The Apple Watch Series 7 might be the most significant design shift in the wearable’s six-year existence. Aside from the slightly larger display and somewhat more rounded corners debuted with Series 4, Apple’s smartwatch hasn’t undergone a major makeover yet.
Apple is expected to try something different with the design of the upcoming generation. We’re talking about a design update that will bring the Apple Watch Series 7 in line with the rest of Apple’s current product lineup, and that, together with a couple of other small adjustments, may make the new Apple Watch seem fresher than it has in a long time.
Square and Boxy is Cool, Again
The industry appeared to be heading toward more smooth and circular shapes. With the Samsung Galaxy flagship series, Samsung was pushing the frontiers of curved displays and other sloping surfaces. Apple, on the other hand, chose to go against the norm a few years ago and began making its devices boxier, with flush sides rather than rounded edges.
The iPad Pro debuted in 2018 with a flat frame that complemented the larger screen and smaller, more consistent bezels. The iPhone 12 and this year’s Mac Pros both launched with flat edges, continuing the trend. We believe that this trend will continue with the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7, which will most likely be the next device to have its sides slimmed down.
Bigger Screen and New Sizes
Apple Watch Series 7 will be available in two additional casing sizes: 41mm and 45mm. These will take the place of the current 40mm and 44mm choices that have been available since the Apple Watch Series 4 was released. This 1mm difference in size may not appear to be significant but it gives truth to another rumor regarding the Apple Watch Series 7: the inclusion of a larger display.
Apple Watches were available in 38mm and 42mm casing sizes until the Series 4. Apple increased the casing sizes by 2 mm with the debut of the Series 4, which introduced a bigger display. If this is any indication, the new, if minor, increase in casing sizes may be in part to allow a little larger display and, ideally, a larger battery as well.
Release Date and Pricing
Recent Apple Watch models have all begun at $399 (for the base models), with the Watch SE being the striking outlier at $279, despite being touted as a cheap option. Unless Apple has a surprise in store for us, we think the 41mm Apple Watch Series 7 will start at $399 and go up from there for the 45mm version and special editions.
When it comes to when the Series 7 will be released, Apple’s yearly event is rapidly approaching. Although there is no set date for this year’s event, Apple has typically hosted it in early-to-mid September.
