Apple Watch Series 6 (2020): Everything You Need To Know

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Apple Watch Series 6 (2020): A Deep Dive

Hey tech enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the Apple Watch Series 6 (2020). This smartwatch was a game-changer when it dropped, packed with features and improvements over its predecessors. We're going to break down everything from its design and specs to its health-tracking capabilities and overall user experience. If you're considering snagging one of these or just curious about what makes it tick, you're in the right place. We'll also touch on some common issues and how to keep your Apple Watch Series 6 in tip-top shape, because let's face it, we all want our tech to last, right?

Design and Build Quality

First off, let's talk about the look and feel. The Apple Watch Series 6 kept the sleek, familiar design that Apple fans adore, but with a few notable tweaks. You've got the iconic square face, which is super easy to navigate, and a range of stylish finishes, including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. Each material gives the watch a unique feel and aesthetic, so you can pick the one that best suits your style. The aluminum versions are super lightweight and great for everyday wear, while the stainless steel and titanium models offer a more premium, durable feel. The display is a stunner – an always-on Retina display that's significantly brighter than previous models, making it much easier to see your stats and notifications in direct sunlight. This is a huge win, especially if you're into outdoor activities. The screen is protected by durable glass, but hey, accidents happen, and we'll cover repairs later on. The digital crown, a signature feature, allows you to scroll through menus and adjust settings with ease. It's incredibly intuitive, and you'll find yourself using it all the time. The band mechanism is also a breeze. Swapping out bands is quick and easy, so you can change up your look in seconds, whether you're heading to the gym or a fancy dinner. The build quality is top-notch, as you'd expect from Apple. It feels solid and well-made, and it's designed to withstand the rigors of daily life. Water resistance is also a key feature, so you can wear it while swimming or in the shower without worry. This is a watch that's built to keep up with your active lifestyle, guys.

Materials and Finishes

The Apple Watch Series 6 offered a variety of materials and finishes to cater to different tastes. The aluminum models were the most affordable and came in a range of colors, including space gray, silver, gold, and (my personal favorite) blue and (PRODUCT)RED. These are perfect for those who want a lightweight and sporty option. Stainless steel models, on the other hand, offered a more premium feel with a polished finish. They were available in silver, graphite, and gold, exuding a sense of luxury. Finally, the titanium models, which were the most exclusive, were available in natural titanium and space black. Titanium is incredibly durable and lightweight, making it a great choice for those who prioritize both style and resilience. The choice of material really comes down to your personal preference and budget. Each material option provides a unique aesthetic and feel, ensuring there's an Apple Watch Series 6 to suit everyone's style. Remember, the material also affects the watch's weight, with aluminum being the lightest and titanium the most robust. So, when picking your Apple Watch Series 6, think about what matters most to you in terms of both style and functionality, because you're going to be wearing it every day!

Display Technology

The display is a major highlight of the Apple Watch Series 6. It features an always-on Retina display that's significantly brighter than the Series 5. This means you can see the watch face and all your important information at a glance, even in bright sunlight, without having to raise your wrist or tap the screen. This is a game-changer for convenience, especially if you're constantly on the move or in an environment where you don't want to fumble with your watch. The display uses LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology, which helps to conserve battery life by dynamically adjusting the refresh rate. This means the display can refresh at a low rate when you're not actively using it, saving power, and then ramp up to a higher refresh rate when you interact with it. The screen itself is protected by durable glass, which helps to resist scratches and daily wear and tear. While it's tough, it's not indestructible, so a screen protector is always a good idea if you want to keep your display looking pristine. The display is sharp, vibrant, and easy to read, making it a pleasure to use. The brightness is impressive, ensuring that you can see all the details clearly, regardless of the lighting conditions. The Apple Watch Series 6's display is a fantastic blend of technology and user experience, making it a pleasure to wear and use.

Health and Fitness Features

Alright, let's talk about what the Apple Watch Series 6 is really known for: its health and fitness capabilities. This watch is like having a personal health coach and fitness tracker right on your wrist. It's packed with sensors and features designed to help you stay active, monitor your health, and even potentially save your life. The headline feature is the blood oxygen sensor. It measures the oxygen saturation in your blood, which can be an important indicator of overall wellness. Low blood oxygen levels can be a sign of various health issues, and the Apple Watch Series 6 can alert you if something's amiss. It's not a medical device, so it doesn't replace professional medical advice, but it's a great tool for tracking your health trends. The ECG (electrocardiogram) app is another standout feature. It can take an ECG reading to check for irregularities in your heart rhythm. This can help detect conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib), which can increase the risk of stroke. It's super easy to use: you simply place your finger on the digital crown, and the watch does the rest. The Apple Watch Series 6 also excels at fitness tracking. It automatically tracks your workouts, whether you're running, swimming, cycling, or doing yoga. It provides detailed metrics like heart rate, calories burned, and pace. You can set goals, track your progress, and get encouragement to stay motivated. The watch also offers a wide range of workout types to choose from, so you can tailor your fitness tracking to your specific needs. Fall detection is another life-saving feature. If the watch detects a hard fall, it can automatically alert your emergency contacts and call for help. This is a huge comfort, especially for older adults or those who live alone. The health and fitness features of the Apple Watch Series 6 are truly impressive, offering a comprehensive suite of tools to help you stay healthy and active. It's a testament to how technology can be used to improve our well-being.

Blood Oxygen Sensor

The blood oxygen sensor on the Apple Watch Series 6 is one of its most innovative features. It uses infrared light to measure the oxygen saturation level in your blood, providing valuable insights into your respiratory health. The sensor works by shining red and infrared light onto your wrist and measuring the amount of light reflected back. The amount of light absorbed and reflected varies depending on the oxygen level in your blood. This information is then used to calculate your blood oxygen saturation, typically displayed as a percentage (SpO2). The Apple Watch Series 6 can take on-demand readings, and it also takes background readings throughout the day and night. These background readings are especially useful for identifying potential trends or changes in your health. Low blood oxygen levels can be a sign of various health conditions, such as sleep apnea, lung disease, or even COVID-19. While the Apple Watch Series 6 is not a medical device and doesn't provide a diagnosis, it can alert you to potential issues, prompting you to seek medical attention if necessary. The sensor is incredibly easy to use – you simply launch the Blood Oxygen app and hold your wrist still for about 15 seconds. The watch will then display your SpO2 reading. The blood oxygen sensor adds a new dimension to health monitoring, giving you valuable information about your respiratory health that you can use to make informed decisions about your well-being. It is a powerful tool to track your health.

ECG App

The ECG (electrocardiogram) app on the Apple Watch Series 6 is a true game-changer in personal health monitoring. This app can record your heart rhythm and detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common type of irregular heartbeat that can increase the risk of stroke and other heart-related complications. The ECG app uses electrodes built into the back crystal and digital crown of the Apple Watch Series 6. To take an ECG reading, you simply open the app, place your finger on the digital crown for 30 seconds, and the watch measures the electrical signals of your heart. The app then analyzes these signals and provides a classification: sinus rhythm (normal), AFib, low heart rate, high heart rate, or inconclusive. It's important to understand that the ECG app is not a substitute for a visit to your doctor. It's designed to provide you with a tool to monitor your heart rhythm and identify potential irregularities. If the app detects AFib or other concerning results, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and diagnosis. The ECG app adds a layer of proactive health monitoring, allowing you to track your heart health and potentially catch issues early on. It empowers you to take control of your health and be more informed about your well-being. This feature really is a huge win for the Apple Watch Series 6!

Fitness Tracking Capabilities

The Apple Watch Series 6 is a powerhouse when it comes to fitness tracking. It automatically tracks your workouts, providing detailed metrics to help you monitor your progress and stay motivated. Whether you're a runner, swimmer, cyclist, or yoga enthusiast, the Apple Watch Series 6 has you covered. It offers a wide range of workout types to choose from, so you can tailor your tracking to your specific needs. The watch uses its built-in sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, and heart rate sensor, to accurately track your movements and provide real-time data. During your workouts, you can see metrics like heart rate, calories burned, distance, pace, and more. The watch provides real-time feedback, so you can adjust your effort and stay on track with your goals. The Apple Watch Series 6 also integrates seamlessly with the Activity app on your iPhone. This allows you to view detailed workout summaries, track your progress over time, and compete with friends. You can set daily activity goals (move, exercise, and stand), and the watch will provide gentle reminders and encouragement throughout the day. The watch also automatically detects when you start a workout and prompts you to start tracking it. It's incredibly convenient, ensuring you don't miss out on recording your activities. Furthermore, the Apple Watch Series 6 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it safe to wear while swimming. It accurately tracks your swimming metrics, such as laps, distance, and stroke type. The Apple Watch Series 6 is a comprehensive fitness tracker that helps you stay active, monitor your progress, and achieve your fitness goals. It's a great companion for anyone who wants to live a healthier lifestyle. The fitness tracking is on par with some of the best fitness gadgets on the market!

Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, the Apple Watch Series 6 is a beast. It's powered by the S6 SiP (System in Package), which is based on the A13 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 11. This means it's super fast, responsive, and handles all tasks with ease. Navigating menus, launching apps, and using the various features is a smooth, lag-free experience. The watch also features 32GB of storage, which is plenty for your apps, music, and photos. Battery life is a critical factor for any smartwatch, and the Apple Watch Series 6 delivers a solid performance. You can expect up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge with typical usage, including a mix of activity tracking, notifications, and app use. While it's not a multi-day battery, it's enough to get you through a full day of wear, and that's what matters. The watch charges quickly, too, with a charging time of around 1.5 hours to go from 0% to 100%. This is faster than previous models, so you can quickly top it up when needed. The combination of powerful performance and decent battery life makes the Apple Watch Series 6 a pleasure to use. You won't be frustrated by lag or constantly having to worry about charging. It just works, allowing you to focus on your day. The battery life is great for those who use it daily, without taking any breaks.

Processor and Memory

The Apple Watch Series 6 is powered by the S6 SiP (System in Package), which is based on the A13 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 11. This means you're getting some serious processing power on your wrist. The S6 SiP is significantly faster than the chip in the Series 5, resulting in snappier performance and smoother multitasking. You'll notice the difference immediately when navigating the interface, launching apps, and interacting with the various features. Apps launch quickly, animations are fluid, and everything just feels responsive. The watch handles demanding tasks with ease, such as tracking workouts, monitoring your health, and running complex apps. The Apple Watch Series 6 also features 32GB of storage, which provides ample space for apps, music, photos, and other data. This is more than enough to store your favorite tunes, podcasts, and workouts, so you can enjoy them even when you're away from your iPhone. The processor and memory work together to provide a seamless and enjoyable user experience. The watch is fast, reliable, and capable of handling whatever you throw at it. Whether you're checking notifications, tracking your fitness, or listening to music, the Apple Watch Series 6 delivers a top-notch performance. The speed is excellent, and you're not going to be disappointed!

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a key consideration when choosing a smartwatch, and the Apple Watch Series 6 offers a balance of performance and endurance. With typical usage, you can expect up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge. This includes a mix of activity tracking, receiving notifications, using apps, and checking the time. While it's not a multi-day battery, it's sufficient to get you through a full day of wear. The battery life is enough to keep you connected and informed throughout your daily activities. Of course, the actual battery life can vary depending on your usage habits. If you use features like GPS tracking or make frequent calls, the battery may drain faster. If you want to get the most out of your Apple Watch Series 6 battery, you can use the built-in Low Power Mode, which reduces the functionality of certain features to conserve power. The Apple Watch Series 6 charges quickly, with a charging time of around 1.5 hours to go from 0% to 100%. This is faster than previous models, so you can quickly top it up when needed. The magnetic charging cable attaches easily to the back of the watch, making the charging process convenient. The combination of decent battery life and fast charging makes the Apple Watch Series 6 a practical choice for everyday wear. You can wear it with confidence knowing that you'll have enough power to get through your day and that you can quickly recharge it when needed.

Software and User Experience

The Apple Watch Series 6 runs on watchOS, Apple's dedicated operating system for its smartwatches. watchOS is known for its intuitive interface, smooth performance, and a vast ecosystem of apps. The user experience on the Apple Watch Series 6 is excellent. The interface is clean, easy to navigate, and highly customizable. You can personalize the watch face with a variety of complications, which provide quick access to your favorite apps, information, and data. watchOS also offers a comprehensive set of features, including notifications, calls, texts, Apple Pay, and Siri integration. Notifications are displayed clearly and can be interacted with directly from the watch. You can answer calls, reply to texts, and control your music with ease. Apple Pay allows you to make contactless payments at participating retailers. Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, is available at your wrist, allowing you to ask questions, set reminders, and control your smart home devices. The App Store on the watch provides access to thousands of apps, expanding the functionality of the Apple Watch Series 6. Whether you're into fitness, productivity, or entertainment, you'll find apps to meet your needs. watchOS receives regular updates from Apple, bringing new features, improvements, and security updates. This ensures that your watch stays up-to-date and that you get the best possible experience. The Apple Watch Series 6 offers a seamless and enjoyable user experience, making it a joy to use every day. It's a testament to Apple's commitment to creating user-friendly and feature-rich products. The software is seamless and intuitive, with a vast library of apps to download.

watchOS Features

watchOS is the heart and soul of the Apple Watch Series 6, providing a rich and intuitive user experience. Here's a deeper dive into some key features of watchOS:

  • Customizable Watch Faces: The watchOS allows you to personalize your watch face with a wide range of options. You can choose from a variety of pre-designed faces, and you can also customize them with complications. Complications are small widgets that provide quick access to your favorite apps, information, and data. You can display things like the weather, your activity rings, your calendar, and more. This level of customization allows you to tailor your watch to your specific needs and preferences.
  • Notifications and Alerts: The Apple Watch Series 6 excels at handling notifications. You'll receive notifications from your iPhone, including calls, texts, emails, and app alerts. You can view these notifications directly on your watch, and you can interact with them. You can answer calls, reply to texts, and take actions based on the app alerts. The watchOS also allows you to customize your notification settings, so you can choose which notifications you want to receive and how they are displayed.
  • Activity Tracking: The Activity app is a central part of the watchOS experience. It tracks your daily activity, including your movement, exercise, and standing. It uses three colorful rings to represent your progress: the Move ring, the Exercise ring, and the Stand ring. The watch encourages you to close these rings each day by setting goals and providing rewards. The Activity app also provides detailed metrics about your workouts, so you can monitor your progress and stay motivated. The Apple Watch Series 6 is a great motivator when it comes to fitness.
  • Health Features: watchOS offers a comprehensive suite of health features, including heart rate monitoring, ECG app, blood oxygen sensor, and fall detection. The heart rate sensor continuously monitors your heart rate and alerts you to any irregularities. The ECG app can take an electrocardiogram to check for signs of atrial fibrillation. The blood oxygen sensor measures the oxygen saturation in your blood. Fall detection can automatically detect hard falls and alert emergency services. These health features can provide valuable insights into your well-being and can potentially save your life.
  • Apple Pay: Apple Pay allows you to make contactless payments at participating retailers. You can add your credit and debit cards to your Apple Watch and simply hold your wrist near the payment terminal to make a purchase. Apple Pay is secure and convenient, making it a great way to pay for things on the go.
  • Siri Integration: Siri, Apple's virtual assistant, is available on the Apple Watch Series 6. You can use Siri to ask questions, set reminders, control your smart home devices, and more. You can activate Siri by raising your wrist and speaking, or by pressing and holding the digital crown.
  • App Store: The App Store on the Apple Watch Series 6 provides access to thousands of apps, expanding the functionality of your watch. You can download apps for fitness, productivity, entertainment, and more. The App Store offers a wide range of apps to meet your needs, ensuring you can customize your watch to fit your lifestyle. watchOS offers features galore, and really makes this watch great.

User Interface and Navigation

The user interface and navigation on the Apple Watch Series 6 are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, making it a pleasure to use every day. The interface is clean, uncluttered, and easy to understand. The primary way to interact with the watch is through the touchscreen, the digital crown, and the side button.

  • Touchscreen: The touchscreen is responsive and accurate. You can swipe to navigate through menus, tap to select items, and pinch and zoom to view details. The display is bright and clear, making it easy to see information in any lighting conditions.
  • Digital Crown: The digital crown is a signature feature of the Apple Watch Series 6. You can rotate the digital crown to scroll through menus, adjust settings, and zoom in and out. Pressing the digital crown takes you back to the home screen. The digital crown is incredibly intuitive and provides a tactile way to interact with the watch.
  • Side Button: The side button is used for various functions. Pressing it once brings up the Dock, which displays your recently used apps. Double-pressing it activates Apple Pay. Pressing and holding it brings up the Emergency SOS menu.
  • Watch Faces: The watch faces are the gateway to your watch's functionality. You can swipe left or right to switch between different watch faces. Each watch face can be customized with complications, which provide quick access to your favorite apps, information, and data. You can also customize the colors and styles of the watch faces to match your personal preferences.
  • Notifications: Notifications are displayed clearly on the screen. You can swipe down from the top to view your notifications. You can tap on a notification to view more details, and you can interact with many notifications directly from the watch. For example, you can answer calls, reply to texts, and control your music.
  • Apps: The apps are organized in a grid layout on the home screen. You can tap on an app icon to launch the app. You can also use the digital crown to scroll through the apps. The user interface and navigation of the Apple Watch Series 6 are designed to be simple, intuitive, and efficient, making it a joy to use. The watch is designed to make it easy for you to get the information you need and to stay connected throughout your day.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

No tech is perfect, and the Apple Watch Series 6 is no exception. While it's generally reliable, you might encounter some issues from time to time. Don't worry, most problems can be fixed with a few simple steps. One common issue is battery drain. If you find your battery is draining faster than usual, check your settings to see if you have any features enabled that might be consuming more power, like the always-on display or frequent GPS usage. Try turning off features you don't need or reducing the screen brightness. Another frequent complaint is connectivity problems, such as the watch not connecting to your iPhone or Wi-Fi. Make sure both your iPhone and your watch are running the latest software, and check your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings. Restarting both devices can often resolve connectivity issues. Sometimes, apps may crash or become unresponsive. Force-closing the app and restarting it is usually a quick fix. If that doesn't work, you can try restarting your watch. If you're having trouble with the touchscreen, make sure your watch is clean and free of any debris. Also, try restarting the watch. If the problem persists, it could be a hardware issue, and you might need to contact Apple Support. Another issue some users face is related to the heart rate sensor. Make sure the watch is snug on your wrist and that the sensor is making good contact with your skin. Adjusting the band or cleaning the sensor can often help. If the sensor still isn't working correctly, you may need to have your watch checked by Apple. If you're experiencing more serious problems, like a cracked screen or water damage, it's best to seek professional repair. Attempting to fix the watch yourself could void your warranty and potentially cause more damage. There are numerous resources online and at authorized repair shops that can help you with your repairs. The common issues that are faced, are easily fixed with a couple of steps.

Battery Drain Solutions

Battery drain is a common issue with smartwatches, and the Apple Watch Series 6 is no exception. If you notice your battery is draining faster than usual, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot the problem and improve battery life. First, check your settings to see if you have any features enabled that might be consuming more power. The always-on display is a convenient feature, but it can significantly drain your battery. Consider turning it off or using the raise-to-wake function instead. Frequent GPS usage, especially during workouts, can also drain the battery quickly. If you don't need GPS for your workouts, try turning it off or using the indoor workout mode. Similarly, features like background app refresh can consume power. Review your app settings and disable background refresh for apps you don't use frequently. Screen brightness also affects battery life. Lowering the brightness of your screen can help to conserve power. You can adjust the brightness settings in the Control Center. Finally, make sure your watch is running the latest version of watchOS. Software updates often include battery optimization improvements. In addition to these settings, you can also try some general tips for extending battery life. Close any apps you're not using, and avoid leaving apps open in the background. Minimize the use of features that drain the battery, such as frequent notifications and streaming music. Avoid extreme temperatures, as both heat and cold can negatively impact battery life. If you're still experiencing battery drain issues after trying these steps, you may want to contact Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide additional troubleshooting steps or determine if there is a hardware issue with your watch. By taking these steps, you can optimize your Apple Watch Series 6 to improve battery life.

Connectivity Problems and Fixes

Connectivity issues can be frustrating, but they can often be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. If your Apple Watch Series 6 is not connecting to your iPhone, the first step is to ensure that both devices are running the latest software. Outdated software can often cause connectivity problems. Check for software updates on both your iPhone and your watch, and install any available updates. Next, check your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings. Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone and that your watch is connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth. If you're trying to use Wi-Fi, ensure that your watch is connected to a Wi-Fi network and that your iPhone is also connected to the same network. If you've verified the software and connection settings and still have problems, try restarting both your iPhone and your Apple Watch. This can often resolve temporary glitches that may be causing connectivity issues. To restart your watch, press and hold the side button until the power off screen appears, then drag the power off slider. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears. Similarly, restart your iPhone by pressing and holding the side button and either volume button until the power off slider appears, then drag the slider. If you're still experiencing connectivity problems, try unpairing and repairing your Apple Watch with your iPhone. This will essentially reset the connection between the two devices. To do this, open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap on All Watches, then tap the