INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
We’re not expecting to see the Apple Watch 6 for a long time yet, but it’s never too early to start hearing rumors or thinking about
which features we want in the smartwatch, and you’ll find both of those things here.We’ve collected all the current news and rumors
about Apple’s next wearable, along with our expert analysis on when it might launch and what it might feature.Below the known information,
you’ll find our wish list of the things we want most from the Apple Watch 6 in order to make it a substantial upgrade on the Apple Watch 5
That wearable was good, but it wasn't a huge upgrade on the Apple Watch 4, so we're hoping for more this time around.Cut to the chaseWhat is
it? The next wearable from AppleWhen is it out? Probably September 2020What will it cost? Likely around $399 / £399 / AU$649Apple Watch 6
release date and priceWith the exception of the original Apple Watch, each new model has launched in September of their respective years, so
while there are no Apple Watch 6 release date rumors yet we’re fairly confident that it will land in September 2020.More specifically,
based on the days and dates that Apple tends to release new models we’ll probably see the Apple Watch 6 on September 8 or 15
That’s not when you’ll be able to buy it though – expect to wait roughly 10 days from the announcement to the on-sale date.As for
price, it's likely to cost at least as much as the Apple Watch 5, meaning a starting price of at least $399 / £399 / AU$649.(Image credit:
TheIndianSubcontinent)Apple Watch 6 news and rumorsWe’re already hearing a few rumors about the Apple Watch 6, including the possibility
that it could switch to a new screen type
The Apple Watch 5 uses an OLED screen, but a report suggests the Apple Watch 6 might use microLED.The main advantage of microLED is that it
should be more power-efficient, which could mean the Apple Watch 6 would have better battery life.Another possible change to the screen is
the addition of a Touch ID fingerprint scanner
Currently the Apple Watch range doesn’t have any biometric security, but building a scanner into the screen would be a slick way to offer
it.(Image credit: USPTO/Patently Apple)This theory is based on a patent, and you can see a related image above
The patent explains that this could be achieved by moving the wireless antennas to the strap so there’s more room for other components
under the screen.It’s a change that as well as potentially creating space for a fingerprint scanner could also theoretically leave room
It would however limit the ability for third-party companies to offer straps, and likely mean that strap replacements would be very
expensive.One other feature the Apple Watch 6 might offer is native sleep tracking
That’s according to “people familiar with the work” speaking to Bloomberg.The Apple Watch range already supports third-party sleep
tracking apps, but surprisingly Apple still doesn’t offer its own, so it’s a believable addition.And as well as new features, the Apple
Watch 6 might also sport improved water resistance and wireless connectivity, as well as faster general performance
None of that is terribly surprising, except perhaps water resistance, since the Apple Watch 5 is already water resistant to depths of 50
meters.This claim comes from Ming-Chi Kuo (a respected Apple analyst), who says a switch to liquid crystal polymer (LCP) materials in the
circuit boards will allow for it.What we want to seePlenty more Apple Watch 6 rumors are sure to roll in, but in the meantime here’s what
we’re hoping the wearable will offer.1
Better battery lifeThe Apple Watch 5 actually has worse battery life than the Apple Watch 4, and while there’s a good reason for that (the
addition of an always-on screen), we’d still like to see some big improvements for the Apple Watch 6.At a minimum we want it to match the
Apple Watch 4’s life, but ideally we want it to be even better, comfortably offering two or more days of life between charges
That would also make it more viable for sleep tracking – a feature that Apple is rumored to be adding.2
More fitness features(Image credit: TheIndianSubcontinent)The Apple Watch is a great health and exercise device already, but we were
disappointed to find that no significant new fitness features were added for the Apple Watch 5, so we’d like to see some for the Apple
Watch 6.What exactly they might be we’ll leave up to Apple, but possibilities include the ability to more accurately track more exercises,
or additional sensors for monitoring your health
The more granular the health info, the more accurately we can track progress and personal development. 3
A dimmer option for the always-on screenThe always-on display was a great new feature for the Apple Watch 5, but one significant issue with
it is that it’s too bright to comfortably use at night in the dark.As such we want an option to have it go very dim, without turning off
This would also likely improve battery life, so it’s a win-win.4
Always-on for all apps(Image credit: TheIndianSubcontinent)Another issue with the always-on screen is that it’s not properly supported by
all apps, meaning that rather than a basic version of an open app being shown on the always-on display, it will in many cases switch to a
basic digital clock, meaning you can’t view the app without properly waking the screen up.We’d like to see this changed for the Apple
Watch 6, so that every app is able to fully support the always-on screen.5
Sleep trackingWe’ve been asking for sleep tracking on the Apple Watch for years and so far Apple hasn’t listened
There are rumors that sleep tracking might be in the works, so this might be something we finally get
But on the other hand, with third-party apps offering it, Apple might decide not to bother.6
Improved syncingWe found syncing things (such as songs and podcasts) to the Apple Watch 5 was a lot fiddlier than it really should be, as
not only do you need it to be charging and near your iPhone, it also just didn’t seem to reliably work even then in our tests.Coupled with
it being hard to see what’s saved on your watch, the whole process just lacks the polish we’d expect from Apple, so this definitely
needs some work for 2020’s model.7
A circular screenWhile our other wishes are realistic, this one isn’t
We can’t see Apple ditching the current screen shape – and nor do we want it to – but we would love to see a circular option added
alongside the square screens.While it won’t happen, it would be a huge selling point for the new model if it did, especially since the
Apple Watch 5’s design is very similar to the Apple Watch 4’s.4Pse7dJqANsUQdZJnXG2XN.jpg?#
