Apple Watch Series 7: A Closer Look at the Upgraded Display
Apple unveiled its highly anticipated Apple Watch Series 7 in October 2021, leaving many eager consumers expecting a range of innovative health-tech features. The previous models, Watch Series 5 and Watch Series 6, introduced the electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood-oxygen monitor respectively, catering to the growing demand for health-tracking capabilities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Apple surprised its audience by focusing on enhancing the display instead. The Series 7 boasts a larger and more durable screen, along with an expected IP6X certification for dust resistance and a WR50 water resistance rating. Let’s take a closer look at what sets this display apart.
Conscious and Responsive Design
While the overall size of the Apple Watch remains relatively unchanged, it was a logical move for Apple to increase the screen size by approximately 20% to create a more sleek and modern look. This design choice not only enhances the user’s visual experience but also provides more screen real estate for apps. A well-designed app for a smartwatch should prioritize fast interactions and focus on delivering the most relevant content to users. Hence, the smartwatch design itself needs to support these requirements.
Upon comparing the Series 7 with its predecessors, it becomes apparent that the user interface has been redesigned to make the most of the larger size and shape of the new display. The larger screen allows for more text to be displayed, along with larger buttons and type sizes that can be customized for accessibility needs. Additionally, a QWERTY keyboard has been introduced to improve user input on the device.
The Rising Demand for Smartwatches
The growing emphasis on physical health has significantly increased the demand for smartwatches. Although overall smartwatch sales in Q4 2020 were slightly lower than the same period in 2019, Apple managed to increase its market share. According to Counterpoint Research, Apple Watch accounted for 40% of all smartwatch sales during that quarter.
Ideal smartwatch app design goes beyond font and image sizes; it also takes into account negative space or whitespace. When there is an overload of information, the user experience suffers. To address this, app designers often create visual groupings and use negative space to clearly separate and organize relevant information. The Apple Watch Series 7 not only offers more space for displaying text and media but also allows for more “nothingness” – a deliberate use of negative space. This design choice is particularly beneficial during highly engaging routines, such as exercise or work, helping users stay focused only when necessary. For many users, the Apple Watch Series 7 remains an accessory that seamlessly integrates into their daily routines, relied upon for health tracking throughout the day and night.
Durability and Reliability
One notable improvement in the Apple Watch Series 7 is its enhanced durability. The front crystal of the Series 7 is significantly stronger and more crack-resistant compared to its predecessors. Users who encountered minor crack lines on previous models, such as the SE and Series 3 to Series 6, often invested in protective measures like screen guards or tempered glass. However, the Series 7’s durability renders these additional accessories unnecessary.
Apple has consistently prioritized durability in its products, starting with the introduction of Ceramic Shield on the iPhone 12 series. In May 2021, Apple even granted Corning Incorporated, a supplier of precision glass for iPhone, Watch, and iPad, a fund of US$45 million to further enhance their collaboration. The Ceramic Shield utilizes a high-temperature crystallization process to create nano-crystals within the glass matrix. These special crystals are small enough to maintain transparency, resulting in a material that is reported to be stronger than Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus.
Perhaps Apple’s focus on a more robust design with the Series 7 is a response to the world’s increasing desire for an active and outdoor lifestyle following two years of being confined indoors. Engaging in outdoor activities often involves the risk of falls and collisions with various elements. The Apple Watch Series 7 successfully combines the need for a reliable device with a sleek design, setting it apart from other rugged options on the market.
What Lies Ahead with the Apple Watch Series 8?
The Apple Watch Series 7 is available starting at ₹41,900 and can be purchased online from Apple’s official store or through authorized third-party resellers. Looking to the future, one can only speculate about the Apple Watch Series 8 (if that’s what it will be called) and what exciting features it may bring. As Apple continues to innovate and respond to customer demands, it’s safe to say that the Series 8 will likely build upon the success of its predecessors while pushing the boundaries in terms of technology, design, and functionality.