Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch SE sneak peek

In a September 15 online product event, Apple added two new watches to its lineup, the Series 6 and the SE. 

 

In introducing the new wearables, Apple emphasized the improved tracking functions built into Apple Watch. 

 

The Series 6 edition of the Apple Watch, for example, includes a new sensor that uses lights to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. 

 

Blood-oxygen saturation is something that can provide evidence of respiratory problems, including COVID-19 infection. 

 

The new sensor is also how the Apple Watch Series 6 can measure VO2 max, which is measure of how well your body can use oxygen when it's exercising.

 

A new watch band, the Solo Loop, is a single, stretchable piece of silicon with no buckle or clasp. There's also a fabric version, the Braided Solo Loop, that weaves silicon and yarn threads. 

 

Apple Watch Series 6 starts at $529, and $659 with cellular. 

 

The Apple Watch SE is a slightly scaled back model that doesn't have the blood-oxygen sensor but otherwise includes all the same features as the Series 6 and is also available with a cellular connection. It's priced at $369, and $429 will cellular. 

 

Both watches are available to order now and will be released on Friday. 

 

The two wearables will also use the new operating system, watchOS7, which adds sleep-tracking and hand-wash detection and timing to Apple Watches. 

 

Apple also announced a new feature that lets people in your household use Apple Watch without needing an iPhone. Family Setup uses a parent's iPhone to connect a child's cellular-enabled Apple Watch. This service is not currently available in Canada.