Apple Watch 7 — here’s why I can’t go back to an older Apple Watch

Apple tree Lookout man seven — here'southward why I can't get back to an older Apple Lookout

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Later using the Apple tree Watch 7 for just over a week, I don't call back I can go back to the Apple tree Sentinel 6 — or whatever other Apple Watch, for that matter.

While the Apple tree Picket 7 vs. Apple Watch 6 aren't all that unlike in terms of new features, the new Apple tree Watch 7 sizes and 20% larger display make the seventh-generation smartwatch the best Apple tree Watch notwithstanding. With more than screen space, it'south easier to tap control buttons, view activity metrics and ship messages from your wrist.

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That final task relies heavily on the new Apple Sentry QWERTY keyboard, an exclusive Serial 7 perk. I've been saying the Apple Watch should steal a native keyboard from the Galaxy Sentry for a while now, and so I'k ecstatic it finally materialized.

I will acknowledge I hoped a keyboard would come with watchOS 8, so older Apple tree Lookout models could benefit from Scribble-free typing, as well. Apple tree substantially Sherlocked a popular out-of-firm Apple Watch keyboard app called FlickType — or copied ane of the all-time Apple Watch apps from a third-political party equally to render information technology redundant.

Such apps should still exist supported by App Store-approved updates, especially and then users don't ask themselves "Should you upgrade to the Apple tree Sentinel vii?" simply for access to a well-working keyboard. Just if the question is whether the bigger display makes a big enough departure, my answer is, absolutely.

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It's the little things that make the Apple tree Watch seven the most usable smartwatch Apple'southward ever released. Whether I'1000 tapping the snooze function on my warning, selecting the intended setting in the control center and actually being able to calculate a tip later a beverage, the larger buttons are incredibly better.

I tried returning to the Apple Watch 6 to see the contrast, and couldn't believe how frustrated I felt navigating the one-year-former smartwatch. I struggled to read my emails, and missed the keyboard immensely. How did I e'er get anything done before? Maybe I'k exaggerating a little scrap, but I couldn't expect to strap the Series 7 back on my wrist.

If there'south one applied improvement Apple needed to maximize the potential of its flagship wearable, information technology was increasing the screen size. As impressive equally the Apple Watch stands in the short history of smartwatches, it hasn't been enough for the Apple Lookout man to advance past the need for an iPhone. I'thou not saying we're there withal, but it'southward conspicuously the management we're heading.

I tin appreciate the Apple tree Watch SE and Apple tree Scout 3 remaining on sale for first-time smartwatch users or those looking to save some dough with one of the best inexpensive smartwatches.

Only for those Apple tree users who similar the idea of handling more tasks efficiently from a wear, rather than an iPhone, the Apple tree Watch seven's bigger screen makes information technology the best smartwatch y'all can buy right now.

Kate Kozuch is a senior writer at Tom's Guide covering wearables, TVs and everything smart-habitation related. When she'south not in cyborg mode, you lot tin find her on an practise wheel or channeling her inner celebrity chef. She and her robot ground forces volition rule the earth 1 day, but until so, accomplish her at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com.