Apple’s fall releases are going to arrive soon, and with it, a new Apple Watch — the “Apple Watch Series 6” — is very likely. Here’s what you can expect to see coming to Apple’s flagship wearable.
When will the “Apple Watch Series 6” be announced?
The Apple Watch is typically announced alongside the yearly iPhone release event in September. There is some speculation that the iPhone event may be delayed until October, which could delay the announcement of the newest Apple Watch.
Notable leaker Jon Prosser has suggested that the “Apple Watch Series 6” will be released in the week starting September 7, alongside next-generation iPad models.
What will the “Apple Watch Series 6” be made of?
Apple is known for routinely adding and removing Apple Watch materials. The Apple Watch Series 3 saw the introduction of ceramic, which was removed for the Apple Watch Series 4. Ceramic came back for the Apple Watch Series 5, along with titanium, the latest addition.
It’s expected that the “Apple Watch Series 6” will release with aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic.
There have been some suggestions that the Apple Watch may soon get a plastic version, not unlike the popular iPhone 5c. The new entry-level Watch could serve as a device for children or first-time buyers who would like to try out an inexpensive model.
Until now, all generations of the Apple Watch have featured an OLED display. There has been speculation that Apple may migrate to using microLEDs in the upcoming Apple Watch. By switching to microLEDs, the display would draw less power on the battery, leading to increased wear time between charges. However, a more recent report states that Apple will not be switching to microLEDs until 2023.
A regulatory filing has shown that the upcoming Apple Watch will likely see a new battery. Two smaller batteries and one larger were filed with various regulatory systems, including Safety Korea. Apple tends to change the battery size when efficiencies gained in software mean the battery life would be comparable or better than previous models.
Upcoming changes to connectivity
The upcoming Apple Watch is rumored to see the addition of Liquid Crystal Polymer, or LCP, which could lead to increased wireless performance. The material may improve antenna performance and allow for Wifi 6 to be included in the Apple Watch.
It would also allow for improved water resistance ratings, as LCP would improve the connection between the Digital Crown and the motherboard.
A new “Kid Mode” is also rumored to be introduced in the future. Kid Mode would allow parents to pair an additional Apple Watch with their iPhone. This would allow parents to easily track their child’s location and give the child the ability to contact family members.
“Kid Mode” would also likely feature a Screen Time feature that would allow parents to monitor their children’s device usage.
Sleep tracking, Blood oxygenation and more could be coming to the “Apple Watch Series 6”
The Apple Watch has been able to perform an electrocardiogram via the Digital Crown since the Apple Watch Series 4. Leaked code in the watchOS 7 beta suggests that the ECG feature will be improved, capable of taking an ECG even when a user’s heart rate is elevated. The code does not indicate whether this will be due to new hardware or upgraded software features in watchOS 7.
Blood oxygen detection has been rumored to be arriving on the Apple Watch nearly every year. The Apple Watch sensor utilizes the same core technology that is used to detect oxygen saturation. Likely due to FDA regulations — and Apple not wanting to classify the Apple Watch as a full medical device — the feature has been left off the device.
Some suffered from COVID-related pneumonia showed no outward symptoms until their blood oxygen levels were dangerously low. A wearable that can routinely monitor a user’s blood oxygen levels could help detect COVID-19 — or other conditions that deprive the body of oxygen — before more severe symptoms set in.
Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the FDA has begun allowing consumer electronics manufacturers — such as Fitbit — to provide blood oxygen readings. So, it’s possible that the feature may arrive on the “Apple Watch Series 6” and conceivably as a watchOS update to older models.
The Apple Watch may also gain the ability to offer in-depth sleep tracking, though it would require a user to be mindful of when they charge their Apple Watch.
A new leak claims that the “Apple Watch Series 6” will add mental health tracking, which would allow the device to monitor a user’s heart rate for signs of anxiety. This is unsurprising, as Apple has recently partnered with UCLA for a three-year long study on depression, marking their official foray into mental health research.
Upcoming and potential changes to Workouts
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Workouts is now getting rebranded to “Fitness,” and will collect data from both Workouts and Activity. The information will be streamlined, providing users with the information most pertinent to their goals being prioritized.
A new app meant to walk users through workouts may launch across Apple platforms this fall. The watch component of this system could include a new app, prompts for workouts using vibrations and sounds, and interactive software with data.
How much will the “Apple Watch Series 6” cost?
There have been no rumors that have suggested a cost for the upcoming Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Series 5 currently costs between $399 to $1,349 and is highly dependent on what size, material, and band a user selects. If the “Apple Watch Series 6” releases a plastic version, it could be assumed that the base model would release under $399, though would still depend on what options a user selects.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
