First official information on new Apple smartwatches: six models pass certifications in Russia, at least two could be the new Apple Watch SE.
Apple Watch 6 was launched by the Cupertino-based company on September 15, 2020, along with the budget smartwatch Apple Watch SE. A year later, the successor, the Apple Watch 7, seems to be on its way. This can be deduced from the first certifications for new Apple Watch models, released in Russia by the Eurasian Economic Commission.
They are six models in all (A2473, A2474, A2475, A2476, A2477 and A2478), found in the database of the certification body by the French Consomac, which almost certainly correspond to as many versions of the same watch, different in equipment (for example models with and without cellular connection). Or, another likely hypothesis, among these six models at least two are the new Apple Watch SE. It is not yet possible to say for sure, because this is the very first information about the new models that, most likely, will be launched during a special event in September. An event during which, fans hope, Apple will also present other new products.
Apple Watch 7: what we know
The hypothesis that the Apple Watch 7 will be launched in September is very likely, given that on the same database of the Eurasian Economic Commission in Russia in June appeared the first reference to the iPhone 13. It's hard for Apple to choose to hold two separate events for two products that are so closely related.
Last year, the usually very reliable market analyst Ming-Chi Kuo started talking about possible design changes on Apple Watch Series 7. Similar, and more detailed, rumors also come from leaker Jon Prosser (reliable, but not as certain as Kuo): the Apple Watch 7 will have flat edges, like the iPhone 12 and the new iPad Air and Pro. It could also arrive in the new green color.
Bloomberg has also spoken out by reporting a number of rumors: Apple Watch 7 will have a thinner display bezel, a more powerful processor, and Ultra-Wide Band technology (the one built into AirTags, to be clear).
Apple Watch 7: will have WatchOS 8
One thing for sure, according to the Russian certification, is that all upcoming models will have Apple WatchOS 8 on board. The new smartwatch operating system from the bitten apple was announced at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2021 and is scheduled for release in September 2021.
Among its new features are the ability to store digital keys, via Wallet, new types of training and the fact that more apps will be compatible with the always-on display.