watchOS 7
watchOS 7 compatible devices
| Device Name | SOC | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 6 | S6 | 2020-09-18 |
| Apple Watch SE (1st generation) | S5 | 2020-09-18 |
| Apple Watch Series 5 | S5 | 2019-09-20 |
| Apple Watch Series 4 | S4 | 2018-09-21 |
| Apple Watch Series 3 | S3 | 2017-09-22 |
Requirements
watchOS 7 requires an iPhone 6s or later running iOS 14 or newer.
Users with an Apple Watch Series 3 or Apple Watch Series 4 paired with an iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or iPhone 6 Plus cannot update their watches to watchOS 7.
Exploring watchOS 7: What's New and Exciting?
watchOS 7, released in 2020, introduced a variety of new features and enhancements aimed at improving the functionality and user experience of the Apple Watch.
New Watch Faces and Face Sharing
watchOS 7 brought several new watch faces, including:
- Stripes Face: Customize the number of stripes, colors, and rotation angle.
- Typograph Face: Features numerals in classic, modern, and rounded styles.
- Artist Face: Created in collaboration with Geoff McFetridge, this face animates and morphs into new creations.
- Memoji Face: Displays Memoji characters.
- GMT Face: Tracks a second time zone.
- Chronograph Pro Face: Includes a tachymeter to measure speed.
- Count Up Face: Helps track elapsed time.
Additionally, the new Face Sharing feature allows users to share watch faces with friends and discover new faces through the App Store, websites, and social media.
Sleep Tracking
Sleep tracking was one of the most anticipated features introduced in watchOS 7. Using the accelerometer to detect micro-movements, the Apple Watch now tracks sleep patterns, showing a visualization of sleep and wake periods. The new Wind Down feature helps users establish a bedtime routine, while the wake-up screen displays useful information like weather and battery life.
Fitness and Activity Enhancements
The Activity app was redesigned and renamed the Fitness app, providing a more streamlined view of activity data. New workout types were added, including Dance, Core Training, Functional Strength Training, and Cooldown. The Apple Watch uses advanced sensor fusion to track calorie burn accurately for dance workouts, validated with styles like Bollywood, cardio dance, hip-hop, and Latin.
Automatic Handwashing Detection
In a timely innovation, watchOS 7 introduced automatic handwashing detection. Using motion sensors, the microphone, and on-device machine learning, the Apple Watch detects handwashing motions and sounds, starting a 20-second timer to ensure proper handwashing. It can also remind users to wash their hands when they return home. This feature is available on Apple Watch Series 4 or later.
Cycling Directions and Maps Enhancements
Cycling directions were added to the Maps app, providing detailed directions directly on the wrist. The directions include information on when to dismount and walk the bike, or take the stairs to save time.
Hearing Health Improvements
Building on the Noise app introduced in watchOS 6, watchOS 7 added headphone audio notifications. These notifications inform users when their headphone volume might impact hearing over time, based on World Health Organization guidelines. Users can see how long they've been exposed to high decibel levels each week and set maximum volume limits.
Siri Enhancements
Siri became more capable with on-device dictation, making it faster and more reliable. Siri could now translate many languages directly from the wrist and support Announce Messages. The Shortcuts app was also introduced to Apple Watch, providing quick access to custom workflows.
Legacy
watchOS 7 significantly enhanced the Apple Watch's capabilities, focusing on personalization, health, and fitness. These updates made the Apple Watch more integral to users' daily lives, offering new ways to stay healthy, connected, and informed.