First impressions of the Apple Watch Series 6 have now been shared by select media outlets and YouTubers, providing a closer look at the device's new features, including blood oxygen measuring and a brighter always-on display.

apple watch series 6 product red back
Starting with blood oxygen measuring, Engadget's Valentina Palladino noted that the Apple Watch needs to be worn in a certain way to get a successful reading:

It took at roughly seven attempts of fiddling with the placement before I got it to work. Data came most often when the Watch was as far up my arm as my small/medium sports band would allow when secured on the third notch. Apple provides guidelines in the blood oxygen app that explain proper placement, and one of the things it advises is not to position the Watch too low on the wrist.

Palladino suggested that the new Solo Loop band may have been Apple's way of addressing this matter, as it kept the Apple Watch flush against her skin for accurate blood oxygen readings. Apple says the Solo Loop comes in nine sizes to provide an "ultracomfortable" fit, with a wrist sizing guide available on its website.

TechCrunch's Brian Heater was disappointed that the Series 6 continues to have the same advertised 18 hours of battery life as previous models, especially with the addition of sleep tracking. However, during its Time Flies event this week, Apple indicated that the Series 6 can charge 20 percent faster than the Series 5.

The Verge's Dieter Bohn said his favorite new feature is the brighter always-on display, which he described as "very bright." Bohn also offered praise for the new (PRODUCT)RED finish option, which looks quite vibrant in his photos.

apple watch series 6 product red
Powered by a new S6 chip, Apple says the Series 6 is up to 20 percent faster than the Series 5. Rolling Stone's Brandt Ranj said that in real-world use, the Series 6 feels "incredibly fast," noting that apps load more quickly, Siri feels more responsive, and animations like the closing of Activity rings look a lot smoother.

Additional Impressions:

For more, we've also rounded up Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE unboxing videos.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch Series 9
Tag: Reviews
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Top Rated Comments

otternonsense Avatar
46 months ago
The more I read about it, the more I think I’ll stick to the series 4. :(
Score: 28 Votes (Like | Disagree)
anthogag Avatar
46 months ago
The blood O2 sensor takes 15 seconds. Why can't a person just push the watch against the wrist if there is a problem with fit.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bernoulli Avatar
46 months ago

I ordered the £409 Series 6, and was originally doing the trade-in for my 2 year old Series 4 for £135 but instead managed to sell it for £250 yesterday... So I see it as the Series 6 only cost me £159
Apart from the £400 you spent initially for series 4?
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheBing1980 Avatar
46 months ago

There is a 15 second countdown for the test. I don't think it takes readings in the background all day.
According to the support page on Apple’s website it does take readings in the background.

About background measurements
The Blood Oxygen app on your Apple Watch will occasionally measure your blood oxygen levels if background measurements are on. This will usually happen when you are not moving. Depending on how active you are, the number of readings collected each day and the time between these readings will vary. “
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
locovaca Avatar
46 months ago

The more I read about it, the more I think I’ll stick to the series 4. :(
Ditto but series 3 here!


The blood O2 sensor takes 15 seconds. Why can't a person just push the watch against the wrist if there is a problem with fit.
Because it’s supposed to be silently taking readings all day. If it require manual intervention then that won’t work.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
David1964 Avatar
46 months ago
Already ordered one in Blue.Can’t wait.Upgrading from the series 4.I’ve “downgraded” from a SS case to Aluminium ?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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