Apple Watch Series 6 Review
Macworld|December 2020
Still a rhapsody, now in blue yet the best, even with caveats.
By Michael Simon
Apple Watch Series 6 Review

There are plenty of decent smartwatch options out there, including Apple’s own SE, but the Apple Watch Series 6 is the only real choice in smartwatches. You might not need all of the things it does right now, but if you’re going to spend a few hundred bucks on a smartwatch, it pays to future-proof your wrist.

I’ve been testing quite a few watches and bands recently—the Fitbit Sense (go. macworld.com/ftsn), Apple Watch SE (go. macworld.com/wtse), Fossil Carlyle Gen 5, Samsung Galaxy Watch 3, even the Amazon Halo band—and the Apple Watch Series 6 is the undisputed leader of the pack. Yes, you’re paying more for a Series 6 than any of those devices, but the extra money is so well spent you’re better off waiting for a sale to buy one rather than settling for a cheaper watch, even the SE.

That said, the Series 6 isn’t quite perfect. The battery life still can’t match Fitbit’s impressive lengths. Sleep tracking is extremely rudimentary. And the new Sp02 sensor is overly sensitive when taking on-demand readings. But even with those flaws, you’re not going to find another smartwatch that's as fast, featured, fashionable, or just plain fun.

A TIMELESS DESIGN THAT STILL FEELS FRESH

This story is from the December 2020 edition of Macworld.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2020 edition of Macworld.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MACWORLDView All
GAMESIR X2S TYPE C: TURN YOUR iPHONE INTO A SMALL STEAM DECK
Macworld

GAMESIR X2S TYPE C: TURN YOUR iPHONE INTO A SMALL STEAM DECK

If you're serious about getting a better handle on your iPhone gaming, consider a gamepad, an external device that provides physical controls-actual buttons, joysticks, direction pads, and more.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT APPLES NEW IPAD PRO M4
Macworld

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT APPLES NEW IPAD PRO M4

HERE'S ALL THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE iPAD PRO REFRESH.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2024
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2024 M2 iPAD AIR
Macworld

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2024 M2 iPAD AIR

HERE'S THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT THE NEW IPAD AIR, INCLUDING PRICING. SPECS. AND NEW FEATURES.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
Are we in Apple's post-iPad era?
Macworld

Are we in Apple's post-iPad era?

The new Pro and Air raise more questions about where the tablet fits in Apple’s lineup.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
ANKER 675 USB-C 12-IN-1: STYLISH DOCKING STATION AND STAND COMBO
Macworld

ANKER 675 USB-C 12-IN-1: STYLISH DOCKING STATION AND STAND COMBO

The Anker 675 USB-C 12-in-1 Docking Station and Monitor Stand solves several of your laptop's limitations in one user-friendly, stylish, friendly and functional product.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
TIMBUK2 CLASSIC MESSENGER BAG: STYLISH UPDATE TO AN URBAN ICON
Macworld

TIMBUK2 CLASSIC MESSENGER BAG: STYLISH UPDATE TO AN URBAN ICON

There was a time when a trip downtown was filled with the hustle and bustle of people. And a lot of those people sported Timbuk2's Classic Messenger Bag-not just bicycle messengers, but also commuters going to work, tourists sightseeing, and anyone else trying to get where they need to go.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
Apple needs to become a software company again
Macworld

Apple needs to become a software company again

The Al features baked into iOS 18 and macOS 15 need to be compelling enough to convince people to upgrade.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
Don't expect the Mac Studio and Mac Pro to be updated at WWDC-or in 2024
Macworld

Don't expect the Mac Studio and Mac Pro to be updated at WWDC-or in 2024

Updates to the high-end desktop Macs won’t happen until 2025.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
Apple's M3 chip lineup is a victim of the times
Macworld

Apple's M3 chip lineup is a victim of the times

The chip that was supposed to be the next generation of Apple silicon has suddenly become a footnote in Apple history.

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
The iPad Pro's M4 chip breaks the rules and changes everything about Apple silicon
Macworld

The iPad Pro's M4 chip breaks the rules and changes everything about Apple silicon

Now that the M4 iPad Pro is here, what will this mean for the chips coming to the iPhone and Mac?

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024