you wish to use the cellular feature. Using your Apple Watch's cellular capabilities will also have an impact on battery life.

The Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Series 6 with GPS + Cellular support international emergency calling, even if you don't have an active cellular plan.

If you plan to use Family Setup, it requires an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with cellular connectivity to function, so bear that in mind, too.

Will my Apple Watch bands still fit if I upgrade to a new model?

Yes! The great news about upgrading your Apple Watch on Prime Day is that you can keep your existing Apple Watch band collection. If you have a 38mm Apple Watch, your bands will work with 38mm or 40mm Apple Watch devices of any series. Similarly, if you're currently using a 42mm Apple Watch, your bands are compatible with the 44mm Apple Watch devices, too.

Why should I buy an Apple Watch over a Fitbit or other smartwatch on Prime Day?

There are tons of fitness trackers on the market from Fitbit, Garmin, Xiaomi, and more, and many of them cost less than an Apple Watch. While the features of your run-of-the-mill tracker vary by model, the majority do not offer the same level of health and fitness tracking accuracy as Apple's newest smartwatches, and none of them come close when it comes to the broad array of apps and the tight integration with your other Apple devices and services. You can also use your Apple Watch to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, use Siri, and much more.

If you're all-in on the Apple ecosystem, it makes sense to go with the first-party Apple Watch if you want to benefit from that tight integration.

What iPhone do you need to use an Apple Watch?

Your new Apple Watch is likely to arrive running Apple's latest watchOS software — watchOS 7 — which requires your phone to run iOS 14. That means you need a phone that is as recent as the iPhone 6s or newer to upgrade your Apple Watch. This goes for the upcoming iOS 15 as well, as the iPhone 6s will still be supported, which you'll need to have running to support the upcoming watchOS 8.

Are Prime Day Apple Watch deals worth buying?

Apple users have long been used to paying a premium for the Cupertino company's products. The so-called "Apple Tax" also applies to the Apple Watch, though there isn't a smartwatch on the market that really compares to the Apple Watch when it comes to functionality. For iPhone users and those deep into the Apple ecosystem of apps and services, the Apple Watch is a no-brainer choice for wearables, even if you could get a dedicated fitness tracker for less. With the above Prime Day Apple Watch deals, you could hopefully escape paying more than you need to for one of Apple's latest devices, too.

What you need to know

• Apple reportedly took one-third of the smartwatch market in Q1.
• It blew the competition from Huawei and Samsung out of the waTER.
• The market as a whole also grew by some 35% year on year.

New research claims Apple took one-third of the smartwatch market in Q1 2021 thanks to the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 6.

From Counterpoint:

According to the figures, Apple took a 33.5% share of Q1, up from 30.3% on the same quarter last year. Its closest competitor was Huawei, which saw its share fall to just 8.4%, and Samsung which had a share of 8.0%.

Recent leaks from Jon Prosser indicate the next Apple Watch might feature flat-edges thanks to a brand new redesign. Right now however the best Apple Watch remains the Series 6 and Apple Watch SE, and you can find the best Apple Watch deals for both products in our roundup.

If you're yet to upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 6, Amazon has got some exceptional Apple Watch deals going on right now that might make now the perfect time to change that.

Right now, you can save as much as $91 there with entry-level prices dropping as low as $329 making for some of the best Series 6 deal to date. Various configurations and styles are discounted so be sure to click through the different styles to find your favorite.

With Apple Watch Series 6m you're getting the latest, top-of-the-line Apple Watch model which only hit the market last fall. It keeps features from the previous-gen Series 5 like accurate heart rate monitoring, the ability to take an ECG, fall detection, customizable watch faces, and daily activity tracking, while also adding some useful new capabilities.

One notable Series 6-exclusive feature is Blood Oxygen monitoring. It allows the wearer to measure the level of oxygenation in their blood via the Apple Watch's built-in sensor and Blood Oxygen app. The watch will also do some background monitoring of your blood oxygen levels as you go about your day, whether you are working, working out, relaxing, and even sleeping.

The Series 6 also has an always-on altimeter, which allows you to always understand your current elevation at any moment. While it might not be something you need to use every day, it's a really handy feature for those who like to hike, camp, or cyclists who enjoy a good hill climb. The new, brighter always-on display also makes it easier to check the time or any other data point at a glance, especially outdoors.

On the inside, the Series 6 has been upgraded to a new S6 system-in-package which is 20% faster without sacrificing the all-day 18-hour battery life. In fact, the latest Apple Watch charges faster and actually has improved battery life for some tasks, such as certain types of workouts like running.

At today's price, the Apple Watch Series 6 is not much more expensive than the Apple Watch SE so it's definitely worth comparing the two to see which is right for you.

What you need to know

• The Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE have been added to Apple's Certified Refurbished store.
• Customers can get savings as much as $100 depending on the model.

Wow, have the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE been out for that long already?

Spotted by MacRumors, Apple has added stock of the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE to its Certified Refurbished store. Customers who choose a Certified Refurbished Apple Watch can save up to $100 depending on the configuration they choose.

While the Apple Watch SE is listed as an option on the site now, it appears that Apple is either still getting ready to list them or people already purchased what was available.

There are, however, configurations of the Apple Watch Series 6 available at the time of this article's publishing. There are both GPS only and GPS + Cellular models in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold available in both 40mm and 44mm. Blue and (PRODUCT)RED colors are currently not available.

Apple's Certified Refurbished program is still one of the best-kept secrets of the company. Customers who take advantage of the program get a "like new" device with AppleCare while saving up to 15% on the purchase.

You can check out the new listings on the Apple Certified Refurbished website.

If you didn't upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 6 last fall and the holiday Apple Watch deals didn't take your fancy, Amazon is back with another stellar off on Apple's latest wearable that might just change your mind.

Right now, you can snag the red 40mm model for just $299 there. That's a $100 price cut and the lowest we have ever seen this model go making this the best Series 6 deal to date. Other Series 6 configurations are also discounted with as much as $80 off their usual prices so be sure to click through the different styles to find your favorite.

Apple Watch Series 6 is the latest, top-of-the-line Apple Watch model which hit the market late last year. It maintains features from the previous Series 5 like heart rate monitoring, the ability to take an ECG, fall detection, customizable watch faces, and activity tracking, while also adding some useful new capabilities.

One notable addition exclusive to the Series 6 is Blood Oxygen monitoring. It allows users to measure the level of oxygenation in their blood via the built-in sensor and Blood Oxygen app. The watch will also do some background monitoring of your blood oxygen levels as you work, work out, relax, and sleep.

Also only on the Series 6 is an always-on altimeter, which allows you to always understand your current elevation at any moment. This is a really handy feature for those who like to hike, camp, or cyclists who enjoy a good hill climb. The new, brighter always-on display also makes it easier to check the time or any other data point at a glance, especially outdoors.

On the inside, the Series 6 has been upgraded to a new S6 system-in-package which is 20% faster without sacrificing the all-day 18-hour battery life. In fact, the latest Apple Watch charges faster and actually has improved battery life for some tasks, such as certain types of workouts like running.

At today's price, the Apple Watch Series 6 is not much more expensive than the Apple Watch SE so it's definitely worth comparing the two to see which is right for you.

We saw some stellar Apple Watch deals for the holidays but none of those offers compares to the price cut the Apple Watch Series 6 is seeing today at Amazon. Right now, you can snag the red 40mm model for just $319.99 there. That's thanks to a direct price cut to $384.98 and a further $64.99 discount that is applied automatically at checkout.

This is the lowest we have ever seen this model go making this the best Series 6 deal to date with close to $80 off its retail price. Other Series 6 configurations are also discounted with as much as $50 off their usual prices so be sure to click through the different styles to find your favorite.

The Series 6 is the top-of-the-line Apple Watch model and it only hit the market this fall. It adds Blood Oxygen monitoring for the first time which allows users to measure the level of oxygenation in their blood via the built-in sensor and Blood Oxygen app. The watch will also do some background monitoring of your blood oxygen levels as you work, work out, relax, and sleep.

Another new addition exclusive to the Series 6 is an always-on altimeter, which allows you to always understand your current elevation at any moment. This is a handy feature for those who like to hike, camp, or cyclists who enjoy a good hill climb. The new, brighter always-on display also makes it easier to check the time or any other data point at a glance, especially outdoors.

Internally, the Series 6 has been upgraded to the S6 system-in-package which runs up to 20 percent faster while maintaining the same all-day 18-hour battery life. It also offers faster charging, completing a full charge in under 1.5 hours according to Apple, as well as improved battery life for certain workouts like running.

The watch continues to support all of the great features, like heart rate monitoring, the ability to take an ECG, fall detection, customizable watch faces, and activity tracking.

While the previous-gen Apple Watch Series 3 is the most affordable option, it isn't discounted as steeply and, being an older model, it might end up needing to be replaced in a couple of years once it no longer supports the latest watchOS updates. The newly-released Apple Watch SE is also available from $270.

What you need to know

• The Black Unity Apple Watch Series 6 is beginning to sell out.
• The 44mm version of the watch is already sold out completely.

The limited edition Black Unity Apple Watch Series 6 is becoming more difficult to get hold of, with the 44mm version currently sold out entirely.

First spotted by Brazilian journalist Pedro Henrique Nunes, stocks are very difficult to come by and anyone looking to get their hands on this particular model should probably look to place an order sooner rather than later.

Apple announced the limited edition Apple Watch Series 6 in January but never said how limited it would be. The watch was announced to celebrate Black History month.

There are of course other Apple Watch models to buy right now, not least the standard Apple Watch Series 6 model. That's currently the best Apple Watch money can buy and that will remain the case until later this year. At that point we'd expect Apple Watch Series 7 to be announced although we don't yet know what that will offer.

For 2020/21, Apple has decided to release not one, but two new Apple Watches. If you're looking for everything Apple Watch has to offer, you'll want to invest in the Series 6. If you want to save some money, but still want most of the cutting-edge features found on that model, go with the all-new SE.

Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Apple Watch SE: The differences

It's difficult to see the differences between these two Apple Watch models, at least on the outside. Dig deeper, however, and you can see where the less expensive SE lacks, as the following chart shows.

Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Apple Watch SE: Better health and more with Series 6

The Apple Watch Series 6 is the first to offer a blood oxygen sensor. Like the Series 5 before it, the model also has an electrical heart sensor and always-on display. The latter has been "enhanced" for this year. The Series 6 also includes a fresh dual-core S6 SiP.

As the current flagship, the Series 6 is also the only Apple Watch to come in stainless steel, titanium, and Hermès. There are also Series 6 aluminum model exclusives, blue and (PRODUCT)RED. Finally, Series 6 is the only Apple Watch to include a U1 chip. First introduced on the iPhone 11 series, the chip offers improved spatial awareness and accuracy than Bluetooth LE and Wi-Fi.

Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Apple Watch SE: Much is the same with SE

With the Apple Watch SE, you still get many of the same features found on the Series 6. These include 32GB storage, a bigger display, fall detection, international emergency calling, noise monitoring, support for Family Setup, compass, always-on altimeter, Digital Crown with haptic feedback, second-generation speaker, and mic, a ceramic and sapphire crystal back.

The Apple Watch SE is available in both 44mm and 40mm sizes and in both GPS only and GPS + Cellular models. One advantage to the SE is if you want a GPS + Cellular model, the price increase over the GPS-only model is only $50, rather than the $100 price difference for the Series 6.

Apple Watch Series 6 vs. Apple Watch SE: Which should you buy?

If you're looking for the latest and greatest Apple Watch, the Series 6 is the choice for you. It's the one with the most features and styles. Its two biggest features, the blood oxygen monitor and electrical heart sensor, take wellness to new levels.

For those new to Apple Watch, the SE could be the model for you. Offering many of the same features as the Series 6, the SE is aggressively priced and a much better solution than the Series 3.

Regardless of the model you select, be sure to check out some of our favorite Watch bands!

What you need to know

• Apple has three new Apple Watch ads out designed to highlight various benefits.
• The ads again focus on the power of Apple Watch in the world of personal health.

The health benefits of Apple Watch Series 6 are at the heart of a new round of YouTube ads, with sleep, ECG, and workouts front and center.

Apple always touts the health benefits of Apple Watch as one of the main reasons to pick one up, and rightly so. This latest collection of ads is designed to drive home just what the wearable is capable of and why you might want to strap one to your wrist whether you're a workout fanatic or not.

Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE are Apple's latest wearables although you don't need the latest and greatest to enjoy the features Apple mentions in these ads. Apple Watches have been known to save lives for a number of years now, whether it's by encouraging healthy habits or outright spotting heart defects before a wearer noticed anything themselves.

What you need to know

• The University Health Network has launched a new study about heart failure.
• This study utilizes data from the Blood Oxygen app on the Apple Watch Series 6.
• Data from this study could determine if patients could potentially assess themselves at home, rather than going to clinics.

The University Health Network (UHN) has announced the launch of a brand new study about how the Apple Watch can assist in detecting heart failure and progression in its early stages. Apple is partnering with cardiologist Dr. Heather Ross for this comprehensive study, and it utilizes the Blood Oxygen app on the Apple Watch Series 6.

In this study, data from the Apple Watch will be routinely collected and compared to the physical tests that heart failure patients go through. This will help determine whether the health sensors and other features in the Apple Watch, including the Blood Oxygen app as well as other metrics, can actually provide early warning signs for patients. This study can also help decide if patients can do assessments at home, rather than going to clinics.

For the study, patients from Peter Munk Cardiac Centre will soon be asked if they want to participate in a monitoring study, which will actively last for three months. Each patient will need to use an iPhone and an Apple Watch Series 6, since it is the only Apple Watch with the necessary Blood Oxygen app.

According to Apple's Vice President of Health, Sumbul Desai, it's important that there are studies like this to provide hearth health insights, and how the Apple Watch can play an important role in determining that.

Dr. Ross, who is in charge of this particular study, believes that Apple Watch biometric data "may provide comparable, precise, and accurate measurements of fitness, prognostic markers and early warning signals, compared to traditional diagnostics."

This is not the first heart-related study that Apple has participated in. Back in 2019, Stanford Medicine published a paper on its Apple Watch Heart Study, where they were trying to determine whether the Apple Watch can be used to detect atrial fibrillation. From this study, the conclusion was reached that the Apple Watch actually can be used to detect irregular heart rhythms.

So this new heart failure study could possibly lead to similar results, but with blood oxygen levels instead. Since COVID-19 has an effect on the levels of oxygen in the blood, this study can prove beneficial.

What you need to know

• Apple Watch is now available on the Spectrum Mobile calendar for the first time.
• Users can add an Apple Watch to their existing plan for $10 per month.

Charter Communications today announced that its Spectrum Mobile carrier now supports Apple Watch for the first time. While the latest Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE are supported, it's also notable that anything from Apple Watch Series 3 and later will work just fine.

Charter also confirmed that users who activate a new Apple Watch will also receive three free months of coverage, while pricing runs at $10 for those adding their watch to an existing Spectrum Mobile plan.

Owners of Apple Watches will need to have an iPhone already with Spectrum Mobile to be able to add an Apple Watch, but that shouldn't be a huge surprise to anyone. Anyone wanting to bag a new Apple Watch can head over to the Spectrum Mobile website to order an Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch SE right now.

We saw some excellent Apple Watch deals ahead of the holidays but fear not if you missed out on those as you have one more chance to score some savings today. Right now, various Apple Watch Series 6 models are on at Amazon with as much as $70 off regular prices. The deal applies to both 40mm and 44mm models as well as cellular-enabled models.

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Having now been replaced by the 24-inch M1 iMac, Apple's 21.5-inch iMac has been discontinued. That means big savings at third-party retailers including at Amazon where it's discounted by $399.

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This sale includes iPhone models, the Apple Watch, iMac and iPad devices, Beats headphones, Apple services, and more. The deals vary by product, so be sure to check them all out now.

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Change how you use your iPad with the Apple Pencil. This stylus lets you use your iPad as a notepad, a canvas, or a drawing board for all of your ideas. Today's deal saves you 20% instantly at Verizon.

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Updated in late 2020, the Mac Mini has Apple's M1 chip that combines CPU, GPU, and machine learning for faster performance, better graphics, and an all around streamlined device. This version has 8GB RAM and a 256GB solid state drive.

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Apple Watch Series 6 models are available for some of their best prices ever right now. The lowest price is on the red 40mm version which is $70 off with 44mm and cellular models seeing discounts of up to $91.

The Series 6 is the top-of-the-line Apple Watch model and it only hit the market this fall. It adds Blood Oxygen monitoring for the first time which allows users to measure the level of oxygenation in their blood via the built-in sensor and Blood Oxygen app. The watch will also do some background monitoring of your blood oxygen levels as you work, workout, relax, and sleep.

Another new addition exclusive to the Series 6 is an always-on altimeter, which allows you to always understand your current elevation at any moment. This is a handy feature for those who like to hike, camp, or cyclists who enjoy a good hill climb. The new, brighter always-on display also makes it easier to check the time or any other data point at a glance, especially outdoors.

Internally, the Series 6 has been upgraded to the S6 system-in-package which runs up to 20 percent faster while maintaining the same all-day 18-hour battery life. It also offers faster charging, completing a full charge in under 1.5 hours according to Apple, as well as improved battery life for certain workouts like running.

The watch continues to support all of the great features, like heart rate monitoring, the ability to take an ECG, fall detection, customizable watch faces, and activity tracking.

While the previous-gen Apple Watch Series 3 is the most affordable option, it isn't discounted as steeply and being an older model, it might end up needing to be replaced in a couple of years once it no longer supports the latest watchOS updates. The newly-released Apple Watch SE is also available from $269.

What you need to know

• Apple is offering trade-in bonuses against a new Apple Watch.
• Apple Watch Series 6 is available from $239.
• Apple Watch SE is available from $199.

Apple is offering people the chance to bag a brand new Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch SE at bargain prices as part of a new trade-in bonus scheme during Heart Month.

Set to come to an end on February 28, the new limited-time Apple Watch deal gives buyers the chance to bag an Apple Watch Series 6 for $239 while an Apple Watch SE will set them back just $199. Apple says that those prices are based on handing over an Apple Watch Series 4 and Series 3 in good condition, respectively. Your prices might vary.

The new trade-in prices can be had by looking for the Heart Month box on the Apple Watch webpage in the Apple Store.

Both the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE allow users to keep track of their heart rate while the more costly model also offers an ECG functionality. Both would be a great addition to anyone's wrist, especially at these prices.

What you need to know

• Apple just released a brand new Apple Watch.
• It's a limited-edition Apple Watch Series 6 Black Unity with Black Unity Sport Band.
• Apple also has new Podcasts and Book curations to celebrate Black History Month.

Apple has just unveiled a brand new Apple Watch Series 6 to celebrate Black History Month.

In a press release Apple stated:

The new Watch will be available starting on February 1, and the accompanying Apple Watch faces will come in Apple watchOS 7.3 later today. The Black Unity edition Apple Watch Series 6 starts at $399, or $499 for the cellular version, and will be available online and in-store from Apple and Target in the US, and over 38 other countries and regions. You'll have to move fast though, as the limited-edition Watch will only be available in February. The new Apple Watch Unity band will be available separately for $49, the usual cost of a band.

The new Watch is part of Apple's curated coverage of Black History Month, from the release:

Apple will spotlight apps through February with a new App Store Black History Month Hub, spotlighting Black-owned businesses, developers, and more. Apple Music will honor Black artists, moments, and movements. There will be new Apple Maps Guides created with EatOkra, a Black-owned business directory app based in Brooklyn.

Apple is also rolling out Apple Fitness+ themed workouts, and author Ibram X. Kendi will star in Apple's new 'Time to Walk' feature in February.

Today at Apple is also offering hands-on virtual sessions in partnership with It's Nice That hosted by Black creators focused on using creativity to bring about change.

The Apple TV app will spotlight "the multidimensionality of the Black family and its representation onscreen" as part of its 'Essential Stories' this month, and Apple News readers will be able to explore curated news and the best journalism on race in America. Furthermore:

Apple Books will highlight new books and audiobooks from Black authors across a variety of genres, and Apple Podcasts is getting an expansive set of shows featuring Michelle Obama, Joe Budden, Phoebe Robinson, and Baratunde Thurston.

Finally, a new Shot on iPhone campaign called 'hometown' will highlight the work of more than 30 Black photographers commissioned by Apple.

Earlier this month Apple announced further efforts through a new Racial Equity and Justice initiative.

What you need to know

• A spell of low pressure in Germany has thrown many Apple Watch altimeters off, giving incorrect readings to users.
• Without manual calibration, users are unable to fix the problem manually.

A spell of low pressure in Germany has caused altimeters on the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE to give out some wonky readings.

As reported by iPhone-ticker.de:

iPhone-ticker says it has received "a number" of complaints about the issue. According to the report, users in Apple's German support forums have established that a period of low air pressure at high altitudes has combined to throw the altimeters off. As the report notes, this is standard behavior when it comes to barometric altimeters. Unfortunately, however, the usual remedy of simply recalibrating is not available to Apple Watch users because this can't be done manually. Apple added the always-on altimeter to Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE last year. From Apple:

Some users are reportedly still experiencing the issue, and have found the only solution to be a factory-reset of their iPhone and Apple Watch.

Apple Watch had a hell of a year in 2020. While we were all expecting the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple surprised everyone with the launch of a second Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE. Plus, Apple kept the Apple Watch Series 3 in the lineup as a low-cost option for people who want a cheaper one, meaning picking up the best Apple Watch for you has never been easier. With 2020 almost behind us, it's time to ask the question: what's in store for the Apple Watch in 2021?

While there aren't many rumors for the Apple Watch Series 7 (presumably that's what it will be called) as of yet, let's take out our tarot cards, crystal ball, and tea leaves and try to suss out what next for Apple Watch in 2021.

Apple Watch in 2021: Realistic predictions

There are quite a few features I would love to see in future versions of the Apple Watch, but not all of those wishes are the most realistic. I'll start by talking about some realistic predictions for the Apple Watch in 2021.

Touch ID on the Apple Watch has been on many people's wishlist for a long time. Thanks to a patent that Tech Radar found the Apple Watch Series 7 could be the watch that makes that dream a reality. Since Touch ID was introduced, it has been a fan-favorite biometric identification. While Face ID is certainly awesome, Touch ID has always had a loyal following.

The patent suggests that the Touch ID sensor would be in the power button on the side of the Apple Watch. This year, we saw Apple use Touch ID in a power button on the iPad Air 4. As mentioned in our iPad Air 4 review, the Touch Id works great. It's lightning-fast and super responsive, making it easy to unlock and authenticate all at once.

Tapping your Apple Watch's power button twice already brings up your Wallet; imagine double tapping and already being authenticated for your purchase in a flash. It would be great.

Yes. Yes. A million times, yes. 2021 may be the year that Apple finally gets rid of the dinky 20-24 hours charging cycle we've all become accustomed to on the Apple Watch.

Patently Apple found a patent for a Battery band which would host extra battery power inside an Apple Watch band. This would be a great solution to Apple Watch's battery problems. Bands are easily swappable, and many people have different bands to use for various activities already, so giving people the option to increase the battery life would likely be popular.

When the Fitbit Sense launched earlier this year, Fitbit announced some new stress monitoring and mental health management features. I was hopeful that maybe the Apple Watch Series 6 (or watchOS 7) would follow suit; however, that was not the case.

I think it's entirely possible that Apple finally implements mental health management on the Apple Watch in 2021. It would probably mostly come in updates to the software behind the Apple Watch — watchOS — but mental health has been brought to the forefront thanks to the pandemic this year, so it would be super timely for Apple to get on the hot new thing.

My inkling is to say no. There won't be an Apple Watch SE 2 in 2021. I think Apple will continue to sell the current Apple Watch SE in 2021 and beyond.

My Apple Watch SE review makes it clear that although the SE uses the processor from the Apple Watch Series 5, it in no way is slow or anywhere close to showing its age. Much like the iPhone SE, the Apple Watch SE will be a solid option for people who want to save a little money and don't mind missing out on a few high-end features for a few years to come.

Apple Watch in 2021: Unrealistic wishlist

While taking a look at the future of the Apple Watch in a practical sense is smart and sensible, I also have some dreams for the Apple Watch that are a bit on the unrealistic wishlist. Let's take a wild ride for a few minutes and talk about some of the things I want from the Apple Watch in 2021.

My perfect Apple Watch would only need to be charged about once a week. I'm not entirely sure how Apple could make that happen, but I'm open to anything. A larger version of the Apple Watch to squeeze a bigger battery in, a battery band (which we talked about above), or perhaps a super battery saving mode you can turn on that only allows you to track your fitness and turns off all smartwatch features. Anything that Apple can do to increase the Apple Watch's battery life in 2021 should be considered!

This may not be the most outlandish thing to wish for; after all, a circular Apple Watch has been rumored and given fan concept designs in the past, but it still seems unlikely. watchOS would need some significant changes to work on both a square and round design, and I don't know if Apple is ready to make that jump. Still, it would be really cool to see an upgrade to the Apple Watch's design language since it remains mainly the same since its inception.

It's time to let the Apple Watch stand on its own and allow people to use it independently of an iPhone. With Fitness+ launching and requiring an Appel Watch to use the service, it would be nice if Apple allowed the Appel Watch not to be shackled to the iPhone.

Maybe, as long as you have one other Apple device, your Apple Watch can roam free. Pair the Apple Watch with your Apple TV, let the Watch receive updates that way, or let people pair it with an iPad and be done with it. The Apple Watch is a fantastic fitness and all-around health tracker, and it seems a shame to only limited that to people with iPhones.

What do you want on the Apple Watch in 2021?

Are there new features you're dying to come to the Apple Watch in 2021? Let us know in the comments down below.

Despite being Apple's latest smartwatch models, the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE have seen some solid sales since their release in September. While you might think the Apple Watch deals would have ended with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there are a ton of savings still on offer at Amazon with many models still shipping in time for Christmas — though this might be your last chance to snag one.

Apple Watch Series 6 is the latest, top-of-the-line Apple Watch iteration. Though it looks like the Series 5, for the most part, it is powered by an all-new S6 system-in-package that is built to make the Apple Watch run better and for longer before the battery runs down. According to Apple, 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.

The key new technology for the Apple Watch Series 6 is the blood oxygen monitor (or SpO2 sensor) that can keep track of how oxygenated you are. 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. Other updates include new case finishes, like a blue and (Product)RED aluminum, as well as new bands and watch faces.

Entry-level models are discounted as low as $349.99 with some GPS + Cellular models seeing savings in the realm of $70. These prices won't hang around for much longer, and the shipping timeframes are only going to stretch longer at this point, so it's best to place your order as soon as possible if you want one this side of Christmas (or in 2020 at all).

The new Apple Watch SE is designed to be an entry-level model that includes a bunch of the same features as the Apple Watch Series 6, save for a few key aspects, at a lower price. Its display is 30% larger than that of the Series 3, though it's not always-on like the Series 6, and it's powered by the dual-core S5 chipset from the previous-gen Series 5 meaning it will be future-proofed for many years of software updates.

The Apple Watch SE provides high and low heart rate notifications, irregular heart rhythm notifications, emergency SOS, and fall detection. It also includes a compass and always-on altimeter, as well as water-resistance up to 50m so you can track your swimming workouts or simply rest assured knowing it won't get damaged while washing your hands.

Though the 40mm models aren't discounted quite as steeply, the 44mm version dropping to just $249.99 marks a new all-time low for the larger model. It's no surprise that it is already set to deliver post-Christmas, but it's still well worth locking that price in. GPS+ Cellular models are also on sale.

It's worth bearing in mind that the SE can't take an ECG or read your blood oxygen like the flagship Apple Watch Series 6. Check out our guide to the other key Apple Watch SE and Series 6 differences if you need help deciding which is right for your wrist.

What you need to know

• Insurance Company John Hancock is offering a bargain Apple Watch Series 6 to customers.
• $25 gets you an Apple Watch Series 6.
• But you'll need to stay active to pay no more.

LIfe insurance company John Hancock is offering its customers the chance to bag an Apple Watch Series 6 for just $25 so long as they keep moving enough to earn it. Customers can also choose an Apple Watch SE if they'd prefer, too.

Put simply, people pay $25 to get their Apple Watch and then pay the remaining fee monthly. But those who exercise enough will see their monthly fee wiped out.

The move is one that could see people incentivized to exercise where they might otherwise not bother. If there's one great motivator, it's the chance to save money!

The amount of money people will save will depend on the amount of exercise they do.

John Hancock customers can sign up to get their Apple Watch easily enough. So what are you waiting for?

If ever there was a year best described as blue, it would be 2020. Perhaps taking this into account, Apple has introduced blue color options for three of its most important product lines, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. However, this being Apple, no two blues are the same.

Let's call it Blue Tuesday, September 15, when the first new blue Apple products were announced. First, Cupertino introduced a dark blue aluminum Apple Watch Series 6. A few moments later, it surprised many by unveiling a pastel-focused iPad Air 4 collection, which includes a light blue model. Both new products represented the first time any shade of blue launched for the Apple Watch and iPad lineup.

Fast-forward to this month's iPhone event, which proved Apple was still feeling blue. First, many no doubt drooled over the blue iPhone 12 (and iPhone 12 mini). Later, would-be iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max buyers were rewarded with a Pacific Blue model that's best described as ocean or sea blue.

This was the first iPhone Pro available in any shade of blue; the blue iPhone 12 arrived after similar blues launched for the iPhone XR and iPhone 5c in past years.

Besides black (or perhaps a special Exorcist themed pea soup colored iPhone 12), blue is probably the best color to represent this terrible year. And yet, conformity didn't play a role in which shade of blue Apple used for its new iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. Honestly, it's no big deal and so 2020. And yet, no be surprised if some folks believe Apple's using the same shade across all products.

My biggest question now is whether we're about to see a blue MacBook Air or iMac in the coming weeks. How about one in Polynesian or Steel Blue?

While it may be in October rather than July this year, the best Prime Day deals are starting to pop up on many different items. The new Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE may have only come out about a month ago, but that doesn't stop Amazon from marking the price down just a little bit on Prime Day. If you're looking to upgrade your older Apple Watch, or buy your first Apple Watch, Prime Day may be the best time to do it.

Prime Day or not, Apple's prices stay pretty consistent

Historically, Apple doesn't have huge sales on its devices, but there are always special circumstances for Prime Day deals on the Apple Watch. That's the benefit of going through Amazon to buy your Apple Watch because it's a third-party seller, it does have a little more leeway and incentive to offer deals.

Even though the Prime Day deals on the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE may not be gangbusters, the real winner is the discount on the already-cheap Apple Watch Series 3. You can't beat that price!

Black Friday prices may not be better than this

With Black Friday just a few short weeks away, you may be wondering if Apple Watch prices will be lower than they are now, and the truth is, probably not. As we mentioned before, Black Friday isn't a considerable sale time for Apple — especially on their newest devices.

If you're looking for an Apple Watch, I won't hesitate to buy it right now and save a little cash. Be sure to check out all the Prime Day deals we've found, so you can buy all the things you want for less money.

What you need to know

• Apple's VP of Human Interface Design has appeared on the HODINKEE podcast.
• Alan Dye discussed Apple Watch Series 6 with Stephen Pulvirent.
• They talked about Apple Watch faces, old school design, and more.

Apple's VP of Human Interface Design, Alan Dye, has appeared on the HODINKEE podcast to talk about Apple Watch Series 6 design.

From HODINKEE, Monday:

The podcast also includes appearances from industry heavyweight Om Malik and Daring Fireball's John Gruber.

On the show, the group discusses behind-the-scenes information about Apple's Watch faces, how Apple Watch fits into Apple's broader strategy, and whether you should buy the Apple Watch. You can listen to the show here.

If you're curious about the latest model, our very own Apple Watch Series 6 review reveals that the newest edition gives you more control over your health and wellbeing than ever before with 24-hour battery life, a new speedy processor, blood oxygen monitoring, and new colors!

What you need to know

• Apple Watch Series 6 has a blood oxygen sensor built in.
• But that sensor hasn't been approved by the FDA.
• It didn't need to be, either.

Apple's recently-released Apple Watch Series 6 is the best Apple Watch yet. Part of the reason for that is the inclusion of a blood oxygen sensor for the first time. But unlike Apple Watch's ECG functionality, that blood oxygen sensor hasn't been anywhere near the FDA. It hasn't been given the seal of approval. And the reason is exactly what we thought it was.

It didn't need it.

The Verge has a new report out today that explains why the blood oxygen sensor isn't approved. The tl;dr version is simple – the sensor isn't designed to be accurate enough to be classed as medical-grade. Instead, Apple says it's only to be used for wellness purposes. It's a loophole of sorts, but it also explains why there have been times where reviewers have had wildly different results.

It just isn't that that fancy. At least not compared to FDA-approved sensors, that is.

That all changes if you claim your blood oxygen sensor is capable of detecting illness – something Apple has taken great pains to avoid doing. From Apple's own Newsroom post.

And again.

Finally.

I thought this was something we all knew and understood. Maybe not!

The bottom line is this – anyone wanting to know precisely what their blood oxygen levels are because of a specific illness they suffer from should get a "real" sensor. Everyone else that just has a passing curiosity? Apple Watch Series 6 is probably fine for your needs.

When Apple announced the new Apple Watch Series 6, the most prominent feature to come to the watch (besides the new colors) was a new sensor that now allows the Apple Watch to monitor your blood oxygen level.

As Apple explained, the feature can not technically be classified as a medical feature yet, as the company has not received clearance from the FDA. This is in contrast to the ECG feature on the watch, which has received such approval and can be classified as a medical feature.

In any case, many people have been struggling to either capture their blood oxygen level at all or have received varied results that cause small moments of panic. If you are worried about smacking your Apple Watch into something after seeing an odd reading, check out Best Screen Protectors for Apple Watch Series 6.

The Blood Oxygen app is definitely one of the polarizing new features in an otherwise solid new generation of Apple Watch, which Lory Gil highlights in her review of the Apple Watch Series 6. If you have been struggling to get a consistent experience with blood oxygen monitoring, here are some tips to get accurate results.

Make sure your band is tight

While you don't need to tighten your band to the point of cutting off your circulation, you do need to make sure your band is tight enough so that the back of the Apple Watch Series 6 is flush with your skin. Blood Oxygen monitoring is possible through infrared sensors on the back of the Apple Watch that scan the color of your blood, so they need to be up against your skin to do so.

If you wear your watch pretty loose, tighten it up for when you are trying to get a reading.

Move the position of the watch on your wrist

Some users have reported having issues getting a result (or consistent results) when they wear their Apple Watch Series 6 directly on top of their wrist. Apple says that wrist bones can interfere with the sensors picking up the color of your blood, so if you are doing so, move the watch higher on your arm a little bit away from your wrist bone.

Stay still

Apple stresses that, to get an accurate reading (or in this case, any reading at all), you must keep your arm still while you wait the fifteen seconds for the Blood Oxygen app to do its scan.

The company recommends that, to get a good reading, your wrist is flat with your Apple Watch Series 6 facing up like you would if you were taking a glance at your watch. If you are still having issues, sit down and rest your arm on a table or in your lap to help keep your arm still.

If nothing is working

Apple does mention that there are some things that could still impact the Apple Watch Series 6's ability to get a result, including the following:

• Skin perfusion (the amount of blood flowing through your skin)
• Permanent or temporary changes to the skin, such as tattoos
• Motion
• A heart rate above 150 beats per minute

Questions?

Have any questions on how to do any of these steps? Are you still having issues? Let us know if the comments!

What you need to know

• CardioBot has been updated to include support for iOS 14 and Apple Watch Series 6.
• The latter means CardioBot can now read the data collected by the blood oxygen sensor.
• The entire user experience and interface have also been redone.

The excellent heart and fitness tracker CardioBot has been updated to version 5.0, not only adding support for Apple Watch Series 6's new blood oxygen sensor but also completely reworking the entire user interface and experience.

CardioBot is capable of tracking things like heart rate, workouts, meditations, sleep, resting heart rate, and HRV. And because CardioBot ties into HealthKit, all of this data is funneled into the Health app, too.

The newly updated interface is a pleasure to use and everything is well presented in as an accessible way as you can expect for data that, frankly, is complicated. Graphs and other trend data are all present and correct and the Apple Watch is just as well designed.

You can download the newly updated CardioBot right now, directly from the App Store. It's free, with in-app purchases available.

What you need to know

• Masimo has filed a new complaint in court today about its case against Apple.
• The company claims that Apple is delaying its legal dispute in order to dominate the smartwatch market.
• Its case focuses on the blood-oxygen monitoring technology in the Apple Watch Series 6.

Reported by Bloomberg, Masimo has submitted a court filing today that claims Apple is attempting to delay its legal fight with the company in order to secure an even more dominant share of the smartwatch market.

The lawsuit specifically focuses on Apple's inclusion of blood-oxygen monitoring in the Apple Watch Series 6, which Masimo claims Apple stole from it. Masimo says that Apple promised a working relationship with the company, but then used that relationship to steal trade secret information and hire away key employees.

Apple has not responded to the new allegations, but the company has already taken steps to dismiss the case and invalidate Masimo's patents with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Masimo says that Apple is attempting to use its resources to prevent the case from being resolved before it takes a stranglehold of the smartwatch market with its new feature.

Masimo Chief Executive Joe Kiani says that, if the Apple Watch Series 6 is used as a medical product, it will harm consumers and stifle competition.

To note, Apple did not advertise its new blood-oxygen monitoring on the Apple Watch Series as a medical feature. The company has not received approval, as it did for its ECG feature, from the FDA, so this particular feature is being advertised as a wellness feature. To learn more about the Apple Watch Series 6, read our review.

The case is currently expected to hear the first arguments in April 2021.

Apple Watch Series 6, like its previous two predecessors (and arguably even earlier versions), is the world's best health and fitness tracker. With a blood oxygen monitor and always-on altimeter added to the ECG monitor, the heart rate monitor, fall detection, emergency SOS calling, and noise monitor, the Apple Watch Series 6 is decidedly not just a smart watch, but a powerful device that can help you have better control over your overall health and wellness.

I've been putting the Apple Watch Series 6 through its paces for the past week: running, biking, exercising, sleeping, breathing, and everything I can do safely during this pandemic. Is this the watch you need right now? Here's my Apple Watch Series 6 review.

Apple Watch Series 6: In Brief

• Blood oxygen tracking
• Always-on altimeter
• Colorful options
• The fastest processor
• More than 24-hour battery life
• Comprehensive health and wellness tracking

• Android compatibility
• A round design
• A cheap smart watch

The Apple Watch Series 5 was marketed as the Apple Watch that "tells time" because it finally got an always-on display so you didn't have to wake the screen just to see what time it was. This year's model is the Apple Watch that improves lives. The blood oxygen monitor added to all of the existing health sensors has the capability of helping us as individuals have a better understanding of what's normal and what's not for our bodies and providing doctors with more day-to-day details about us, so they can better identify and treat us.

Tech reviewers are going to say that this year's Apple Watch is nothing more than an incremental upgrade from last year's. But, I say they're wrong. The new health sensor in the Apple Watch Series 6 makes this the biggest upgrade since Apple increased the screen size from the Series 3 to the Series 4.

Apple Watch Series 6 review: Blood oxygen monitor

Obviously, the first thing everyone wants to know is whether the blood oxygen monitor works accurately. Through comparing the blood oxygen monitor on the Apple Watch with the FDA-approved PeakLife 360 Wireless Digital Pulse Oximeter, I can say that there was between 0 and 2 point differences between the Apple Watch and the FDA approved pulse oximeter. The Apple Watch wasn't able to get a good reading if I were moving around a lot, even though the PeakLife 360 was successful, but that is the only real noteable difference between them.

It's been highlighted by a few tech websites that the blood oxygen monitor in the Apple Watch is not FDA approved, and it's not (interestingly, some of these tech pundits are writers for the same websites that report on dozens of other blood oxygen monitors that are not FDA approved and no one is complaining about those). Getting FDA approval is very difficult, and it's likely Apple wanted to be able to get this sensor to market during a time when many people could benefit from a blood oxygen monitor.

Even without FDA approval, this sensor is incredibly helpful for tracking our overall health and wellbeing. There are hundreds of non-FDA approved Sp02 monitors that have helped people at home better understand their blood oxygen health. With Apple Watch, you don't need a separate monitor and it will track your blood oxygen levels while you sleep. You don't have to remember to take it with you wherever you go. You can check your Sp02 at any time. No one else has to know what you're doing, so you won't look like a hypochondriac with a big box on your finger every time you want to check your blood oxygen levels.

For the past week, I've checked my levels at various times to see if there is any significant change. The only time I've noticed my levels change is while sleeping, where it drops a little (though I had one dip all the way down to 82%). If you wear your Apple Watch while you sleep (more on that below), the blood oxygen monitor will check your levels every half hour. With this information, you can talk to your doctor if you notice something unusual with your Sp02 while you sleep.

Fun fact: It's normal for your Sp02 to drop to 88% while you sleep.

The blood oxygen monitor in the Apple Watch Series 6 doesn't only track your Sp02 while you sleep. It will attempt to get a reading throughout the day. From what I can tell, it will try every half hour. If you're moving too much, it won't record a read and will try again in the next half hour. On most days, my daytime records ranged between 3-9 times.

I had one read that was 72% that happened while I was awake. I wasn't worried about it because it was one single read and not a pattern. I did, however, wonder why the read would have been low. Was it an inaccurate read? That's possible. The Sleep and Respiratory Scholar points out that there are a number of factors that could cause an inaccurate read, even in medical-grade pulse oximeters.

Nail polish and acrylic nails relates to a finger-placed pulse oximeter.

There isn't enough real-world data to determine whether the Apple Watch Series 6 blood oxygen monitor will have an impact on our daily lives. If stories start coming in over the next year in relation to it, we'll have a better idea of its impact.

One complaint I have about tracking my blood oxygen levels has to do with the difficulty of finding the data in the Health app. I can quickly see the general data at a glance, but if I want the details; if I'm looking for the exact time that a record was made, I have to remember additional steps that are buried in the Health app.

1. Launch the Health app.
2. Tap Blood oxygen in your summary (hopefully, you've favorited this category or you'll have to find this by browsing categories first).
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap Show all data.

The confusion comes at the top of the Blood Oxygen screen where you can click on a specific date on the grid to see the data range, but you can't access the details of when readings were taking. Right below the graph, you can tap on Show More Blood Oxygen Data but this page does not show you the time-of-day readings either. The only way to find out what time of day each reading was taking (which is what I'm most interested in) is buried at the bottom of main Blood Oxygen page. It's too confusing.

Now that the Apple Watch has become so much more important to our health tracking, my hope is that the Health app will get a complete makeover with a more intuitive user interface. I've always felt that it was a little clunky and difficult to navigate, but I didn't use it that much, so I didn't care. Now that we have hearing health, women's health, sleep health, and heart health, I check it every morning. I love the summary of things I track, but I want the details pages to be more intuitive.

Apple Watch Series 6 review: Always-on altimeter

Apple Watch has had an altimeter since the Series 3, but this year, Apple added support for always-on altimeter to the Apple Watch Series 6. What does this mean? For most people and under most circumstances; nothing. There isn't even an app on your Apple Watch for it. It's just there, reading your location information in real-time. Ask Siri to tell you your current altitude any time you want or add a complication to your Watch face so it's always there for your tracking needs. If you want to manually check your current altitude without asking Siri and you don't have the complication on your watch face, pop into the Compass app to get a direct read.

Why is always-on so important? That's really up to you and your needs. But, I believe Apple added this functionality in order to help better track blood oxygen levels. If you are in a higher elevation, your oxygen levels will drop until you either leave or become acclimated to the new height. If your oxygen levels are unusually low, but you're at a higher elevation, your doctor will be able to use both bits of information to determine whether you need additional testing. If you know you're currently at a higher elevation, you might be less likely to worry if your Sp02 is low.

I was unable to test altitude variations with the always-on altimeter myself, but in Rene Ritchie's Apple Watch Series 6 review, he talks to long-distance runner Ray Zahab about it, as well as how extreme athletes use altimeters and blood oxygen monitors while they train.

Apple Watch Series 6 review: Brighter always-on display

I'm upgrading from an Apple Watch Series 4, so I can't properly compare the two version of always-on screens, but on the iMore Show Rene Ritchie explains how much better the dimmed screen is to read while in brighter situations, like the outdoors. It is 2.5x brighter than last year's model. I can tell you that I never have trouble seeing what's on the screen when I'm outdoors and my Apple Watch isn't awake.

In addition to a brighter sleep screen, Apple made changes to how the always-on display works on both the Apple Watch Series 5 and Apple Watch Series 6. Previously, while your Apple Watch was asleep, if you wanted to access Notification Center or Control Center, you'd have a two-step process: Tap to wake, then tap to access. Thanks to watchOS 7, you can tap a notification, check your battery health, tap into a complication, and even change your watch face with just one tap!

This little change has been a huge quality-of-life improvement for me. Going from a Series 4, where you have to tap or lift to wake and then tap to access (which is very similar to how Always-On used to be) to Series 6 with watchOS 7 is a little bite of joy every single time I want to interact with a notification on my screen. It is incredibly intuitive and reacts quickly and smoothly to my actions. No more stops and mis-wake attempts.

This seemingly minor difference ends up being one of my favorite features of upgrading from the Series 4. If, like me, you didn't care about an always-on screen and didn't buy a Series 5, let me just tell you that an always-on screen means so much more than just being able to see what time it is without a sweeping gesture or tap on a screen.

Apple Watch Series 6 review: Battery life

The more features that come with the Apple Watch, the harder it is to get through an entire day without your Apple Watch battery taking a powder. With sleep tracking, how are we supposed to be able to get through 24-hours of Apple Watch?

Apple Watch Series 6 has some notable improvements to help with battery management, including one additional hour of audio playback and an additional hour of workout tracking. Daily workout tracking seem to be the biggest pain point for battery life on Apple Watch and I do see a significant improvement over performance of the Apple Watch Series 4.

Previously, I would always get a "low power mode" notification at about 10:30 or 11:00 at night on days when I workout. I usually do about 45 - 55 minutes of high intensity interval workout five days per week. That means every weekday, my Apple Watch wouldn't make it late into the night. Luckily, I usually go to bed around this time on weeknights anyway, but when I stayed out late (like if I were playing a show ... pre-COVID), my Apple Watch would die before my night was over.

With Apple Watch Series 6, I haven't changed my daily activities but my battery stays healthy all day and I'm able to wear it through the night. On average, the battery drops to between 25% and 35% by the time I go to bed (this is including daily workout tracking). I wear it all night long for sleep tracking and Sp02 monitoring. When I wake up in the morning at 6:00 AM, my battery us usually between about 13 and 20 percent.

This is with all sensors on. I don't skimp on tracking.

If you want to take advantage of every bit of health tracking Apple offers, yes, you're going to have to learn some new battery management habits. After I wake up in the morning, I take my watch off and charge it for an hour before I get ready for my workout. It charges up to about 90%, sometimes more, before I start my workout.

My friend and colleague in the industry, Allison Sheridan of Podfeet podcasts, had serious battery drain with her Series 5. She saw real and significant improvement with the Series 6.

I think Allison's experience is going to make a lot of people take a second look at the Series 6. Be sure to read her review of the (Product)RED model and how it looks with different colored bands (she even provides a photo gallery).

Apple Watch Series 6 review: Speedy charging

If you're going to wear your Apple Watch all day and then sleep with it on all night, you're going to need it to be able to charge up fast when you need it. Apple Watch Series 6 does just that.

I mentioned above that I take my Apple Watch off when I wake up and drop it on the charger. When I wake up, my Watch is usually around 13%. An hour sitting on its charger, my Apple Watch is up to about 90% to 94%.

I couldn't take advantage of all of the sensors on the Apple Watch if not for the speed in which I can charge from low-power to full. I would not be happy if my Watch only charged to 70% or even 80%.

Apple Watch Series 6 review: U1 Chip

The Apple Watch Series 6 is the first Apple Watch to include a U1 chip. Even the Apple Watch SE doesn't have it. It's an "Ultra Wideband" chip with more precise location recognition. What does this mean for you? Certain device finding functions, like Find My or Apple Pay have slightly faster and more precise recognition, AirDrop pinpoint location, for example. It should also work with Apple's new Car Key feature so you can unlock your compatible car with your Apple Watch.

There isn't any significant use cases for it at the moment, but the rumored Apple Tags would need a U1 band for compatibility, so I'm looking forward to what this chip will do in the near future.

Apple Watch Series 6 review: watchOS 7

We can't talk about the new Apple Watch without talking about how watchOS improves the Apple Watch experience. Almost all of the new features in watchOS 7 are available on Apple Watch Series 3 through Apple Watch Series 6. It doesn't matter if you buy a new Apple Watch or are updating your current one. There are some impressive additions that everyone can take advantage of.

In 2020, the world saw its deadliest pandemic since the 1918 Flu Pandemic. In an effort to help stop the spread, medical officials recommend maintaining healthy handwashing habits. Prior to 2020, did you know that you should wash your hands for 20 seconds? The reasons have to do with how the chemicals in soap breakdown on our skin. I remember learning about singing the "Happy Birthday" song, but didn't really understand the importance of a 20-second scrubbing to help get rid of bacteria and viruses.

Even after knowing this, I hadn't been particularly good at always washing for 20 seconds. I got a lot better, but I was only washing for about 15 seconds a lot of times.

With Apple Watch (Series 4 and newer) and watchOS 7, I get a little tap on my wrist when it identifies that I've started washing my hands (it "listens" for the sound and notes the movement of your hands) and starts a 20-second countdown. When 20 seconds has ended, I get a second little tap on my wrist to let me know I'm good to go. I don't have to count or sing or anything — it just happens.

You can also set up a geofencing notification to be reminded to wash your hands when you get home. I haven't seen this work yet, but I've only left my house once since watchOS 7 was released, so I don't have a good set of data.

I haven't been particularly concerned with my sleeping habits. I'm one of the lucky ones that that usually gets a good night of sleep. I can fall asleep at any time and usually don't have fitful sleeps. I know. I'm lucky.

For me, wearing my Apple Watch to bed only for sleep tracking isn't particularly useful. It's more precise about what time I go to bed and wake up (by a couple of minutes on either side), but it doesn't recognize if I've slept light or heavy. It's really designed to show you how well you do or don't sleep (like, how often you get up in the middle of the night or if you pick up your phone). I do like to see the other things that are tracked while I sleep, like my heart rate and my Sp02.

With the Sleep Schedule feature, you can set up a goal for how much sleep you hope to get every night and enable alarms, screen time restrictions, and more.

A little before your bedtime goal, you can enable Wind Down, which will clear your iPhone of distractions and put your devices into Sleep Mode. You can set up Shortcuts to play music or turn down the lights, open the Notes app so you can write a journal entry, or open an app of your choice.

The idea is to teach you how to reduce your screen use right before bed in order to help you relax and get into the mindset of going to sleep.

I can see how this could be empowering to someone that does have trouble getting to or staying asleep, however. If you're tired a lot during the day and you have a weekly or monthly view of your sleeping habits, you might be able to see a pattern that needs to be addressed. This information is also something you can share with your doctor if you're concerned about your sleep health.

I've always wanted to just be able to ask Siri how to say something in a different language. With iOS 11, Siri learned how to do just that and it's pretty impressive. You can almost use it to learn a new language.

With watchOS 7, you can now use Siri on your Apple Watch to answer those "como se dice" questions. Siri is pretty good at understanding when you want to translate. If you say, "... in [x language]" at the end of the sentence, you will almost always get a translation. You can even say, "Repeat that" and sometimes ask for a second translation without needing additional context.

I can see how useful this could be when trying to speak to someone in a different language that one you know. Having Siri on your Apple Watch means you don't have to reach into your pocket to pull out your iPhone if you want to try to talk to someone.

Apple Watch Series 6 review: Bright new colors

When Apple showed off the new colorful aluminum Apple Watch in blue and (Product)RED, it was an insta-buy for me. I love colorful tech and if this doesn't just scream "new for 2020," I don't know what does.

Apple sent me a (Product)RED model for review, but I also purchased the blue aluminum model, so I can speak to both of these options.

First off, the blue aluminum Apple Watch Series 6 has a deep rich color. It's a subtle blue. Much darker than the way it looks on the Apple online store product page. It is closer to a bluish shade of dark gray than it is a solid blue. I love this color. I love that it matches with so many bands. It's not garish. It's like the person in your office that wears a business suit, but also wears novelty socks. It's a bit flashy, but only a bit.

The (Product)RED aluminum Apple Watch, on the other hand, is very colorful. Like the blue model, however, it is absolutely not a bright red as it looks on Apple's online product page. It's richer, deeper, and leans more toward the cool spectrum than the warm. The case is stunning and really turns heads. It is also much harder to match with your bands. If you have any version of a red band, it's going to clash with the hue of the Watch case. Some accents of red are OK, like a Pride band, but you'd be surprised at how many colors clash with this exact shade of red. That being said, when you have a band that matches, oh the glorious beauty of that red! If I were to go back in time and order the Apple Watch Series 6 all over again, I think I might choose (Product)RED.

If you don't want an aluminum Apple Watch, you don't have the option to choose a bright color, but Apple did make some small changes to its stainless steel collection, including Graphite, which replaces Space Black, and a new "Classic gold" color, replacing the slightly pinkish gold of last year. Which color Apple Watch should you buy? We've got some advice to help you decide.

Apple Watch Series 6 review: New bands

Apple unveiled more than a new Apple Watch this year. It also launched three entirely new band designs, the Solo Loop, the Braided Solo Loop, and the Leather Link.

The Solo Loop is made from a stretchy material that Apple calls "liquid silicon rubber." It's a single band without any clasp, buckle, or overlapping parts. It's a single strap that slides over your hand and onto your wrist. It comes in seven bright colors and fits both the 40mm and 44mm Apple Watch.

The Braided Solo Loop is the same as the Solo Loop in design (no clasps, buckles, or overlapping parts), but instead of liquid silicon rubber, its made from recycled yarn interwoven with silicon threads to give it the elasticity a stretch band needs. It comes in five colors and is available for both the 40mm and 44mm Apple Watch.

The Leather Link is a slightly different version of the Leather Loop. It is two straps with molded magnets inside for a perfect fit on your wrist. It's like a slap bracelet without the slap part.

The only new band I have is the Braided Solo Loop, and I can tell you that it's a true pleasure to wear. It's even more comfortable that the Sport Loop. If the Sport Loop is the yoga pants of Apple Watch bands, the Braided Solo Loop is the sweatpants. It's so comfortable it's like slipping into your most comfortable, soft sweatpants.

Should you get an Apple Watch SE instead?

The Apple Watch Series 6 isn't the only Apple Watch Apple released this year. There is also the brand new Apple Watch SE, which is a bit of a hybrid between the Series 4 (the hardware), the Series 5 (the S5 chip), and the Series 6 (the always-on altimeter). It starts at just $279 and is positioned as Apple's mid-ranged Apple Watch. It's definitely the best Apple Watch in terms of value. Is that the one you should buy instead?

My short answer is no, but with a caveat.

The Apple Watch SE does not include an ECG or blood oxygen monitor and doesn't have an always-on display.

If those three things don't matter to you, the Apple Watch SE is absolutely worth $120 less than the Apple Watch Series 6. Chase your bliss.

If, however, you think the health features of the Series 6 are important, and frankly, I think they're the most important, opening your wallet just a little bit more is a good investment.

Is the Apple Watch Series 3 still a good value?

At this point in its lifespan, I can no longer call the Apple Watch Series 3 a great value. It uses the S3 SiP when the latest Apple Watch is up to an S6. The screen size is smaller at 38/42mm, and you can't get the Cellular + GPS model for this series anymore, which is a significant issue if you're planning on buying it for the purpose of using with Family Setup, because Family Setup requires a Cellular + GPS Apple Watch.

It is absolutely still an amazing little bit of technology and is a worthwhile budget Apple Watch if $199 is your spending limit. If you can afford the extra $80, though, I think you should upgrade to the Apple Watch SE. If money isn't an issue, it's the Apple Watch Series 6 that is going to really show you what the Apple Watch can do.

Should you buy the Apple Watch Series 6?

The answer is a resounding "yes" for a few reasons. The battery life is definitely better than any previous Apple Watch, the blood oxygen sensor combined with sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring is a huge boost in health and wellness, and the new blue and (Product)RED colors make it very clear that you're wearing the latest model.

If none of this appeals to you, you are not the market audience here. But, I would argue that these features might end up being more important to your daily life than you realize, especially the blood oxygen monitor.

What you need to know

• The Blood Oxygen app does not work for an unpaired Apple Watch Series 6 set up using Family Setup.
• The app is also disabled for anyone under 18 years of age.
• It is currently unclear why it does not work for those over the age limit, such as a grandparent who does not have an iPhone.

Reported by MacRumors, in addition to the Blood Oxygen app not be accessible to those under eighteen years of age, it will also not work for an Apple Watch Series 6 that has been set up using Family Setup. Family Setup is a new feature that allows you to give someone an Apple Watch who may not have an iPhone, but it appears that one major feature is missing when the watch is set up this way. According to Apple, the watch must be paired to an iPhone in order for the Blood Oxygen app to be used, and the app will be disabled otherwise, regardless of the user's age.

Apple has not explained exactly why they turn off the Blood Oxygen app for all users, regardless of age, if the watch is set up using Family Setup. Perhaps an update it due for the Health app to allow for collecting that data separately to the main user's iPhone?

The Blood Oxygen app allows an Apple Watch Series 6 owner to check the oxygen saturation in their blood. While the technology has not yet been approved by the FDA, Apple says that the feature is another to help someone monitor their overall health. The feature has been questioned by some users who report conflicting results when measuring their oxygen saturation.

What you need to know

• Apple Watch Edition and Hermès no longer come with chargers.
• Apple already stopped selling chargers with Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE.
• The ditching of the charger in the other models only happened in the last few days.

Apple has removed the 5W charger from its Apple Watch Edition and Apple Watch Hermès packaging, following on from the decision to do the same with Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE.

The move must have only happened in the last few days, with MacRumors pointing out that some people recently received these watches with a charger in the box.

Apple said during the Apple Watch Series 6 announcement that chargers were being removed from packaging over environmental concerns and it did seem strange that the two high-end watch models still had one in the box. It was thought that the sheer cost of those models dictated the need for a charger to be in the box, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

As our own Bryan Wolfe noted last week, from an optics perspective, this seems less than ideal.

Removing a power adapter from Apple Watch requires more than just taking it out of the box, the box also needs to be redesigned to fully benefit the environment. It's certainly possible Apple just needed more time to make sure the Hermés and Titanium boxes had the right packaging design without the wall adapter, and didn't want to delay the release of the new models in the meantime. It looks like we can expected to see people receiving Titanium or Hermés Apple Watch Series 6 models in the new packaging over the coming weeks.

While no Apple Watch now ships with a charger in the box, buyers will still get the Magnetic Charging Cable and can plug that into their own charger just fine.

Apple is expected to remove the charger from iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro packaging when they are announced next month, too.

What you need to know

• Apple's new Apple Watch Series 6 features an oximeter.
• Its ability to check a user's blood oxygen levels is perhaps the biggest feature of the new watch.
• But one reporter says it's "mostly useless".

The release of Apple Watch Series 6 brought an oximeter to the wearable for the first time, allowing it to check a wearer's blood oxygen levels. Apple takes pains to make sure people know that the sensor isn't medical-grade, but that isn't stopping people from expecting it to be the last word on oxygen. Including one Washington Post reporter.

According to the WaPo's Geoffrey A. Fowler, Apple Watch's oximeter is "mostly useless" because it gave conflicting readings.

I'm no doctor, and I haven't even played one on TV, but there could presumably be plenty of reasons for different results. I'd love to know what other variables were involved here. But regardless, I'm more interested in the comparison with an FDA-approved finger oximeter. Despite Apple's oximeter not being FDA approved.

But wait....

Amazingly, making sure the watch fit made it take readings more consistently. You can't see me, but I have my best "surprise!" face on.

I find it difficult to believe anyone is strapping an Apple Watch to their wrist and expecting to get the same kind of readings they get from a designed-for-purpose, FDA-approved, oximeter. In just the same way nobody running an Apple Watch ECG expects to get the same readings they'd get at a hospital. The fact anyone is comparing the two, I find odd.

A reminder of how Apple describes Apple Watch's oximeter.

That seems pretty clear. Do I agree with this WaPo article that Apple Watch Series 6 – and the Fitbit device that was also tested – isn't as accurate as a finger-mounted device? Of course I do. But to call it "mostly useless" is crazy talk. It's perfectly useful if it's used in the way it's supposed to be used. As a holistic view of overall health and wellbeing.

Don't expect it to tell you if you're having some sort of medical emergency. Apple isn't claiming it will.

What you need to know

• Apple is selling Apple Watch Series 6 with a new Solo Loop band.
• People are struggling to order the right size for the non-adjustable band.
• Apple previously told customers to return the whole order. But things are changing.

Alongside Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE, Apple also announced some new bands last week. Both of those bands are causing problems in terms of sizing, however, with people ordering a size that's too big more often than not. After initially telling everyone to send their whole order back for exchange, Apple has now reversed course. At least, that's according to leaker Jon Prosser.

Tweeting overnight, Prosser says that Apple has now decided that it will send out a free Apple Watch Sport Band that can tide people over while they wait for their replacement band to be sent out. Given the lack of availability right now, Apple seems to want to make sure people have a band that they can at least wear while they wait for their order to be sorted out properly.

However, while Prosser says the band will be sent out, it isn't yet clear whether the Sport Band will need to be returned to Apple once a replacement Solo Loop has been sent out. If not, this could turn out to be a way to get a free Sport Band out of Apple.

Let's hope nobody abuses all of this if that turns out to be the case.

What you need to know

• Apple is requiring customers who ordered a wrong size band to return their Apple Watch too.
• The problem arises for those who have ordered the wrong size of the new Solo or Braided Solo Loop.
• Some customers are finding that trying to fix their size issue is more complicated than you would think.

For anyone who has ordered an Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch SE with either of the new Solo or Braided Solo Loop bands, you may be in for a frustrating experience if the band does not fit.

Along with the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE, Apple also announced two new bands. The Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop are both made out of a single stretchable material that is offered in a number of sizes. Reported by MacRumors, choosing the wrong size not only requires you to return/exchange the band but the Apple Watch as well.

According to Apple Support, the company considers an Apple Watch ordered with a band that you've selected through the "Create Your Style" function on its website and app as a "configure to order purchase."

While Apple does offer a print-at-home measurement tool to help you figure out what your size is, many have said that this tool has not turned out to be accurate for them.

If you do happen to receive a band that does not fit, you can always take your Apple Watch and band for exchange at your local Apple Store if they have any stock. However, availability on the watches and bands currently varies since both products just launched.

I personally tried out Apple's measurement tool and fell between a size 7 and 8, so I choose a 7 to ensure a tighter fit. While I am still waiting for my own band to come in the mail, I did get a chance to try one on at my local Apple Store and the size 7 fit great. So, while Apple's tool may not work for everyone, it seems to be a safe bet to always order the lower size if you happen to fall in between two sizes.

If you are able to safely visit your local store right now, Apple Stores will help you fit the new Solo and Braided Solo Loop band. Regardless, this issue seems to be a logistical failure on Apple's part, especially since the band is shipped in a separate box than the watch. To be fair, this is the first time the company has offered such a varied amount of size options for its bands, so hopefully, support for returning/exchanging just the band will be coming soon.

What you need to know

• iFixit has posted its step-by-step teardown of the Apple Watch Series 6.
• The teardown shows off a bigger battery and Taptic Engine than the Apple Watch Series 5.
• It also shows off some of the recycled materials Apple is now using in the Apple Watch.

iFixit has posted a step-by-step teardown of the Apple Watch Series 6. In its teardown, the team has discovered that the new watch boasts a bigger battery and a bigger Taptic Engine than its predecessor.

Concerning the battery, iFixit has discovered that Apple's newest 44mm watch features a 3.5% bigger battery than its predecessor, while the 40mm battery gets an even bigger boost at an 8.5% increase.

The teardown notes that they no longer have to deal with the Force Touch gasket, as Apple has removed Force Touch from both the iPhone and Apple Watch.

They also found that the Taptic Engine has gotten bigger in the Series 6. While it is not clear why the size increased, it hopefully will result in even better response when receiving notifications and such.

One of the things not gone over in the teardown is the fact that Apple Watch Series 6 will be the first to feature Apple's U1 chip. The chip is currently only in the iPhone 11 series and should be expected in the iPhone 12 models as well.

What you need to know

• The new Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop have hit Apple Stores.
• Each new band is offered in a number of sizes to perfectly fit your wrist.
• Stores are offering personalized shopping to make sure you find the right fit.

Reported by 9to5Mac, some Apple Stores are offering personalized sizing for those who are interested in purchasing one on the new Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop bands for their Apple Watch.

In addition to the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE both going on sale in Apple Stores today, some stores are also beginning to stock the new Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop bands. These new bands come in a range of sizes made to fit perfectly around your wrist, so stores have a way of making sure that you get the right size.

According to the report, you can make an appointment at your local Apple Store to schedule a try-on. Apple is currently using single-use measurement tools, due to the pandemic, that ensure you get the right fit.

Employees seem to be recommending that people get a band two sizes smaller than what the guide recommends, and at least for Michael Steeber, the author behind 9to5Mac's coverage, that worked out perfectly for him.

If your local Apple Store is currently out of stock of the band you are looking for, you can order both new bands online. Ship times currently vary between the type, color, and size of the band that you need. Apple has provided the ability to print out its measurement tool at home so you can make sure to order the right size yourself.

Update: Since this editorial was first published, Apple has removed the wall adapter from the packaging for the Hermès and Titanium Apple Watch Series 6.

Apple is one of the most proactive companies globally when it comes to doing its part to protect the environment. The company is already a carbon-neutral operation, and within 10 years, it hopes all of its products will be too.

One of the new ways it has chosen to do this is to begin shipping some of its most popular products without power bricks. This is a huge step in the right direction, especially when you consider that most folks don't need a new wall charger every time they buy a new electronics device. For a lot of people, a wall charger is another piece of plastic that will be thrown into a drawer, never to be used again. Or worse, thrown into the trash where it will end up in a landfill for thousands of years.

For months, we've heard Apple was planning to remove USB wall adapters from iPhone boxes, starting with the iPhone 12 series this fall. Because of COVID, the release of those phones has been delayed, probably until October or November. This made the recently released Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE the first Apple products to ditch the wall charger. As if adding an exclamation point to its environmentally-friendly move, Cupertino is also removing the power brick from new packages for the still-available Apple Watch Series 3.

Unequal environment?

Though this will have a big effect on Apple's environmental impact (Apple did say that it amounts to removing 50,000 cars per year from U.S. roads), there is a bit of an incongruency with the higher-end models that leaves me wondering why we are paying the same price for less product. The pricey Hermès and Titanium Apple Watch Series 6 models will continue to ship with a 5W USB Power Adapter. In other words, those who can afford it, get it for free.

Listen, I understand the majority of Apple Watch buyers aren't choosing Hermès or Apple Watch Edition models. If they were, Apple wouldn't have ditched the ceramic models for this year's release. Therefore, keeping wall chargers with the most expensive Apple Watches isn't going to make an enormous impact on the environment. I genuinely believe that's Apple's No. 1 goal here.

From an optics perspective, it seems less equal. Apple didn't lower the price of the Apple Watch to reflect the missing wall adapter. In fact, if you buy Apple's brand, which used to come free in the box, you'll have to pay an additional $19 more than you would have paid for last year's model. It's possible that the technology behind the blood oxygen monitor would have priced the Series 6 higher than it's yearly stable starting price of $399, but this doesn't seem like a financial play.

Hopeful future

As the iPhone 12 launch looms, it is possible we'll see a similar situation; Lower cost iPhone 12 models (like the rumored iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Plus) would not include a power brick, while the higher-end models (like the rumored iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max) would. I'm hoping not. Hopefully, Apple will either go all-in or all-out, in terms of including the USB wall adapter.

For the sake of the environment, I'm rooting for the latter (all-out) because it would make an impressive environmental impact (if Apple Watch sales is like getting rid of 50K cars, imagine what iPhone sales without a power brick could be).

For now, and for those out there that may not have a drawer full of USB wall adapters, I'd be happier if Apple would offer one as a free add-on with your new purchase.

What say you?

How do you feel about Apple's decision to not include a wall adapter in the Apple Watch packaging (except for the Hermés and Edition models)? Proud of Apple's environmental progress or wishing you could have it all (or at least pay less for what's missing)?

It's often the case that after updating to the latest version of the software (currently watchOS 9), some Apple Watch users claim their battery life is terrific while others say it's terrible. That's not unusual. All of our devices are so complicated now that even small differences can result in significant disparities in power and performance. If you're having problems (or just dealing with a sluggish Watch), here are some troubleshooting tips you can try!

• Wait a while
• Watch your watch
• Reboot your Watch
• Un-pair and re-pair
• Set up as new
• Black is best
• Pause unimportant pushes
• Boot unneeded apps
• Quit when not legit
• Minimize motion
• Power reserve mode
• Bonus tips
• Contact Apple

Wait a while

Some updates are more than just pixel deep. They cause all sorts of system processes to run, keeping the processor and radios lit. So whenever you update, wait a day or so before worrying about battery life. That way, re-indexing, data migration, re-downloads, and more can all finish, and you can get a better sense of the real battery performance post-update.

Watch your watch

New versions of watchOS typically come with new features, including new watch faces, new workout options, and new features like Theater Mode. If your Apple Watch screen stays lit up, and the radios stay broadcasting, it can give a false sense of battery drain.

So, before you do anything else, note how much battery life you have left. Then put your Apple Watch down for an hour or so. When you pick it back up, note how much battery life you have left again. If there isn't a significant change while in standby, you're probably OK, and your battery life will return to normal when your usage returns to normal (after the novelty wears off).

Reboot

Yes, it sounds like something right out of the Stone Age of Troubleshooting, but sometimes a good reboot is all that's needed to kick away the bad bits.

1. Press and hold down both the digital crown and the side button simultaneously.
2. Keep them held down until you see an Apple logo.
3. Let go.

Re-pair

To fix Apple Watch battery life problems, your next step should be to re-pair. The single most significant cause of battery life problems with iOS devices occurs when they are updated, and something gets glitchy. Whether it's cruft or corruption, bad bits or rogue processes, un-pairing and re-pairing can often knock everything back into place.

1. Launch the Watch app from your Home screen.
2. Tap on your Apple Watch at the top of the screen.
3. Tap the information button (looks like an "i" with a circle around it)
4. Tap Unpair Apple Watch.
5. Tap Unpair (Your) Apple Watch to confirm.

You can also un-pair right on the Apple Watch:

1. Press the Digital Crown to switch to the app launcher.
2. Tap on the Settings app.
3. Tap on General
4. Tap on Reset at the bottom.
5. Tap on Erase all contents and settings.
6. Enter your Passcode to confirm.

Set up as new

A clean install — pain in the butt though it may be — can sometimes be the only cure. Yes, it's the nuclear option. You will have to set up absolutely everything again, but since a lot of data will still sync back from your iPhone, it won't be a total loss.

1. Launch the Watch app from your Home screen.
2. Tap on your Apple Watch at the top of the screen.
3. Tap the information button (looks like an "i" with a circle around it)
4. Tap Unpair Apple Watch.
5. Tap Unpair (You) Apple Watch to confirm.

You can also un-pair right on the Apple Watch:

1. Press the Digital Crown to switch to the app launcher.
2. Tap on the Settings app.
3. Tap on General
4. Tap on Reset at the bottom.
5. Tap on Erase all contents and settings.
6. Enter your Passcode to confirm.

Once it's done, start the setup but don't restore from backup. Set it up as a new Watch.

Black is best

The Apple Watch is OLED (organic light-emitting diode), not LCD (liquid crystal display) like the iPhone, so it's not just on or off that matters — black pixels cost very little power, and color pixels cost more. That means any time the screen is black with a few bits of high contrast text or graphics, power draw in minimized (Note the primarily black interface!).

So, to keep energy output to a minimum, don't spend a ton of time on photos, big animated emoji, or apps that don't follow the interface guidelines. Do what you need to do, check what you need to check, then go back to your watch face. If you need to browse Twitter or Instagram, you have an iPhone for that.

Pause unimportant pushes

Push Notifications not only light up the screen, but they also use the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios as well. For anything that doesn't urgently require your attention, you should turn off the notifications. To do so, launch the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to Notifications, and turn off anything you don't need.

Boot unneeded apps

Apple does a lot to merge updates and deliver them on demand, so the radios don't transmit or receive any more than they have to. But if you don't need an app moving information back and forth to your iPhone and using up the power on both devices, get rid of it. Go to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, scroll down, and toggle off any apps you don't need on your Apple Watch. If you haven't used an app in a day or a week, it's an excellent candidate to go. Luckily, they're just as easy to add back if you ever change your mind.

Quit when not legit

Most of the time, you'll never have to worry about apps going rogue on your Apple Watch. The extension system is perfect. However, even great apps can have bad moments, so if you suspect an app uses too much power, force quit it. Just launch the app, hold down the Side button until you get the power off-screen, then hold down the Side button again until it sends you back to the Home screen.

Minimize motion

I'm not sure if this makes a difference on the Apple Watch the way it does on the iPhone. Still, typically animation and compositing costs GPU cycles, so minimizing animation minimizes GPU cycles. If you want to try, go to the Apple Watch app on iPhone, tap General, tap Accessibility, and switch Reduce Motion and Reduce Transparency to On.

Power reserve mode

If everything is working as it should, but you're away from your charger and need to know the time for as long as possible, there's Power Reserve mode. Hold down the Side button until the power off screen comes up, then slide Power Reserve. You'll get a clock, and only a clock, until you hold down the Side button again to reboot.

Yes, it would be best if you rebooted because the Apple Watch shuts off everything but the time to save power.

Bonus tips

If you need to get a little more power out of your Apple Watch between charges, there are a few things you can do to eke out as much as possible.

• Turn off Activate on Wrist Raise in the settings on the watch, so the screen only lights up when you tap it.
• Turn on Do Not Disturb. That'll prevent notifications from lighting up your watch, tapping and beeping at you, and, most importantly, transferring data.
• Go into Airplane mode. This is an even more extreme version of the above. You'll still be able to do things like check the time, but no radioactivity will occur.

Contact Apple

Sometimes hardware or software picks update time to fail. If that's the case and you live close to an Apple retail store, you can make an appointment at your local Genius Bar. Otherwise, there are several ways to contact Apple for more help:

• How to contact AppleCare for support

Consider a new Apple Watch

If your Apple Watch is getting older and none of these suggestions works, it might be time to purchase a new wearable device. Checking our list of the best Apple Watches is a great place to start!

More help!

If you're desperate, put your Apple Watch into Low Power mode until you can get back to a charger. If you know of any other tips, or have further questions on how to fix Apple Watch battery life problems, leave them in the comments below!

• How to fix iOS and iPhone battery life problems
• How to fix MacBook Pro battery life problems

Updated September 2020:

The Apple Watch Series 6 is the best smartwatch you can buy. It's becoming redundant saying this year after year, changing just one digit as the internet collectively agrees with itself in reviews and hot takes and comparisons, but it's still true in 2020 and likely will be in 2021. I've used Galaxy Watches and Fitbits and Garmins and Fossils, and I can safely say that none of them come close to the holistic excellence of the Apple Watch.

But this year, like the classic Miles Davis album referenced in the title, Apple is operating at the height of its power, shoring up the Apple Watch's fundamentals with a few essential features, and more than a couple of nice perks, that make spending $399 a fair price for what increasingly amounts to a powerful computer on your wrist. For many wearers concerned about Covid-19, the new blood oxygen sensor alone is worth the price of admission.

And then there's the Apple Watch SE. Instead of merely lowering the cost of the Apple Watch Series 5, Apple decided to take the iPhone approach and expand the Apple Watch lineup entirely. The Apple Watch SE launches as what amounts to a grab-bag of features from the last few years: the Series 4 and 5's larger display, but lacking the latter's always-on capabilities. There's no ECG or blood oxygen sensor, but it does have the Series 6's always-on altimeter and support for heart rate and irregular heartbeat alerts. At $279, the Apple Watch SE is undoubtedly one of the best smartwatch deals around, especially for people who just want something that tracks their workouts and pings them with notifications.

Both of them, however, prove that even if the year-over-year improvements are subtle, Apple knows how to entice iPhone users with empty wrists, with Fitbit wrists, or with older Watch wrists alike.

Apple Watch Series 6 It's a bloody nice watch

I've been out of the game for a few years; the last Apple Watch I wore regularly was the Series 3, which at the time felt like a tremendous upgrade over the Series 2, adding cellular connectivity, much improved performance with the S3 SiP, and a barometric altimeter, among other niceties.

Moving from the Series 3 to the Series 6 was bracing, not just because of the larger, brighter OLED display (Apple sent me the 44mm cellular model in its new striking blue colorway) but because the always-on display has proven to be a quality-of-life addition that I sorely missed coming from other smartwatches. The fact that this one goes up to 500 nits, 2.5 times the level of the Series 5, is all the better.

I set up the Series 6, chose my new favorite watch face (Typograph in Mango if you must know), and did the thing I think everyone will do as soon as possible: checked my blood oxygen level. Apple says that the SpO2 sensor is not a diagnostic tool, just like the ECG added a couple of years ago, but it's very obvious that it's tailor-made for this particularly strange and anxious moment we find ourselves living in.

A suppressed blood oxygen level can be a sign the body is fighting infection, or that blood isn't pumping through the body at the rate it should be. A reading of between 95% and 99% is considered normal, and a 15-second reading is enough to give you a base reading you can use to begin tracking this vital statistic. Alongside the other heart-focused sensors, the Apple Watch is quickly becoming a passive minder of one's cardiovascular health (though, again, it should not be a replacement for regular doctor visits).

The blue aluminum review unit Apple sent me is, in contrast to the also-new PRODUCT(RED) model, beautifully subtle. The navy hue is difficult to differentiate from Apple's other brushed matte finishes in dim indoor light, but take it outside, or hold it to a window, and you'll see it kicking back at you with its cerulean charm. If you splurged for the LTE model, you'll also notice how nicely it contrasts with the Digital Crown's red ring.

Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central

The Series 6 also has a bunch of features I haven't been able to test in earnest yet: a faster S6 SiP that promises a 20% jump in performance and improved efficiency; a new 5Ghz Wi-Fi chip that should provide more consistent at-home performance; and a U1 ultra wideband chip that, borrowed from the iPhone 11 Pro, will eventually be used for device-to-device communication and precise location awareness. There's also an always-on altimeter, which given the relatively flat gradation of Toronto, likely won't come in handy until I take a hiking trip later this fall, but any upgrade to outdoor measurements is fine with me.

I'm also encouraged by Apple's commitment to faster charging; the Series 6 uses the same USB-A to magnetic puck charger that's been in every Apple Watch since 2015, but this year's model charges more than 30% faster, reducing overall top-up time from 150 minutes to 90 minutes. Given that watchOS 7 offers sleep tracking for the first time, being able to pop the timepiece on a charger for a few minutes while you're getting ready in the morning feels like it's going to be more impactful than people realize.

Apple Watch SE The middle child with the most potential

The question many potential Apple Watch buyers will be asking this year is whether the SE is worth is over the Series 3. Should you spend the extra $80 for the improved performance, bigger and brighter display, and the new sensors, or is that $199 price point just too enticing to pass up?

Given that the Series 3 is already three years old and will only likely receive a couple more years of watchOS updates, I'd recommend splurging on the SE. Based on my initial gleeful reaction tapping and swiping on the larger 44mm screen, the usability improvements alone are worth the price of admission.

Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central

Plus, there are the other quality-of-life upgrades, like a louder speaker, support for Family Setup, improved safety features like fall detection, and the same always-on altimeter from the Series 6, I think the value speaks for itself.

But it is a bit disappointing that Apple omitted the always-on display; it was the one major upgrade in the Series 5 over its predecessor, and it feels a little stingy to keep it out of the hands of the millions of the people who don't have a minimum of $400 to spend on a wrist computer. Everything else about the Apple Watch SE feels like a fair trade-off, but this one hurts.

WatchOS 7 & Fitness Plus Tick tock

Apple Watch is only as good as the software that runs on it, and watchOS 7 is yet another relatively minor upgrade over last year. Like iOS 14, Apple's making some serious improvements to Maps, adding cycling directions that are sure to impress a few road warriors, while I'm most excited about the new watch faces and complications, along with the ability to share my favorite combinations with friends. Seriously, Typograph is stunning.

There's also Fitness Plus, which is coming straight for Peloton's jugular with high-quality filmed classes in myriad categories, including indoor cycling, yoga, strength training, HIIT, rowing, dance, treadmill, and more. I haven't been able to try Fitness+ just yet, but I'm excited for the prospect of having these curated experiences — especially when I get them as part of the Apple One Premier plan I've already resigned myself to subscribe to for its superb services value.

Apple Watch Series 6 & Apple Watch SE Should you upgrade?

I'm nowhere near able to review the Apple Watch Series 6 or SE, but I don't think it's a stretch to assume that the 2020 models are the best combination of features, aesthetics, and price the company's offered in the product's five-year history. Apple understands what its Watch users want, and has fully embraced the health focus that was largely missing from the timepiece when it debuted in 2015.

The addition of a blood oxygen sensor is just the latest example of the company skating to where the puck is going, and additional color and material options like red and blue aluminum, or graphite and gold stainless steel, prove that design is still a core focus.

Apple's operating with such confidence in the wearable space right now, it's almost not a question of whether you'll buy an Apple Watch this year, but which one you'll buy. While the Series 6 is clearly the star, my money's on the Apple Watch SE, which brings so much value for its $279 price tag.

What you need to know

• Apple seeded Apple Watch Series 6 to YouTubers following its announcement.
• Some hands-on videos are already appearing online.
• First impressions are positive, including the new bands.

Apple announced Apple Watch Series 6 just two short days ago and with nobody able to attend, hands-on impressions were lacking. The company seems to have fixed that by sending watches out to YouTubers who, in turn, made videos. And they're starting to arrive already.

While Apple Watch Series 6 might not be a night and day improvement over Apple Watch Series 6, it's already proving popular with stock levels struggling to keep up with demand. Based on what we're seeing from these hands-on videos, buyers are going to generally be pretty happy with their new watches.

Alongside Apple Watch Series 6, Apple also gave YouTuber's access to the new Apple Watch SE, too. The mid-range wearable looks like Apple Watch Series 5 as expected, but sits right between Apple Watch Series 3 and Apple Watch Series 6 in the lineup. It's understandably getting less attention in certain circles, but I'd wager this could be the biggest Apple Watch release in a long time.

Has your favorite YouTuber posted a video with Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch SE? Throw a link in the comments and I'll get it added!

What you need to know

• Apple Watch Series 6 is the first to include a blood oxygen sensor.
• Apple has updated its support documentation to show where the feature will be available.
• It looks like it will be available to everyone.

Apple Watch Series 6 will be the first to offer a blood oxygen sensor and according to an updated support document, Apple's wearable will enable that feature for all users. Or, at least, the vast majority.

Whereas Apple's ECG functionality requires local health authorities to sign off on it – which is why it isn't available to everyone – that doesn't appear to be the case with blood oxygen sensing. As a result, the feature is good to go in a whole bunch of countries.

The full list of countries that will support Apple Watch Series 6's blood oxygen sensor include:

Those taking advantage of the feature will be able to measure their blood oxygen levels via the Blood Oxygen app in a way similar to the ECG app. A reading will be taken and the results will be saved to the Health app should it be required later.

Apple announced Apple Watch Series 6 during its September special event just a couple of days ago. Pre-orders are already available for the new watch, with wearables set to arrive on the wrists of lucky punters this coming Friday.

When COVID-19 struck, and folks were stuck indoors, workout equipment flew off the shelves. This includes bikes of every quality level, many of which are still challenging to get today. The cycling world has a lot of very specialized hardware for collecting data while you ride. A heart rate monitor for your chest, cadence, and power sensors for the bike, and a computer to give you speed, elevation, navigation, and tons more. It's all excellent hardware, improving every year, but it's expensive and incredibly specialized.

And if I'm honest, after multiple 100+ mile rides across a variety of conditions, I'd really rather just use my phone and my watch. The things we've seen from the Apple Watch Series 6, watchOS 7 and iOS 14 will make that choice significantly easier for me to make.

New features, same convenience

The most significant advantage to using my Apple Watch over anything else on my bike is the software options I have available to me. Right now, I use Strava for everything because it grabs the information I care about and has its own fun social network with other cyclists. But I have so many different options for tracking my cycling data through dozens of other apps, and very soon, Apple's own software will be a competing option.

Apple's fitness tracker has had a cycling mode for a while, but it's a little on the basic side. It grabs the heart rate, distance, speed, and some clever stuff even after you've stopped recording an activity like what your heart rate cooldown time was. It's good stuff, but missing things like elevation and a way to at-a-glance see your average speed over time. And, of course, Apple Maps for cyclists is... lacking, to put it nicely.

Apple Watch Series 6 offers a hardware pulse oximeter and altimeter, which means the native fitness tracker from Apple will have more information on your oxygen absorption level and accurate elevation tracking. These are both super handy to have, and while some cycling apps for Apple Watch do offer forms of elevation tracking, this will be more accurate and native to the Apple Fitness software.

From a software perspective, Apple Maps Cycling Mode is being built from the ground up to be safe and extremely accurate. It's being released city by city so Apple can get it right the first time without endangering the lives of any cyclists, something Google even today could do a little better with its mapping software. As much as I love community-made bike routes when I'm planning out a longer ride, knowing Apple has put some thought into my safety when I just want to get across town is going to offer a nontrivial amount of peace of mind.

Upgrading seems like an obvious choice for me

It's not immediately clear whether the new hardware and software offered with the Apple Watch Series 6 will tempt me to ditch Strava altogether and live entirely in the Apple software experience. Still, there's no doubt this combination will make my feel safer and enjoy more data without having to rely on an entirely separate set of gadgets from the ones I enjoy every day.

And in many ways, that's the whole point for Apple. Being able to make the Apple Watch feel like a companion for everything you do instead of just an extension of your phone, something capable of motivating you as well as assisting you, is what makes the overall experience worth investing in at all.

At Apple's September 15 event, the Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE were both announced alongside two new styles of band called the Solo Loop and the Braided Solo Loop. Adding these to Apple's current watch band lineup, there are now nine different styles not including the Hermès and Nike brands.

You may have heard some people complain about the Solo Loop or Solo Braided Loop not fitting even though they thought they printed the guide correctly. If you want to make doubly-sure that you have the correct size, you should use Apple's print out guide and use a ruler or tape measure and compare it to Apple's suggested size from the guide. Here's how.

How to measure your wrist using Apple's print out guide

This is the easiest way to ensure you're going to get the perfect fit for your Apple Watch. It's Apple's official guide and it doesn't require any extra tools other than access to a printer. If you want to make doubly-sure you correctly measure your wrist for Solo Loop bands, follow these instructions to use Apple's official guide and measure your wrist to compare it to what Apple's guide suggests.

1. Select either the Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop as an option when purchasing your Apple Watch or a separate band.
2. Tap or click on Use our size guide.
3. Tap or click Download the printable tool.
4. Make sure your printer is set to print at 100%. Do not fit to scale.
5. Print the printable tool.

6. Check to ensure that you printed the correct size by placing a standard credit card in the designated sizing spot on the guide.
7. Cut out the sizing tool.
8. Place the "case" side on your wrist.
9. Wrap the measuring tool around your wrist. Don't pull it too tight. It should fit comfortably but not loose.
10. Line up the arrows on the "case" with a number. This is the size band you should get.

If you don't have the ability to print out (and cut out) the printable tool, you can also measure your wrist using a tape measure or ruler, paper, and pen.

How to measure your wrist using a tape measure

If you can't print the printable tool, you're not out of luck. You can measure your wrist with a tape measure (it's much better to use a soft tape measure, not a metal one).

If you want to make sure you correctly measure your wrist for Solo Loop bands, follow the instructions to use Apple's official guide and measure your wrist to compare it to what Apple's guide suggests.

1. Wrap the tape measure around your wrist. Don't pull it too tight. It should fit comfortably but not loose.
2. Note the measurement.
3. Select either the Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop as an option when purchasing your Apple Watch or a separate band.
4. Tap or click on Use our size guide.
5. Tap or click on the Household objects tab in the size guide window.

6. Click or tap on Got it. What's next?
7. Enter the measurement you noted, including the fraction of an inch.

8. Click or tap Get your band size.
9. Click on Continue buying... once your band size appears.

If you are cross-checking against Apple's official sizing guide the number you found on the guide should match the number Apple recommended when you measured your wrist. Now you know that you correctly measured your wrist for the Solo Loop.

How to measure your wrist with a ruler, paper, and pen

If you don't have a soft tape measure or you can't print out Apple's measuring tool, you still have a way to measure your wrist if you have a ruler, paper, and a pen or pencil lying around.

1. Cut a straight strip of paper about one-half inch wide.
2. Wrap the strip of paper around your wrist. Don't pull it too tight. It should fit comfortably but not loose.
3. Mark the spot on the paper where the end of the strip overlaps the other side of the strip.
4. Lay the strip of paper on a flat surface.
5. Use the ruler to measure from the end of the strip to the spot you marked. Note the measurement.
6. Select either the Solo Loop or Braided Solo Loop as an option when purchasing your Apple Watch or a separate band.
7. Tap or click on Use our size guide.
8. Tap or click on the Household objects tab in the size guide window.

9. Click or tap on Got it. What's next?
10. Enter the measurement you noted, including the fraction of an inch.

11. Click or tap Get your band size.
12. Click on Continue buying... once your band size appears.

If you are cross-checking against Apple's official sizing guide the number you found on the guide should match the number Apple recommended when you measured your wrist. Now you know that you correctly measured your wrist for the Solo Loop.

Sorry, this band doesn't fit your wrist size

Though you can pick a band small enough to fit around a wrist as small as 5-inches in circumference and as large as 8-inches in circumference, if your wrist is extra-large or extra-small, you may not be able to select this band. Instead, I recommend one of Apple's Sport Loop styles.

I have a friend that has a large wrist and told me the standard Sport band fits, but is uncomfortably tight. The Sport Loop has more sizing versatility and fits him comfortably.

Some of the best Apple Watch Bands are not necessarily Apple brands and they come in a wide variety of styles and sizes.

Any questions?

Do you have any questions about how to measure your wrist for Apple's Solo Loop or Solo Braided Loop? Put them in the comments and I'll help you out.

What you need to know

• Apple announced three new health studies at its September event.
• Each new study focuses on studying the relationship between blood oxygen levels with other conditions.
• The new studies will require an Apple Watch Series 6.

In its press release on the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple also mentioned three new Apple health studies that the company will be launching alongside its new Watch. The company announced that each new study is made possible by the new blood oxygen level monitoring featured in the Apple Watch Series 6.

The first study, put on between Apple and the University of California, Irvine, and Anthem, will focus on the influence of blood oxygen levels and their relationship to asthma.

The second study with the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research and the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre at the University Health Network will seek to understand the relationship between blood oxygen levels and heart failure.

The final study with the Seattle Flu Study at the Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine and faculty from the University of Washington School of Medicine will attempt to find a connection between Heart Rate and Blood Oxygen information captured by Apple Watch could detect respiratory conditions.

All three studies will require users to own an Apple Watch Series 6 with its new blood oxygen monitoring.

What you need to know

• Best Buy and CVS are offering free trials of Fitness+ for customers.
• Best Buy is offering up to 6 months of the service to customers who purchase an Apple Watch.
• CVS is offering up to a year of free service to CVS Caremark customers.

Reported by 9to5Mac, Best Buy and CVS are getting ahead of Apple's new Fitness+ subscription service by offering free trials that even beat Apple's own offering.

Best Buy has announced that customers who purchase an eligible new Apple Watch will receive six months of Fitness+ for free, a three-month increase from Apple's offer when purchasing directly from their own website or store. In addition, My Best Buy members who already own one of the qualifying Apple Watches can still receive two months of the service for free.

CVS, on the other hand, is offering up to a year of Fitness+ for free to CVS Caremark members. If you are a CVS Pharmacy ExtraCare member, you can get two months of the service for free. Their offer specifically focuses on the new Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE, as well as the Apple Watch Series 3.

Fitness+ is a subscription service that allows you to access a library of video-led workouts that uses real-time-data from your Apple Watch. The service costs $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year.

What you need to know

• Apple Watch Series 6 includes Apple's U1 chip.
• The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro are the only other Apple devices to include the chip.
• It is unclear what features Apple plans to roll out that uses the technology.

Reported by The Verge, Apple Watch Series 6 will be the first Apple Watch to feature Apple's U1 chip. The company had first introduced the chip quietly in the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, and today it did the same with its new flagship smartwatch.

As noted by the report, the U1 ultra-wideband location chip can enable features such as finding devices with more precision or unlocking homes or cars without having to pull an iPhone out of your pocket.

As revealed on Apple's specifications pages, the U1 chip is currently reserved for the new Apple Watch Series 6. The new Apple Watch SE does not include the chip.

It is not clear as to what features Apple has planned for devices that feature the chip. Many speculate that it will be a crucial technology to realize Apple's planned AirTags product. Wideband technology would allow users to more easily locate lost items.