Apple Watch Series 6: The New Features We Want (and the Ones We’ll Actually Get)

Android Compatibility

Apple should take the Apple Watch Series 6 and make it compatible with Android devices. I know what you're thinking, why would you buy an Apple Watch if you don't have an iPhone?

I get that, but the Apple Watch has turned into an incredible health device. It can help you lose weight, and it can even save your life. Having a device like that, available to everyone, including Android users, could improve many lives. Not to mention the bragging rights they'd get.

And it doesn't necessarily need to be connected to Android, but if Apple could find a way to make the Apple Watch work independently through an Android app, that would be a huge step forward.

A Watch Face Store

Another thing we'd love to see is a watch face store, but it seems like that's not going to happen. Apple will, of course, add more watch face options in watchOS 7, including a new way to share watch faces, more on that later. However, having an integrated store would make your Apple Watch feel unique and personal.

Battery Life (Obviously)

Here's the obvious: better battery life. The battery has always been a dilemma with the Apple Watch and pretty much every other smartwatch out there. Chances are, you charge it every single night.

Even though Apple will probably improve the Series 6's battery, we'd love to see Apple taking it one step further to make the battery life the best in any smartwatch. Make it happen, Apple.

Well, that's enough hopeful thoughts for the day. Let's move on to what we can actually expect for the Apple Watch Series 6.

A New Sleep Tracking App

I know, a sleep tracking app made by Apple has been rumored for a while now. However, Apple might actually bring a first-party sleep tracking app when the Series 6 releases. At least, that's what the iOS 14 code hints at.

Fortunately, this is probably coming when watchOS 7 launches, so it's possible that previous generation Apple Watches will have this app as well.

Although older Apple Watches might have problems with battery life, even the Series 5, which has the best battery on any Apple Watch, still struggles with its battery life during the day.

So this would probably be one of those features that work every Apple Watch, but you'll likely need the Series 6 to make the most out of it.

Blood Oxygen Monitor

Another health feature coming to the Apple Watch Series 6 is a way to monitor your blood oxygen levels. It's important to check your blood oxygen levels every now and then. Although most of us probably don't do it on a regular basis, low blood oxygen levels can lead to greater health problems. So having a monitor on your wrist could help you keep your oxygen levels in check.

The downside is that the current Apple Watch doesn't seem to have the required hardware to monitor blood oxygen levels. This means you'll need to get the newer Series 6 to take advantage of this really helpful feature.

Touch ID

One of the most significant rumors about the Apple Watch S6 has to be the Touch ID integrated on the Digital Crown. Having an extra layer of protection would be nice and useful for many people, and quicker than typing in a passcode.

As of right now, a simple move of your wrist can show eavesdroppers private information on your Apple Watch. With a lock screen that only your finger can unlock, that wouldn't be a problem anymore.

New Features for Parents

Parents might be glad to know that watchOS 7 will bring a few new features that will finally allow them to give their kids an Apple Watch.

One of these features is called SchoolTime. This is basically a feature that'll let parents control what apps their kids are allowed to use for a certain period of time. That way, parents will know their kids are using school-related apps while they're in class.

In addition to that, parents would also have other parental control features that will let them choose what type of things, such as music and contacts, their kids are allowed to see.

New Watch Faces and a New Way to Share Them

Another welcome update coming to watchOS 7 is the addition of new international watch faces. A leak in the iOS 14 code shows new watch faces that will have the flags of different countries like in the image above.

Not only that, but a new Infograph Pro watch face could also be available. This watch face would have a tachymeter, which is a feature found in many normal watches, and it's used to measure your speed and your distance based on the time it takes to go from one place to another.

Also, it seems you would be able to use a shared album as your watch face. You could add different pictures to a specific album, and people with access to the said album will get those pictures as a watch face on their Apple Watch.

Finally, if you don't want to share your whole album, you'll be able to share your watch faces. According to the rumors, you'll be able to share different personalized watch faces and their configurations to other Apple Watch users with AirDrop or Messages. It's not a new watch face store, but at least you'll have more options.

Release Date

Apple is expected to release the Apple Watch Series 6 to the world in September 2020. However, this might be subject to change, taking into consideration the issues happening in the world right now. We'll have to wait and see Apple's plans for their new releases and if the company will end up pushing those plans back.