The connected watch for all: this is roughly what Apple offers with its new Apple Watch SE, one of its two new arrivals on the wrist with its Series 6. Like the iPhone of the same name, the Watch SE wants to be the antipodes of connected luxury to be within the reach of all budgets.
This will further strengthen Apple's strike force in the watch segment: according to figures from Statista, based on data from Strategy Analytics and Apple's financial results over the period, after having outperformed the Swiss watch industry in terms of in turnover and profits, the Apple Watch also outclasses it in terms of sales volume.
Thus, 30.7 million Apple Watches would have been sold in 2019, against 21.1 million Swiss watches.
In 2018, there were still 24.2 million Swiss Made watches sold, compared to 22.5 million Apple Watches).
The best despite planned obsolescence
In 2020, and in the midst of the watchmaking crisis in these times of pandemic, we can bet that Apple will, still with its only Apple Watch, represent even greater turnover and sales.
Tim Cook will therefore have taken advantage of a keynote without surprise and without new iPhone to unveil these Series 6 (€ 429) and SE (€ 299) more affordable.
Should we be tempted by these new connected watches?
If we have no illusions about the fact that in two to three years, it will be overtaken by the programmed obsolescence, and good to have the aluminum in its case recycled again, without a doubt?
Quite simply because it is the most ergonomic of connected watches (provided you have an iPhone, of course).
In addition, with each new iteration, there are many useful features, such as the new infrared sensor measuring the oxygen level in the wearer's blood.
Apple
Is the 2020 Apple Watch cut out to detect the symptoms of Covid-19?
Starting at the end of the year, if the oxygen level in your blood is deemed too low, you will receive a notification to notify you.
According to Apple, two teams of researchers are studying how
“signals emitted by Apple Watch apps, such as heart rate and blood oxygen, could allow early detection of signs of respiratory failure in influenza and COVID-19 . "
In the same vein, a timer will allow you to check if you have washed your hands long enough.
On the exercise side, Apple announces the integration of a new service to its Apple Watch: Fitness +, integrated into the Apple One subscription, in order to encourage you to exercise via videos with real coaches, with real-time monitoring of the results of your efforts.
Apple
Once again, Apple promises more autonomy on its watches compared to previous generations, despite a more readable Always-On screen.
But we are far from new connected watches, such as those from Garmin or Tissot, integrating solar collectors to recharge.
Like the Series 5, the SE is powered by an S5 processor.
The Series 6, it, embeds the new processor Apple S6, "20% faster" Offered in version 40 and 44 mm, the Watch SE is immediately available 299 euros in silver, space gray and gold, but without integrating the functions dedicated to health reserved for his slightly more expensive half-sister.
Note also on these new models of connected watches signed Apple seven new wallpapers (including a superb chronograph with tachymeter scale of the most watchmakers), on the other hand a new type of bracelet, the Solo Loop, which stretches and fits easily around the wrist.