I’ve been secretly testing the NEW Apple Watch 7 – bin your old ticker right now

STRETCH those wrists – there’s a brand new Apple Watch here.

I’ve been secretly testing the Apple Watch 7 for a week and yes, it’s barely different from last year’s model. But it’s still the most brilliant thing you can put on your wrist.

Sean Keach / The SunI’ve been trying the Apple Watch 7, with its new green aluminium casing[/caption]

Sean Keach / The SunThe new watch has a larger display and a slightly tweaked case design[/caption]

Let’s get it out of the way: not much has changed from the Apple Watch 6.

There are some minor upgrades that are very welcome, including a larger and more impressive screen. Oh, and faster charging.

But you probably won’t (and shouldn’t!) be upgrading if you have the Apple Watch 6. Who is doing that, anyway?

If you’re coming from an older Apple Watch or no Apple Watch at all, then you’re really in for a treat.

After all, that’s the overwhelming majority of people who are thinking about buying this.

Let’s start with what’s actually new.

Apple Watch 7 on Amazon – buy here

The Apple Watch 7 has a full-screen watch face, with a large screen that’s 20% bigger than last time.

That means it’s easier to see and use what’s on the screen. It really is.

Apple has softened the edges of the device, but it generally looks similar to previous iterations.

That’s great because it’s now a beloved design that people obviously like.

The always-on screen is now 70% brighter, which is noticeable. It’s much easier to see the time at a glance, even when you’re in the sun.

Style icon

Colours are perhaps one of the big reasons to upgrade, not least if you’re a fashionista.

New aluminium case colours include Midnight, Starlight, Green, Blue and Red.

I’ve been using the Green case, and it’s really nice – especially matched with a green band.

It’s a dark green and could easily be mistaken for black unless the light catches it. Surprised and delighted, I am.

For Stainless Steel cases, you’ve got options of Silver, Graphite and Gold.

And for the truly cash-flush, you can opt for tougher-than-nails Titanium or Space Black Titanium.

You can then customise even further with the seemingly infinite selection of straps available.

Basically, there’s more opportunity to customise the Apple Watch and make it your own than ever before.

Apple has added a couple of new watch faces, but I still go for the Infograph face.

You can just fit so much on it – and it’s easier to use now that the screen is larger.

In a single face I’ve got UK and NYC times, my heart rate, a compass plus current elevation, my health metrics (including exercise minutes, calories burned and time spent standing), battery life, the date and the local weather.

It’s impressive that all of that is fit in a single watch face, arguably with room to spare

And it means the watch is versatile for almost any situation I find myself in – at work, going for a hike, or doing some pilates in the living room.

Life preserver

It’s still WR50 water-resistant and IP6X dust resistant, so you can take it for a swim.

And you get all the handy health features, including heart-rate tracking, a Blood Oxygen monitor, an ECG to help detect heart rhythm issues, and Fall Detection to dial emergency contacts if you’ve tripped over and are unresponsive.

It’s arguably the most powerful health tool you can cheaply have on you.

You can discover dangerous illnesses, be warned of abnormally high heart rates at rest, and monitor your long-term health trends.

Basically, it’s worth buying at $399/£369 for the health features alone.

Never mind the fact it even tells you the time…

The new model running on Apple’s watchOS 8 can also track your respiratory rate while you’re asleep.

And it’s got a Mindfulness app to help you do quick one-minute meditative moments to relieve the stresses of daily life.

Full of Apple juice

Battery life is very good, given the amount of tech on board – and the quality of the display.

Apple says you get an “all day” 18-hour battery life, with 33% faster charging thanks to a new USB-C cable.

I’m a standard Apple Watch user, or so I like to think.

For instance, I try to close my rings, including a bit of exercise each day. I try my best.

I’ll do the odd Blood Oxygen measurement, check the weather, and get an endless stream of notifications.

Some days I’ll link my Apple Watch up to Fitness+ on the telly to nearly kill myself with some guided workouts too.

And usually by the end of each day, I’m coming in at between 45% and 55% charge remaining.

I’ll then sleep with the watch on, which knocks off a further 15% to 20%.

When I wake up, I put it on charge, and I’m usually back to full in well under an hour.

As far as I can tell, this is the best way to charge it, as you can take advantage of day-to-day usage as well as sleep tracking.

Basically, battery life is absolutely fine for daily use – and you could potentially squeeze two light days out of it at a push.

Apple Watch 7 review verdict – is it any good?

As it stands, the Apple Watch is still the best smartwatch in the world.

Android rivals are scrambling to catch up – and are vastly improved because of it.

But the level of synergy between the Apple Watch, iPhone and other Apple products – and the depth of the tech on board – are unparalleled.

The health features that monitor your heart, your respiratory system, whether you’ve fallen over and your long-term wellness are potentially life-changing.

And the fact that you can get a device that does all this for few hundred dollars or pounds is very tempting.

The Apple Watch manages to be a health tool, a fashion accessory and a life utility in one.

And as each year goes by, it becomes harder to justify not having one in your life.

If you’re an Android phone owner, the argument is easy.

But anyone with an iPhone should seriously consider picking up an Apple Watch. It not only looks cool and works well, but it might even save your life.

Ditch that old timepiece today and “smarten” up your wrist.

The Sun says: Undeniably the best smartwatch in the world, the Apple Watch 7 is a minor update to a must-have gadget. Hard to knock for the price. 5/5

Sean Keach / The SunYou can fit loads of information on the larger screen[/caption]

Sean Keach / The SunYou can still customise the Apple Watch 7 in multiple colours[/caption]

Sean Keach / The SunThe Apple Watch remains the world’s best smartwatch[/caption]

Sean Keach / The SunApple is selling the new Series 7 watch for $399/£369[/caption]

Where to buy Apple Watch 7

In the US, the Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $399.

And for UK customers, you’ll pay £369 for the Apple Watch Series 7.

Here are some stores stocking the Apple Watch Series 7…

Apple (US) – buy hereApple (UK) – buy hereBest Buy (US) – buy hereAmazon (UK) – buy here

All prices in this article were correct at the time of writing, but may have since changed. Always do your own research before making any purchase.

If you click on a link in this story we will earn affiliate revenue.

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