Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the Apple Watch Series 7! We’re unboxing it and sharing our initial thoughts. If you're on the fence about upgrading or just curious about what's new, you’re in the right place. Let's get started!

What's in the Box?

Okay, let's kick things off by opening up this sleek box. Inside, you'll typically find the Apple Watch Series 7 itself, nestled securely. Underneath, there's a small box containing the magnetic charging cable and the USB power adapter. Of course, you also get the usual documentation – a quick start guide and warranty information. Apple usually includes the watch band in two sizes (S/M and M/L) to ensure a comfortable fit for everyone. The minimalist packaging is classic Apple, focusing on sustainability and reducing waste.

When you first pick up the watch, you'll immediately notice the larger display. The screen real estate is noticeably bigger than previous models, making everything easier to see and interact with. The curved edges of the display blend seamlessly into the case, creating a more immersive viewing experience. The build quality is, as always, top-notch. The aluminum case feels solid and premium, while the glass covering the display is incredibly smooth and scratch-resistant. The watch feels great on the wrist, striking a perfect balance between comfort and style. Apple has truly refined the design, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you're a long-time Apple Watch user or new to the ecosystem, the Series 7 makes a strong first impression with its thoughtful design and premium materials.

First Impressions: Design and Display

The most significant upgrade in the Series 7 is undoubtedly the display. Apple has increased the screen size by reducing the borders, offering nearly 20% more screen area compared to the Series 6. This makes a massive difference in everyday use. The larger display means text is easier to read, complications are more visible, and interacting with apps is much more comfortable. The always-on display is also brighter indoors, which improves visibility in various lighting conditions. The curved edges of the display not only look great but also make swiping and navigating the interface feel smoother and more natural.

The design enhancements extend beyond just the screen. The Series 7 features a slightly more rounded design, with softer edges that give it a more refined and polished look. The case is available in several new colors, including green, blue, and (PRODUCT)RED, allowing you to choose a style that perfectly matches your personality. The build quality is exceptional, as you would expect from Apple. The watch feels solid and durable, ready to withstand the rigors of daily wear. Whether you're working out, running errands, or attending meetings, the Series 7 looks and feels like a premium piece of technology. It’s a testament to Apple's commitment to design and innovation, making it a standout device in the world of smartwatches. The subtle yet impactful changes make the Series 7 a joy to use and a pleasure to wear.

Setting Up the Apple Watch Series 7

Setting up the Apple Watch Series 7 is a breeze, especially if you're already part of the Apple ecosystem. To get started, power on the watch by pressing and holding the side button until the Apple logo appears. Next, bring your iPhone close to the watch, and a prompt will appear on your phone asking if you want to set up the new Apple Watch. Tap "Continue," and your iPhone will guide you through the pairing process. The setup assistant will walk you through various options, such as restoring from a previous backup, setting up Apple Pay, and configuring your health and fitness settings.

One of the cool features is the ability to customize your watch faces. The larger display of the Series 7 allows for more complex and informative complications, so you can quickly glance at the information that matters most to you. You can choose from a variety of pre-designed watch faces or create your own from scratch, tailoring the look and feel to match your personal style. Once everything is set up, you'll receive notifications, calls, and messages directly on your wrist. The seamless integration with your iPhone makes the Apple Watch Series 7 a truly indispensable companion. Whether you're tracking your fitness goals, staying connected on the go, or simply checking the time, the Series 7 enhances your daily life in countless ways. The intuitive setup process ensures that even first-time users can quickly get up and running, making it accessible to everyone.

Key Features and Improvements

The Apple Watch Series 7 brings several notable enhancements over its predecessors. The larger display is the most obvious, but there are also improvements in charging speed. Apple claims that the Series 7 charges up to 33% faster than the Series 6, which means you can get from 0% to 80% in just about 45 minutes. This is a significant advantage for those who wear their watch throughout the day and night for sleep tracking.

In terms of health and fitness features, the Series 7 retains all the capabilities of previous models, including heart rate monitoring, ECG, blood oxygen saturation measurement, and fall detection. It also includes advanced workout tracking for a variety of activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, and more. The Series 7 introduces new watch faces optimized for the larger display, allowing you to see more information at a glance. For example, the Contour face dynamically shifts to the edge of the screen, maximizing the available space. The Modular Duo face lets you display two large, data-rich complications in the center of the screen. These new watch faces take full advantage of the increased screen real estate, making the Series 7 more functional and informative than ever before. The combination of faster charging, enhanced display, and comprehensive health features makes the Apple Watch Series 7 a compelling upgrade for anyone looking to elevate their smartwatch experience.

Real-World Usage: Initial Thoughts

After using the Apple Watch Series 7 for a short period, my initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. The larger display is a game-changer, making everything easier to see and interact with. Whether I'm reading notifications, checking my activity rings, or using apps, the extra screen real estate is a welcome improvement. The faster charging is also a standout feature. I can now quickly top up the battery while getting ready in the morning, ensuring that the watch lasts throughout the day and night. The enhanced durability gives me peace of mind knowing that the watch can withstand the rigors of daily wear. I no longer have to worry about accidentally bumping it against surfaces or exposing it to water during workouts. The Series 7 feels like a more refined and polished product overall, making it a joy to use.

The seamless integration with my iPhone is another major plus. I can easily answer calls, respond to messages, and control my music directly from my wrist. The health and fitness tracking features are also incredibly useful. I appreciate being able to monitor my heart rate, track my workouts, and get insights into my sleep patterns. The Apple Watch Series 7 has quickly become an indispensable part of my daily routine, helping me stay connected, stay active, and stay informed. While it may not be a revolutionary upgrade over the Series 6, the incremental improvements add up to a significant enhancement in the overall user experience. If you're looking for the best smartwatch on the market, the Apple Watch Series 7 is definitely worth considering.

Who Should Upgrade?

If you're currently using an Apple Watch Series 3 or earlier, the Series 7 is a substantial upgrade that's well worth considering. The larger display, faster charging, and enhanced features will make a noticeable difference in your daily usage. Even if you have a Series 4 or Series 5, the Series 7 offers enough improvements to justify the upgrade, especially if you value the larger display and faster charging. However, if you already own a Series 6, the benefits may be less pronounced. While the Series 7 does offer some improvements, such as a slightly larger display and faster charging, the differences may not be significant enough to warrant an upgrade for everyone. In this case, it may be best to wait for the next iteration of the Apple Watch.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you're looking for the best possible smartwatch experience with the latest features and technologies, the Apple Watch Series 7 is an excellent choice. But if you're happy with your current Apple Watch and don't feel the need for the latest and greatest, you can probably hold off for another year. No matter what you decide, the Apple Watch remains the gold standard in the world of smartwatches, offering a compelling combination of style, functionality, and performance.