The new Apple Watch Series 7 will be available to pre-order from 8 October 2021. But is it worth buying? Here are five reasons not to buy the Apple Watch Series 7.
When the new Apple Watch Series 7 was introduced on 14 September those watching the Apple keynote were surprised: it was completely different to what the leaks and rumours had lead every to expect. As a result there are conspiracy theories that suggest that Apple made some last minute changes to the new Watch due to manufacturing difficulties – meaning that the true Apple Watch Series 7 won’t actually launch until 2022 (when it will be called the Apple Watch Series 8). Alternatively, Apple never planned to launch the Apple Watch that the leakers claimed was coming, in which case nobody needs to wait until 2022 to buy a new Apple Watch… right?
In this article we will run thought the reasons why you might want to wait even if the rumoured Apple Watch that wasn’t launched is just a figment of Jon Prosser and friends’ imagination.
For the sake of a balanced argument we also look at why the purchase of the new Series 7 could be worthwhile for you in a separate article.
Here are our five reasons not to buy the Apple Watch Series 7.
1. Design
The biggest surprise of the keynote was the design of the Apple Watch: The three best-known Apple leakers (Jon Prosser, Ming-Chi Kuo and Max Weinbach) had predicted that Apple would give its watch a more angular design like that of the iPhone 12. Corresponding concept design images also circulated on popular social media platforms Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Twitter and were enthusiastically received by many fans. (See how Prosser’s design compares to the actual Watch 7 below).
Accordingly, the disappointment among many potential buyers was great when it turned out that Apple adhered to the traditional design of the Apple Watch. Although the display is now larger – around 20 percent larger than the Series 6 – and Apple has picked five new colours for the aluminium housings, otherwise little has changed in the design. Those who own an Apple Watch SE, Series 5 or Series 6, do not therefore have a good reason to upgrade for the design, although users of older models may appreciate the changes.
2. Features
Although the display is a little larger, otherwise the Series 7 did not get many new features. It was actually already known before that Apple would not bring new health features to the wrist until 2022, but there was some hope that Apple might have hidden an ace up its sleeve.
For example, the built-in chip is thought to be the same as from the previous model (S6 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor) – Apple certainly hasn’t said otherwise, which is suspicious.
The battery in Series 7 lasts exactly as long as that in Series 6 (18 hours), but the Series 7 does at least now support fast charging – so that the battery can be charged from zero to 80 percent in just under 40 minutes.
In addition, thanks to a new keyboard and the fractionally larger screen, messages can now also be typed on Apple Watch Series 7, which is only possible on older models by using dictation or the scribble function (which are not fun to use).
Series 7 does now recognise when you are riding a bicycle and automatically starts appropriate training – similar to running or walking outdoors. In addition, fall detection is now also active during training.
Beyond those additions, there isn’t much more. We can’t help but think that something more could have been offered here, such as a number of new watch faces for Series 7. If you have a reasonably up-to-date Apple Watch, you should think carefully about whether you will use the new features at all before buying.
3. Series 8
If you were hoping for a new design and new health features you should wait until 2022. The fact that – as already mentioned above – the three best-known Apple leakers were all wrong is possible, but rather unrealistic. It certainly looks like Apple has plans to launch a more square version of the Apple Watch – just not in 2021. It is quite possible that the Apple Watch will gain its new design in 2022 alongside the iPhone 14 (which is also rumoured to get a new design).
4. Price
Not much is known about Apple Watch Series 7 in terms of price. The only information Apple shared during the keynote was that Series 7 starts from £379/$399. This suggests that the pricing is likely to be the same as the Series 6.
Given the fact that there are few changes between the Series 6 and 7, we’d suggest that if you can find an Apple Watch 6 on sale at a reduced price it might be worth considering (check out the deals below). You can no longer buy the Series 6 from Apple though (unless it turns up on the Apple Refurbished Store).
5. Delay
The Apple Watch Series 7 pre-order date is Friday 8 October, which is almost a month after the Apple Event at which the iPhone 13 and the Apple Watch were announced. The Watch is now on sale, but the reason why Apple postponed the launch remains: it is thought that Apple has had manufacturing issues and this could lead the Apple Watch Series 7 to be in short supply. So if you want one you may have a long wait until you can get one on your wrist.
Read our Apple Watch Buying Guide to help you decide which Apple Watch is right for you.
This article originally appeared on Macwelt. Translation by Karen Haslam.