Is Windows 11 Going To Be Free Upgrade

If your existing Windows 10 PC is running Windows 10 20H1 or later and meets the minimum hardware specificationsit will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalized, but for most devices already in use today, we expect it to be ready sometime in early 2022. Not all Windows 10 PCs that are eligible to upgrade will be offered to upgrade at the same time. To see if your PC is eligible to upgrade, refer to our knowledge base for a list of tested systems. Once the upgrade rollout has started, you can check if it is ready for your device by going to Settings/Windows Updates. Similar to how end users are notified when updates are available in Windows 10, end users will see an indication in the notification areas of the taskbar in the bottom right, that the upgrade is available.

More information on how that is presented will be available at a later date. Additional desktop notification options may be also be added at a later date. If your existing Windows 10 PC is running Windows 10 20H1 or later and meets the minimum hardware specifications it will be able to upgrade to Windows 11.

To see if your PC is eligible to upgrade, refer to the specifications here. Warren noted that he rarely used the Widgets panel or Microsoft Teams, citing that he preferred the weather display that later versions of Windows 10 offered, and didn't use Teams to communicate with his friends and family. He also acknowledged the expansion of Microsoft Store to include more "traditional" desktop applications. Overall, he concluded that "I wouldn't rush out to upgrade to Windows 11, but I also wouldn't avoid it. After all, Windows 11 still feels familiar and underneath all the UI changes, it's the same Windows we've had for decades."

If your existing Windows 10 PC is running the most current version of Windows 10 and meets the minimum hardware specifications it will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. Not all Windows 10 PCs that are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 will be offered to upgrade at the same time. Cunningham concluded that "as I've dug into and learned its ins and outs for this review, I've warmed to it more", but argued that the OS was facing similar "public perception" issues to Windows Vista and Windows 8. In October 2019, Microsoft announced "Windows 10X", a future edition of Windows 10 designed exclusively for dual-touchscreen devices such as the then-upcoming Surface Neo. Legacy Windows applications would also be required to run in "containers" to ensure performance and power optimization. Microsoft stated that it planned to release Windows 10X devices by the end of 2020.

Microsoft is soon going to launch its new Windows 11 and if you are a Windows 10 user, an upgrade to the new operating system would be free. The official release date is not out yet, but Windows 11 is expected to arrive in the 2021 holiday season, sometime in the coming months. As soon as it arrives, users will be able to update to the new operating system just like how it was done with Windows 10. As long as your desktop or laptop meets the minimum requirements.

Original equipment manufacturers can still ship computers without a TPM 2.0 coprocessor upon Microsoft's approval. Some third-party software may refuse to run on unsupported configurations of Windows 11. A redesigned user interface is present frequently throughout the operating system, building upon Fluent Design System; translucency, shadows, a new color palette, and rounded geometry are prevalent throughout the UI. Internet Explorer has been replaced by the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge as the default web browser, and Microsoft Teams is integrated into the Windows shell. Microsoft also announced plans to allow more flexibility in software that can be distributed via Microsoft Store, and to support Android apps on Windows 11 .

If the Microsoft Surface family of products isn't your style though, other brands like Dell, Asus and HP have all released pages online that specify what devices are Windows 11 ready. Note that many won't come with the new operating system installed, but as they all meet the minimum system requirements, you can simply buy the laptop or 2-in-1 as normal and then update it yourself. With its machine learning technology, Microsoft has determined further devices on which the Windows 11 update prompt should now appear automatically. The Redmond-based software company has not revealed any additional information on which exact PC configurations are included in this third group. However, manually triggering the Windows 11 update, which is how many tech enthusiasts probably installed Windows 11 in the past weeks, is no longer necessary on these PCs. Users can simply check the regular Windows Update application in order to verify whether the Windows 11 upgrade is ready to download on their respective device.

Most Windows 10 PCs currently being sold will be able to upgrade to New Windows. For the PC to be able to upgrade to New Windows, it must meet the minimum hardware specifications and specific hardware is required for some features found here. The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalised but is scheduled to begin late in 2021 and continue into 2022.

If you are having a brand new laptop or PC, then your system must be compatible with Windows 11 or even might come with it preinstalled. But issues may arise with the older versions of PCs, as its hardware might not match with the requirements of Windows 11. If your PC has a 7th gen or previous Intel CPU, then it is unsupported by the latest upgrade. Still, you can migrate to Windows 11, but the way is a little more complicated as you will need to download install files, then perform a clean install and then restore the program and data files.

Windows 11 will initially be available for testing purposes to Windows Insider members starting next week. It will also be available as a free upgrade to Windows 10 users later this year and come pre-installed on new PCs. Microsoft has also released the PC Health Check app for people to check if their Windows 10 PC is upgradable. It was speculated that the company would also bring the new operating system to Windows 7 and Windows 8 machines.

However, Microsoft confirmed to Gadgets 360 that users with a Windows 7 PC that meets the minimum specifications could be upgraded to Windows 11 after purchasing a Windows 10 license. You can refer to our knowledge base for a list of tested systems to determine if your device eligible to upgrade to Windows -11. Many PCs that are less than four years old will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. They must be running 20H1 or later version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware requirements to receive the Windows 11 upgrade. It's not imperative that you upgrade your system to Windows in the next couple of weeks, or even months.

According to Microsoft's own lifecycle website, Windows 10 Home, Pro and Enterprise editions will continue to be supported by Microsoft until October 2025; your device will get essential security updates for another four years. For many people, that's about the time to upgrade to a newer device, one that will come with Windows 11 already installed. Microsoft has already confirmed that it will start rolling out Windows 11 preview builds of Windows 11 to users in the Windows Insider programme next week.

But to download Windows 11, you will first need to check if your computer has a 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. Basically, Microsoft has changed the minimum requirements needed to run Windows 11. You can find the minimum specifications required for the update by opening the PC health app, which is a free download from Microsoft.

One of the most notable changes, which we already saw in a recently leaked ISO, that Windows 11 brings to the users currently running Windows 10 is the new interface. It starts with a fresh setup screen and continues to give a fresh look and feel across all core Windows elements. There are rounded corners on menus and windows that look similar to the recent iPadOS release. You'll also see the Start menu at the centre that is aimed at providing a modern experience. All HUAWEI PCs with Windows 10 currently being sold on HUAWEI Consumer BG website will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. For the PC to be able to upgrade to Windows 11, it must meet the minimum hardware specifications and specific hardware is required for some features.

The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalized but is scheduled to begin late in 2021 and continue into 2022. All Dell PCs with Windows 10 currently being sold on dell.com will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. Citing security considerations, the system requirements for Windows 11 were increased over Windows 10. While the OS can be installed on unsupported processors, Microsoft does not guarantee the availability of updates.

Windows 11 also drops support for 32-bit x86 CPUs and devices which use BIOS firmware. To see if your PC is eligible to upgrade, refer to our supported computer lists. At least 16GB of RAM The basic system requirements of Windows 11 differ significantly from Windows 10. Windows 11 only supports 64-bit systems such as those using an x86-64 or ARM64 processor; IA-32 processors are no longer supported. Thus, Windows 11 is the first ever consumer version of Windows not to support 32-bit processors and 16-bit software .

The minimum RAM and storage requirements were also increased; Windows 11 now requires at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. S mode is only supported for the Home edition of Windows 11. The compatibility list includes the Intel Core i7-7820HQ, a seventh-generation processor used by the Surface Studio 2, although only on devices that shipped with DCH-based drivers. Windows 11 SE was announced on November 9, 2021, as an edition exclusively for low-end devices sold in the education market, and a successor to Windows 10 S.

It is bundled with applications such as Microsoft Office for Microsoft 365, Minecraft Education Edition, and Flipgrid, while OneDrive is used to save files by default. Windows 11 SE does not include Microsoft Store; third-party software is provisioned or installed by administrators. As part of the minimum system requirements, Windows 11 only runs on devices with a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 security coprocessor. According to Microsoft, the TPM 2.0 coprocessor is a "critical building block" for protection against firmware and hardware attacks.

In addition, Microsoft now requires devices with Windows 11 to include virtualization-based security , hypervisor-protected code integrity , and Secure Boot built-in and enabled by default. The operating system also features hardware-enforced stack protection for supported Intel and AMD processors for protection against zero-day exploits. Microsoft continues to test new features and improvements after Windows 11 was released.

It only tests the latest version of Windows with members who participate in the Windows Insider Program in the Dev, Beta and Release Preview channels. The Beta and Release Preview channels offer admins and users a sneak peek at the end of the month of non-security updates that will arrive in the Patch Tuesday update, which falls on the second Tuesday of every month. First, see if your PC running Windows 10 is eligible for free upgrades to Windows 11. You check all details for the same at Microsoft's site for specifications.

Windows 11, the first major Windows release since 2015, builds upon its predecessor by revamping the user interface to follow Microsoft's new Fluent Design guidelines. The redesign, which focuses on ease of use and flexibility, comes alongside new productivity and social features and updates to security and accessibility, addressing some of the deficiencies of Windows 10. The short answer is no, Microsoft isn't going to force anyone to upgrade to Windows 11. Starting with Windows 10 version 1903, the Redmond firm stopped forcing people to install feature updates. This came after a disastrous Windows 10 version 1809 that actually deleted some users' files. If you haven't seen it through Windows Update yet, you can still get the final build through the Beta and Release Preview channels of the Windows Insider Program, as long as you have a compatible PC.

The Dev channel is already running rs_prerelease builds to test out new features, so be careful with that. If you enroll in the Dev channel, you'll have to do a clean installation of Windows 11 to roll back. And of course, you can also get it on a bunch of new laptops and desktops like the Surface Laptop Studio and Surface Pro 8.

These feel like features Microsoft will inevitably add back in over the coming months, which does highlight how meager an upgrade Windows 11 feels on launch day. And we're likely to see some other problems pop up as more people start using Windows 11, like the file explorer memory leak. Aside from the new aesthetic, the few big features Microsoft talked about in its presentation this summer—especially the ones to do with gaming—just aren't here yet. Windows Widgets are back in Windows 11, accessible via the dock, with Microsoft touting AI-powered dynamic features that enable widgets, as with the Start menu, to change depending on the apps you're using and the time of day. On the touchscreen, you can slide from the left on the desktop to have widgets appear. There is a way to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, but we wouldn't recommend it.

Although Microsoft hasn't confirmed it, the company has heavily implied that unsupported users won't receive critical security updates. If you still want to install, you can do so using the Media Creation Tool, which bypasses hardware checks. The Acer Swift 5 (SF514-55) ultrathin-and-light notebook marries an uber-stylish design with the latest performance technology. The touchscreen display is covered with a layer of Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass, and you have the option to further include an antimicrobial solution on the touchpad, keyboard and all covers of the device. Microsoft makes you accept that the company can stop providing updates, and security patches to Windows 11 on these devices.

While Microsoft is unlikely to do that in practice, it's still better to be on the safer side. Also, you're likely to run into driver incompatibility issues on unsupported devices. Especially, if your computer is running hardware that is more than 5-6 years old. Windows 11 also comes with new sounds and alerts, including the fresh startup sound. Additionally, you'll get new themes, some new wallpapers, and an improved dark mode.

Widgets can bring on front by swiping from the left of the screen or can be placed full screen. You're provided with the options to rearrange widgets or resize them — as per your preference. You can also add or remove your widgets that can help you receive the latest news or weather updates. Some of the standout features in Windows 11 include a centered Taskbar and redesigned Start menu, an updated File Manager, a Widgets drawer, and all new Snap Groups and Snap Layouts for improved multitasking. There's also a redesigned Settings app, new themes, new sounds, and rounded corners everywhere you look.

If you aren't quite ready to upgrade yet, the final public build will be available for everyone on October 5th. Upgrades to Windows 11 will begin to roll out late in 2021 and continue into 2022. During this time, we will be doing some behind the scenes testing and validating for your specific PC. Windows Update will provide an indication if and when your PC is eligible.

For tablet users, Snap Assist will now intelligently snap apps above and below when using a device in portrait mode, a behavior that was missing in prior versions of Windows. Microsoft has also updated the switching orientation animation so that it's much more fluid, and also remembers where your apps were positioned when switching between landscape and portrait mode. Once you're up and running on Windows 11, the first thing you need to do is head to the Microsoft Store app and check for updates to ensure that you have the latest versions of all the pre-installed Windows 11 apps. Once that's done, you should also head to Windows Update in the new Settings app and check for updates there to ensure you have the latest drivers designed for Windows 11. Reception of Windows 11 upon its reveal was positive, with critics praising the new design and productivity features.

However, Microsoft was criticized for creating confusion over the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. On August 31, 2021, Microsoft announced that Windows 11 was to be released on October 5, 2021. The release would be phased, with newer eligible devices to be offered the upgrade first.

Windows 11 is officially out, meaning millions of PC owners are free to upgrade today (as long as their computers meet Microsoft's ridiculously strict system requirements). I've been testing a near-final pre-release version of Windows 11 for a while, and I'm here to spread the good news that my computer hasn't blown up once. Windows 11 is so far a completely non-lethal operating system, which is definitely a good sign, but maybe not enough justification to install it. To make the call on whether other PC gamers should actually install Windows 11 today, I've been spending some quality time with its new Start menu and rounded corners. Click Next to have Windows 11 check for any updates, then accept the license terms. The Ready to install screen shows that Windows 11 will be installed and that your personal files and apps will be kept.

Apple Watch Series 6 Vs 7

The Apple Watch Series 7 offers the same suite of sensors as the Series 6. These include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a heart rate sensor, a barometer, an always-on altimeter, a compass, an SpO2 sensor, and a VO2 max sensor. These sensors have a host of health and fitness tracking features, including blood oxygen monitoring, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, fall detection, workout tracking, and more. If you have a Series 3 or 4 and upgrade to the Series 7, you'll absolutely have a brand new experience. All of a sudden, you'll get SpO2 readings, an always-on screen, faster charging, speedier performance, and a bigger display. (Though, personally, I'd probably hold out for the Series 8.) If you have a Series 5 or 6, it's not really worth upgrading—unless you're someone with low vision or suffer from eye strain.

Then I'd say the bigger text sizes and display are worth the investment. If you've never used a smartwatch and want to test the waters, I still recommend the cheaper Watch SE. The difference here is the recharge speed, which is improved quite a lot on the new smartwatch. Apple says the new Watch Series 7 charges up to 33% faster than its predecessor thanks to a novel charging architecture, as well as a fast charging USB Type-C cable. According to Apple, the Watch Series 7 will take just 45 minutes to charge from 0% all the way to 80%, with an 8-minute rendezvous with the charger allegedly allowing for up to 8 hours of sleep tracking. That's a great improvement in comparison with the Watch Series 6, which has the same battery life but charges slower.

Still, this might be a non-issue if you charge your smartwatch overnight anyway. The S7 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor is up to 20% faster than the S5 in Apple Watch SE.11 The always-on altimeter detects your elevation in real time. The S7 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor is up to 20% faster than the S5 in Apple Watch SE.12 The always-on altimeter detects your elevation in real time.

The Apple Watch Series 7 (starting at $399) is Cupertino's latest flagship smartwatch. The Series 7 is Apple's most attractive and durable wearable yet, and an Editors' Choice award winner. Now, although Apple will not officially sell the Apple Watch 6, users can still buy the previous-gen Apple Watch from third-party resellers until stocks last. So, which one should you get if you are in the market for an Apple Watch? Well, if you want the latest and greatest from Apple, we recommend you go for the latest Apple Watch 7. The larger display, dust resistance, and faster charging are reasons enough to convince prospective buyers.

Otherwise, if you don't care much about these minor upgrades and just want the Apple Watch experience, go with Apple Watch 6, which will now sell at reduced prices. The Apple Watch Series 7 is a minimal upgrade on the inside, but the new larger display with thinner bezels looks gorgeous. While it has the same battery life as last year's model, the Series 7 has a USB-C charging cable included in the box that charges the watch up to 33% faster, so you'll spend less time juicing up than before. It also features an always-on display and QWERTY keyboard, and the blood-oxygen and electrocardiogram sensors are welcome additions. On top of that, Apple claims that it's making sustainability a key element of the Series 7, having used a variety of recyclable materials—such as tungsten, tin, and aluminum—in the watch's design. Ever since then, we've seen moderate updates that are great, but overall incremental year-to-year.

The Series 5 brought us the always-on display, the Series 6 added the SpO2 sensors, and the budget-oriented Watch SE was arguably novel in that it offered a bunch of features for less than the flagship watches. And now, the Series 7 adds a bigger screen and faster charging. So, the difference between the two generations of Apple's smartwatches boils down to the importance placed on the larger display, the reduced charging time, water-and-dust resistance, and color options. If one has already made up one's mind, there is no persuading otherwise. It lacks fairly basic features like interval sessions and heart rate alerts.

The 6 and 7 have the same array of sensors, including a blood oxygen sensor, an electrical heart sensor, a third-generation optical heart sensor, GPS, and a barometric altimeter. I was hoping the addition of legitimate sleep tracking would have meant a more aggressive approach to battery life, especially as some of the competition are touting multiple days on a single charge. What we do get, at least, is a new USB-C magnetic charger that is 33% faster than the one on the Series 6, giving you an 80% charge in around 45 minutes. What that means in practical terms is a full night's charge in less than 10 minutes. So if you're strategic about charging, you can effectively wear it day and night. Battery life on both is a full day's usage, so overnight charges are required, but you won't be buying the series 6 for extra battery life.

Although the SE doesn't have ECG or blood oxygen monitoring, it has the same heart rate capabilities and neat features like Breathe, a one-minute mindfulness app, as the series 6. I'm only scratching the surface here, as I haven't mentioned sleep tracking, dozens of workout plans, Apple's Fitness+ service, noise alerts, and the mindfulness app yet. The Series 7 brings a number of incremental changes to the familiar Watch form factor, including better durability, in the form of IP6X-standard dustproofing, as well as a larger display. The Series 7 Watch also offers faster charging, although battery life remains the same, at 18 hours. Series 7 will replace the Series 6 as Apple's top-tier offering, with prices starting at $329 – Series 3, and the SE will also stay in the lineup, as more affordable choices.

Whether the charging update represents an important improvement really depends on how you use your Apple Watch. If you take it off when you go to bed and slap it on the charger, you'll hardly notice the change. Apple has also made some significant improvements to battery life and charging on the Apple Watch Series 7.

The company claims that the new smartwatches offer 18-hour all-day battery life, along with 33% faster charging than the previous model. The Apple Watch Series 7 builds upon its class-leading predecessor with a larger screen, faster charging, and improved durability. Between the hardware updates, ample health and safety features, and unrivaled third-party app selection, it offers the best smartwatch experience you can get today, earning it our Editors' Choice award. This is Apple's most powerful smartwatch yet and it features upgrades like a bigger screen, dust resistance, faster charging and more. But taking a deeper look at the differences between the Watch Series 7 andSeries 6, it doesn't seem like a major upgrade. We tell you what has changed and what remains the same in this detailed comparison.

It's worth noting that all of these features - except the always-on altimeter - can be found on the Series 4 and 5 too. At the same time, Apple's ongoing dedication to Apple Watch's rectangular design heritage is appreciated. Apple's focus on maintaining all-day battery life despite larger power requirements, like a brighter and larger screen, is also something that can't be ignored. Apple watch SE looks identical to series 6 and works largely the same, though it lacks some of the extra features and more powerful processor on the flagship watch. The display is not always-on, as on series 6, so to see the time, or whatever's on the screen, you need to raise your wrist. The Apple watch is completely reliable at illuminating the screen with the slightest movement, unlike some rival gadgets, but it's not quite as slick as series 6.

But in everyday use, there's precious little difference between the two models, and the SE is more than £100 cheaper. That said, the new Series 7 is the best Apple Watch to date and unquestionably the best smartwatch for an iPhone. You will be happy with the faster charging and a more durable case design, yet the only difference you might notice is 20% more screen real estate compared to Series 6. The Watch Series 7 has a new charger, complete with fast charging, and is easily recognizable compared to the older versions due to the silver case. It provides an 80% charge in 45 minutes according to Apple, but when plugged into the Apple fast charger, it exceeds this, getting to about 88% in that time.

There is also has a handy feature where an eight-minute charge will return eight hours of sleep tracking. While battery charging is zippy, at 18 hours battery life, you're still probably going to need to top up the battery in the AM if you've been using the sleep-tracking function. It was also rumored that Series 7 might get a non-invasive optical sensor glucometer , but it looks like that's also a bit further down the road. We still, of course, have the blood oxygen and ECG sensors from the Series 6. An integrated blood pressure monitor would be a killer app for a smartwatch but so far, hardware size and power requirements seem to mean we'll have to keep waiting.

Other than this, the Apple Watch 7 display is also 70% brighter vs the Apple Watch 6 display in terms of the always-on display. That means you will be able to check the time more easily when idle in comparison to the previous-gen model. Plus, Apple has redesigned some of the UI elements on the Series 7 to utilize the larger screen area. For instance, you now have larger on-screen buttons, can read long texts in one go, new in-depth activity complications, and quirky watch faces to match the larger curved display on the Series 7. Moreover, unlike the previous-gen model, Series 7 features a full keyboard with swipe support to input texts.

On a more positive note, thanks to its new charging architecture, the Series 7 juices up quickly. With its new USB-C compatibility, the watch charges 33% faster than the Series 6. Just 45 minutes on its fast-charging puck takes it from dead to 80% battery life. If you're running low on battery life at the end of the day, popping it on the charger for just eight minutes gives you enough juice for eight hours of sleep tracking.

Overall, the ‌Apple Watch Series 7‌ is a minor upgrade over the Apple Watch Series 6, offering larger displays and casing sizes, new color options, improved durability, the S7 chip, and faster charging. These features are mostly iterative improvements rather than major reasons to upgrade, and the Series 7 does not add any new functionality. Termed as Apple's "most durable watch ever" at the launch event by the tech company, it offers new tools for health and wellness, including an electrical heart sensor and ECG app. You can also measure your blood oxygen on Apple Watch Series 7. Along with other innovations like mindfulness and sleep tracking apps to keep you healthy from head to toe.

The health and fitness tracking is comprehensive, detailed, accurate, and in my case, total overkill for my needs — and that's a good thing. It means should I decide to do more, the Watch will be ready without the need to upgrade. Or I use the app selection mode by pressing the lower button on the Watch to leap straight into the workout app. It takes seconds, which as a casual exerciser, is what I want. You're also getting faster charging support to slightly make up for sticking to the same 18 hour battery life.

The Series 6 has slightly faster charging — in my tests it was charging from zero to 100 percent in a little over two hours, while the Series 5 hit 80 percent. That's a fairly minor bump, but it is marginally useful since more people will be looking to charge it at in-between times so they can take advantage of the new sleep tracking features in watchOS 7. Compared to the Watch SE though, the Series 6 only adds an always-on display, ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, a faster processor and the U1 chip.

In terms of the Series 7, a bigger display is added, but otherwise the features are almost identical to the Series 6. Thanks to the larger display on the Series 7, it also offers a full keyboard with QuickPath for replying to messages. The bigger screen does look great and gives the Series 7 the ability to have a full QWERTY keyboard on your wrist. Yet, there aren't any new sensors or standout features to really wow us. A faster charge is a welcome addition, even though the battery life is still only about 18 hours. The Apple Watch Series 7 doesn't have an official release date yet, and by all indications, it's pretty similar to last year's model.

The most significant difference is the Apple Watch Series 7 has a bigger screen and thinner bezels, making the Apple Watch Series 6 screen look smaller side-by-side. Not to mention that the Series 7 comes in two slightly bigger case sizes — 41mm and 45mm — making the device just a bit bigger than the Series 6. Apple's new watch supports fast charging via a new USB-C charging cable, which Apple claims will charge 33 percent faster than the Series 6. When you need to charge it, Apple says it only needs to be connected to its charger for eight minutes to be able to cover eight hours of sleep tracking. However, in our testing, we didn't find it was all that much faster than the Series 6, which needed about 10 minutes.

Apple finally announced on launch day that the Series 7 has the same S6 processor as the Series 6 (though it's calling it the S7 due to some slight changes). But it's notable in that it's the first time Apple has 't updated the processor in a new model. The watches also both have the same LTE chip for cellular connectivity, so if you're looking for 5G, you'll need to wait for the Series 8. However, the Apple Watch 7 does take advantage of fast charging. Apple claims the watch is capable of charging 33% faster than previous Apple watches, offering around eight hours of sleep tracking from a quick eight minute charge. Noise monitoring is a feature that sends you alerts when the racket around you is loud enough to potentially damage your hearing.

The latest processor is only found in series 6 (Apple watch SE uses last year's chip, which is still pretty nippy). And if you are tracking your sleep, then you'll need to wear the watch at night and recharge it in the morning. Though both SE and series 6 can do this, the battery on the series 6 recharges more quickly. In terms of choice of design, health features and sheer power, Apple watch series 6 is head and shoulders above the SE – and every other smartwatch available.

The Apple Watch Series 7 has improved over the Series 6, even managing to feel like a worthwhile upgrade to last year's model for those who don't mind spending the money. It's also worth mentioning that Apple has not changed the price either, keeping it the same for the last few generations despite hardware and software improvements. However, the company did mention that the Apple Watch 7 will be able to fully charge up to 33% faster than its predecessor. Well, that's thanks to a new charging architecture and the faster USB-C charger in the box.

As per Apple, the Series 7 can charge up to 80% in 45 minutes and a 10-minute charge session could provide enough power for an 8-hour sleep tracking. The Apple Watch SE, in contrast to its more expensive counterparts, packs an optical heart rate sensor, fall detection, an always-on altimeter. Unlike the last few generations of flagship wearables, it does not have a blood oxygen sensor or an electrocardiogram. All the Watch models being compared here have built-in GPS, optical heart rate sensor, speaker, microphone, water resistance up to 50 metres, emergency SOS, gyroscope and an ambient light sensor. Secondly, in the case of the Series 7 , the Digital Crown has an electrical heart rate sensor built into it, which is in addition to the optical heart rate sensor on the underside of the watch.

The Watch Series 7 also has a blood oxygen sensor, like the Series 6, and it has reduced bezels surrounding the display, as well as an IPX6 dust resistance. As for fitness tracking, there are also no differences, at least on paper. The Series 6 has the same fitness- and health-tracking sensors as the newer watch. You get a pulse oximeter, ECG, standalone GPS, and an optical heart rate sensor on both models.

For users who already have an Apple Watch Series 6, the Series 7 probably does not offer enough to warrant upgrading unless you particularly want a larger display, faster charging, or improved durability. The design changes and new features are iterative rather than transformative, and there are no new major capabilities, so many Series 6 users may prefer to wait a little longer to upgrade. There is also the Apple Watch Series 3, which Apple sells for $199. This older model offers substantially fewer features and has a smaller screen. The Apple Watch Series 3 is still a capable device, with 8GB of storage, water-resistance up to 50 meters, an altimeter, Emergency SOS, and an optical heart sensor. Functionally, it is more pared back than the ‌Apple Watch SE‌, being thicker with larger bezels.

If you find that you have little time to charge your Apple Watch during the day, the Series 7's faster charging could be an important reason to upgrade for you. Even so, both devices still have the same "all-day" 18-hour battery life and will need to be recharged every day. The Apple Watch Series 7 offers a number of upgrades and improvements on 2020's Series 6, offering a larger display with bigger casing sizes, faster charging, and the S7 chip, for a price starting at $399. Apple doesn't provide capacity specs, but the Series 7 Apple Watch has the same 18-hour battery life as prior models. That's enough to get you through the day, but if you want to do sleep tracking, you're going to have to charge the watch.

Any increase to screen size should be counteracted by a reduction in the surrounding hardware. This is achieved, in part, by a thinning of the bezels, down to 1.7mm. The black border hasn't gone away entirely here, but it's noticeably slimmer, even when compared to the Series 6. In spite of this, the company still had to increase the overall size of the case, from 40/44mm to 41/45mm. As someone who's had some issues with larger smartwatch cases in the past (I'm looking at you, Samsung), I didn't really notice a difference with the added millimeter here. I'm not sure I'll ever feel fully comfortable wearing a smartwatch to sleep, but your mileage may vary.

You'll get the same heart rate monitor, the same ECG sensor, and the same blood oxygen sensor. Again, that's not a huge deal — the Apple Watch is among the best fitness trackers out there. But I still would have liked to see things like the rumored glucose monitor or blood pressure sensor. If accurate, those kinds of features could help a lot of people. Although our experts haven't put the Apple Watch Series 7 through a full round of testing, they do have some early impressions that may help you decide whether buying one is worth it for you. If you're already an Apple Watch superfan and looking to take advantage of the Series 7's larger screen or faster charging time, it may be worth the upgrade.

But for casual users or those new to the Apple Watch, these updates may not make the Series 7 that much better than its Apple Watch predecessors. Apple claims that the Series 7 can charge up to 33% faster than the Series 6 bundled with an all-new charging architecture. Using the new Type-C cable charger, the watch can charge from 0-80% in just 45 minutes, and an 8-minute charge can enable up to 8 hours of sleep tracking. Despite Apple's claims of improved battery life in the Apple Watch 6, the S6 chipset failed to live up to its expectations of longer battery life.