{"id":3919,"date":"2021-09-03T11:37:20","date_gmt":"2021-09-03T09:37:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1337119"},"modified":"2021-09-03T12:05:24","modified_gmt":"2021-09-03T10:05:24","slug":"apple-watch-series-7-rumours-tease-major-design-change-this-year","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/apple-watch-series-7-rumours-tease-major-design-change-this-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple Watch Series 7 rumours tease major design change this year"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\"> Everything we know about Apple&#8217;s new smartwatch, including specs, features and rumours of an exciting new look for 2021. <\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Jason Murdock\n                \t\t<\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Friday, 03 September 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p><hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n\n<p>If Apple continues its typical release pattern in 2021, it\u2019s highly likely that the next iteration in its popular smartwatch series is soon to be unveiled.<\/p>\n<p>The Apple Watch Series 7 is expected to get a major design overhaul this year. Recent renders suggest that Apple will be ditching the rounded edges in favour of a larger flat-edged frame \u2013 closer resembling the iPad Pro and iPhone 12.<\/p>\n<p>Apple has remained tight-lipped about when the Apple Watch 7 could see the light of day, but speculation is rising that the next <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/apple-event-september-2021\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Apple event<\/a> will be taking place later this month, so we may get answers then, alongside an <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/iphone-13-release-date\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">iPhone 13 release date<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>But whether it\u2019s during the iPhone event or a separate reveal in the coming weeks, we are hoping that it will be another exciting upgrade given how much our experts were impressed by the prior models. For a full run-down of the 2020-era devices, don\u2019t miss our in-depth <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/tech-reviews\/apple-watch-6-review\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Apple Watch 6 review<\/a> and <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/tech-reviews\/apple-watch-se-review\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Apple Watch SE review<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>So, here\u2019s what we know about the Apple Watch 7 so far, including potential specs, rumoured aesthetic refresh and when you may be able to get one on your wrist.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>When is the Apple Watch 7 coming out?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Apple won\u2019t reveal an exact release date until its own event, but if speculation and previous release windows are accurate, it\u2019s likely the Apple Watch Series 7 will be showcased in mid-September and be fully released before the month\u2019s end.<\/p>\n<p>In 2020, the flagship Apple Watch Series 6 and the slightly more affordable Apple Watch SE were revealed on 15th September during an event dubbed \u201cTime Flies.\u201d In a short turnaround, they went on sale three days later (18th September).<\/p>\n<p>The smartwatches did not suffer from the same disruption as last year\u2019s iPhone 12 launch \u2013 which was pushed into October from the typical September slot. With the company seemingly returning to the September reveal for the new phone series this year, it\u2019s possible the new watch may follow the same pattern as 2020.<\/p>\n<p>The plans may not be full-proof, however. A recent report from <a href=\"\/\/asia.nikkei.com\/Business\/Technology\/Apple-Watch-production-delayed-as-engineers-wrestle-with-quality-issues&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Nikkei Asia<\/a> noted the new Apple Watch was facing production delays due to the complex new design \u2013 even suggesting that some early production lines were \u201ctemporarily halted.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Bloomberg similarly reported on production issues seemingly caused by design changes and noted they could lead to \u201csupply constraints or shipment delays.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" style=\"padding-bottom:\"> <img class=\"&quot;wp-image-1337169\" align=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/3\/2021\/09\/Apple-Watch-for-copy-4b219d0.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;The\" title=\"&quot;Apple\" \/><\/div><div class=\"&quot;caption-hold&quot;\"><figcaption class=\"&quot;wp-caption-text&quot;\"><span class=\"&quot;caption-copy&quot;\"><i class=\"&quot;icon-arrow\" \/> The Apple Watch typically has rounded edges. Credit: Justin Sullivan\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><span class=\"&quot;im-image-caption&quot;\" \/><\/div>\n<h2><strong>Apple Watch 7 rumoured design &amp; specs\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>While we think the rounded edges of the previous models are pretty iconic, it\u2019s easy to see why some may consider the design to be getting a bit tired \u2013 after all, most of the updates in recent years have been to features and performance rather than looks.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s no bad thing, but some Apple fans are likely to welcome the reports that the new Apple Watch 7 is getting a facelift. Multiple renders \u2013 claiming to be based on the watch design \u2013 show flatter sides and what appears to be thinner bezels.<\/p>\n<p>If the renders (via <a href=\"\/\/www.91mobiles.com\/hub\/apple-watch-series-7-cad-renders-design-exclusive\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">91mobiles<\/a>) are accurate, the smartwatch screen will have a more squared-off shape than previous models \u2013much like how the iPhone 11\u2019s rounded edges were flattened down for the iPhone 12. Even earlier this year, in May, tech tipster Jon Prosser teased the almost identical design changes in a <a href=\"\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=oBJm1_Ctxg0&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">YouTube video<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"&quot;twitter-tweet&quot;\" data-dnt=\"&quot;true&quot;\"><p lang=\"&quot;en&quot;\" dir=\"&quot;ltr&quot;\">Apple Watch Series 7 in collaboration with <a href=\"\/\/twitter.com\/jon_prosser?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&quot;\">@jon_prosser<\/a> <a href=\"\/\/t.co\/AtfxgwSIOM&quot;\">pic.twitter.com\/AtfxgwSIOM<\/a><\/p>\u2014 Ian Zelbo (@RendersbyIan) <a href=\"\/\/twitter.com\/RendersbyIan\/status\/1395063381577568257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&quot;\">May 19, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote><p>The screen won\u2019t be too much bigger, however. According to <a href=\"\/\/www.bloombergquint.com\/business\/apple-s-new-watch-will-likely-be-delayed-over-production-snags&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Bloomberg<\/a>, the Apple Watch 7 will come in two different sizes \u2013 41mm and 45mm. For comparison, last year\u2019s Apple Watch 6 also came in two sizes, but they were 40mm and 44mm.<\/p>\n<p>Aside from a visual overhaul, reports suggest the Apple Watch 7 will have a faster processor, better wireless connectivity, and run on the watchOS 8 software. It is widely expected there will be several different coloured straps on offer, too.<\/p>\n<p>We are eagerly awaiting news about what new health and tracking features will be in the new watch series \u2013 as they remain a significant selling point for the wearables. According to <a href=\"\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2021-06-14\/apple-plans-faster-watch-future-temperature-and-glucose-sensors&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Bloomberg<\/a>, a body temperature sensor is unlikely to make it into the 2021 models, and a blood-sugar sensor is also unlikely to be included for now.<\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead, however, Apple is reportedly not only updating the flagship Apple Watch but also planning a sportier version of the cheaper Apple Watch SE.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, the health tracking features of the prior models will also be returning, such as sleep tracking, fitness monitoring and the blood oxygen sensor. It\u2019s unclear about battery life, but we\u2019re hoping it can be improved in the new series as the limited 18-hours charge in the 2020 models was one of their bigger issues.<\/p>\n<p>This article will be updated as we learn more about the design and specs.<\/p> <h2><strong>How much will the Apple Watch 7 cost?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>For now, all we have to go on is the previous pricing structure \u2013 but it\u2019s likely that the new smartwatch series will follow a similar pattern, giving us a broad window of cost. Upon its release, the GPS-only\u00a0 version of the Apple Watch Series 6 was priced from \u00a3379, while the GPS and cellular model was priced from \u00a3479. This article will be updated as we learn more specifics about the Apple Watch Series 7\u2019s pricing.<\/p>\n<p>Until then, be sure to read our <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/tech-reviews\/apple-iphone-12-review\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">iPhone 12 review<\/a>, <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/tech-reviews\/apple-iphone-12-mini-review\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">iPhone 12 mini review<\/a>, <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/tech-reviews\/apple-iphone-12-pro-review\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">iPhone 12 Pro review<\/a> and <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/tech-reviews\/apple-iphone-12-pro-max-review\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">iPhone 12 Pro Max review<\/a> to learn more about Apple\u2019s line-up.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Will Apple Watch 7 work with Android?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight:\">The Apple Watch has always been designed to pair and communicate with iPhones \u2013 and there is no indication that this will change with the Series 7.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight:\">So the short answer is: no, the Apple Watch 7 won\u2019t work with an Android phone. If you try to pair the watch to the device via Bluetooth \u2013 it won\u2019t connect.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight:\">Why? Well, Apple makes its iOS apps and the communication functions built into the Apple Watch to work seamlessly with iPhones \u2013 and only iPhones. The user experience is solely based around the iPhone-to-Apple Watch experience, such as how messages and fitness\/health metrics are shared between the devices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight:\">Anyone with an Android phone will ultimately fall at the very first hurdle, as it\u2019s not possible to even set up an Apple Watch without having an iPhone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight:\">While there are some hacks and workarounds available \u2013 check out this guide via <a href=\"\/\/www.lifewire.com\/connect-apple-watch-to-android-4175370&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Lifewire<\/a> \u2013 the real-world functionality is very limited and we don\u2019t recommend it. But it\u2019s not all bad news. There are some great Android-based wearables these days, including the new <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/tech-reviews\/samsung-galaxy-watch-4-review\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Samsung Galaxy Watch 4<\/a> and the <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/tech-reviews\/huawei-gt-2-pro-smartwatch-review\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Huawei GT2 Pro<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight:\">If you have an iPhone but don\u2019t want to be restricted to the Apple Watch, be sure to consider any of the devices that make up our <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/technology-guides\/best-android-smartwatch\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">best Android smartwatch<\/a> list.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>For the latest news, reviews and deals, check out the RadioTimes.com Technology section. Still unsure about what smartwatch to buy? Read our guide to the <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/technology-guides\/best-smartwatch\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">best smartwatch<\/a> of the year. Hunting for Apple deals? Don\u2019t miss <a href=\"\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/technology\/black-friday\/black-friday-2021\/&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Black Friday 2021<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> Everything we know about Apple&#8217;s new smartwatch, including specs, features and rumours of an exciting new look for 2021. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":3920,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2021\/09\/apple-watch-series-7-rumours-tease-major-design-change-this-year.jpg",620,413,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2021\/09\/apple-watch-series-7-rumours-tease-major-design-change-this-year-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2021\/09\/apple-watch-series-7-rumours-tease-major-design-change-this-year-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2021\/09\/apple-watch-series-7-rumours-tease-major-design-change-this-year.jpg",620,413,false],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2021\/09\/apple-watch-series-7-rumours-tease-major-design-change-this-year.jpg",620,413,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2021\/09\/apple-watch-series-7-rumours-tease-major-design-change-this-year.jpg",620,413,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/56\/2021\/09\/apple-watch-series-7-rumours-tease-major-design-change-this-year.jpg",620,413,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Everything we know about Apple's new smartwatch, including specs, features and rumours of an exciting new look for 2021.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/3919"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3919"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3919"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}