The Apple Watch Series 6 represents Apple’s continued refinement of its smartwatch lineup, now available in Australia with prices starting at $599 AUD for the GPS model and $749 AUD for the GPS + Cellular model. With added features like blood oxygen monitoring, faster charging, and new case colours, the Series 6 aims to solidify its place as the gold standard for smartwatches. However, is it worth the upgrade for Australians? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Display
The Series 6 maintains the sleek design we’ve come to expect, with its square face and curved edges. Available in new finishes, including (PRODUCT)RED and blue aluminium, the aesthetic is more customisable than ever. The always-on Retina display is now 2.5 times brighter outdoors, which is particularly handy for Australia’s sunny conditions. This improvement means you’ll have no trouble checking notifications or glancing at the time during a midday beach visit or hike.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the new S6 chip delivers snappier performance and better power efficiency. Navigation is seamless, with faster app launches and smoother animations, even with the always-on display enabled. Battery life remains consistent at 18 hours, and faster charging—just 90 minutes for a full charge—is a welcome improvement. Charging it briefly during your morning or evening routine ensures it’s ready for all-day use, including sleep tracking.
Health Features: Blood Oxygen and More
One of the headline additions is the blood oxygen sensor. While not a medical device, it provides casual insights into your wellness. After a quick 15-second reading, you’ll see your blood oxygen levels in the Health app. However, like many wrist-based sensors, accuracy can vary. For Australians interested in tracking their fitness or monitoring high-altitude performance during hikes, this feature is a nice bonus, but it’s not essential.
The ECG app is still present and works reliably to monitor heart health. Combined with regular heart rate tracking, it’s a valuable tool for maintaining overall wellness.
Sleep Tracking
Sleep tracking is a new addition to watchOS 7, available across compatible models, not just the Series 6. It tracks basic metrics like sleep duration and trends over time. While functional, it’s less detailed than offerings from Fitbit or dedicated sleep devices. The standout sleep feature is the silent haptic alarm, which gently taps your wrist to wake you—a considerate option for early risers who don’t want to disturb their household.
Fitness Features
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the Apple Watch’s continued focus on activity tracking. It supports a variety of workouts, from running and cycling to swimming (with water resistance up to 50 metres). The integration with the Fitness+ subscription service, available in Australia for $14.99 AUD/month, adds guided workouts tailored to your Apple Watch data.
watchOS 7 Improvements
watchOS 7 introduces features like handwashing detection, which uses motion sensors and sound to ensure you’re washing your hands for the recommended 20 seconds—a thoughtful addition in a post-pandemic world. Other enhancements include improved Siri functionality, new watch faces, and the ability to share custom watch face configurations with friends.
Pricing and Value
In Australia, the Series 6 starts at $599 AUD, which positions it as a premium option. For those new to the Apple Watch, it offers an excellent entry point into Apple’s ecosystem. However, if you already own a Series 4 or 5, the upgrades may not justify the cost unless you’re particularly interested in blood oxygen monitoring or faster charging.
For those on a tighter budget, the Apple Watch SE (starting at $429 AUD) offers many of the same features, minus the always-on display, blood oxygen monitoring, and ECG.
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 6 is the most refined and feature-rich smartwatch Apple has ever made. It’s perfect for those who are buying their first smartwatch or upgrading from a Series 3 or earlier. However, if you’re coming from a more recent model, you may want to hold off unless the new colours or blood oxygen sensor catch your eye.
The always-on display, faster charging, and health tracking features make the Series 6 an excellent companion for an active and connected lifestyle, but the SE remains a compelling budget-friendly alternative.