Many tech fans and critics would probably say that the Apple Watch is one of the most underwhelming products the company has ever released. However, the Apple Watch started gaining popularity in 2017, and it’s now dominating the competition — including big names like Fitbit and Garmin.
Indeed, it’s safe to say that the Apple Watch has come a long way. Over the years, manufacturers have been able to increase its capabilities — which started from just GPS tracking and detecting abnormal heartbeats, to having a built-in Siri and smart activity coaching. Because of developments in rigid-flex PCBs, such powerful features are able to fit into the Apple Watch’s unique, tiny shape. Plus, the device sacrifices neither form nor function.
With that in mind, it will be exciting to see what Apple is coming up with next for their new Apple Watch. While it has yet to be released, here are a few things we can most likely expect from the Apple Watch 7:
Design
Over the years, Apple Watch designs have stayed mostly similarly, although the displays have grown. Previously, Apple has filed a patent for their watches’ unique flexible display and layers of interconnects, which will contain critical parts like the processor and battery. The design that was patented allows for a bezel-less OLED display. But because it’s only a patent, the final product might still look different.
Wallet
The Wallet app isn’t new. It’s still handy for making payments on the go, but the Apple Watch 7 makes it possible to ditch your entire wallet and even keys at home. How? It’s simple; through the Apple Watch 7, you can upload all your essential documents — from your driver’s license to your state ID. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch is already capable of unlocking certain kinds of door locks, but it will reportedly be able to unlock even more — such as your hotel room and car. Of course, the convenience of having your IDs and keys in your Apple Watch still depends on the compatibility of other existing devices and gadgets.
Mental health tools
Apple Watch already has the Breathe app, which provides some guided meditation programs for users. But in the Apple Watch 7, Breathe becomes a feature of a new app called Mindfulness, and another feature in Mindfulness is Reflect. This is another way for users to practice mindfulness. For instance, it prompts people to think of what makes them happy, and why. In addition, Apple is adding Background Sounds (such as ocean, rain, and winds) to help users focus or stay calm.
Personal requests to Siri
Unlocking your iPhone with the Apple Watch isn’t a new feature. But the Apple Watch 7 takes it up several notches by enabling Siri to take personal requests, as long as the option is turned on. This means you don’t need to keep taking your face mask off if you use an iPhone with a Face ID. Instead, you can ask Siri to read your messages or change a setting on your phone for you.
The Apple Watch 7 will be operating on the watchOS 8. There’s still no exact date as to when this cutting-edge, new wearable will come out. But since Apple has been releasing a new watch every September, likely, this will also be announced in September. Lastly, based on previous Apple Watches, this upcoming model will likely cost around $399.
