The Apple Watch Series 7 will be the first Apple product to use 60.5GHz wireless data transmission. This is confirmed in FCC documents found by MacRumors. This allows the smartwatch to transfer files at a speed of up to 480 Mbps. It would be ideal for backups and super-fast over-the-air updates.
60.5GHz wireless data in Apple Watch Series 7
It is very likely that you as a customer of the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7 will not benefit from this new ‘function’. It is suspected that Apple will only use this option internally to be able to erase Apple Watches wirelessly, for example. That has yet to be officially confirmed. Apple does not currently have a page with technical specifications of the latest Apple Watch online.
Ever since the first Apple Watch, Apple has made additional features available for internal use. The bottom slot for the Apple Watch band has a port that only Apple can access. The question is whether the Apple Watch Series 7 also has such a port, or whether the 60.5 GHz support will be the replacement. The internal space in the watch case may have become too tight in combination with the new, larger screen.
Special dock called ‘A2687’
To enable wireless data transfer, the Apple Watch must be connected to a dock. Presumably this dock will only supply power so that the Apple Watch battery does not run out during the process. Little is known about the dock, except that it works with USB-C and magnetically holds the Apple Watch in place. The model number is A2687. The drawing below is all the FCC is releasing.
Data Transfer for Diagnostics
One benefit of wireless diagnostic transfer is that an Apple Store employee can get ready more quickly. It's easier to do than the current method, which requires the employee to place the Apple Watch on a dock, remove the straps, open a tiny port, and connect a cable. Moreover, there is less chance that something breaks during the process.
It is therefore unclear for the time being whether this new module will also benefit you as an owner. The development is interesting, as Apple also plans to release an iPhone without a Lightning port. The Apple Watch could be a way to test the production of such modules in high numbers.
The Apple Watch Series 7 is expected in the fall. Apple has not yet announced a date. We expect the release in October or November. The price of the new device will probably be the same as the current models.