Buy Apple Watch 6/SE or wait until new model arrives this fall?

[EOD_]

I've always wanted an Apple Watch for years and I finally decided to purchase one. I've been leaning to the SE as I dont think I need the additional sensors the the 6 offers(but I'm not opposed to getting it for the AoD) With some internet searching I have found the the Watch 7 is rumored to have another sensor that I dont think I'll use(I dont remember what it was right this second).

So I guess my question is should I just pull the trigger on the SE/6 or wait until they have their reveal this fall?
Looking for GPS only and 44mm, price is not a factor.
And then what are the "must have" accessories?


"Initial Success or Total Failure"

 

[mystery hill]

I don't think a poll should influence your decision.

If you want it now, get the SE or 6. If you don't mind waiting then go for the 7.

 

[waw74]

at least for me, most year to year upgrades are "oh, that's cool" but not "I need to have that." Once you get past a year or 2, then the differences become more noticeable, mostly from the processor and memory bumps. I've been on an every other year upgrade cycle.
The one exception to this was the screen size bump between the 3 and 4, it doesn't sound that much different, but that little extra bit of space makes a huge improvement. I skipped the 4, so didn't realize till I got the 5.

"must have" accessories, ready it's a big list

1. Bands

that's pretty much it. There are tons of colors, and styles, and you can get them from third parties, in all ranges of price and quality.
I recommend a metal colored body (as opposed to black or one of the colors), as it's a bit more neutral, and will go with more bands. To me a black case with a silver metallic band would not look right, but a silver case looks great with a silver band or a black one.
Being able to swap out a band to dress it up a bit more is nice sometimes.

If you do work (or play) in an environment where the watch might get banged around, then a case might be needed, but normally not. Only if your hand regularly hits hard things. Construction, I probably would, since you're moving large things and sometimes they don't move like you think they will. Going to the gym, you're probably OK, since you don't really hit things that much.

 

[bricktop_at]

If you feel the itch... go for it ;-)
Since you wrote GPS-only, I guess the stainless steel models are out of the question, but if you're into watches in general, it will be worth it.
Regarding the SE - I have really become accustomed to the AOD and would miss it on an SE.... so I can only recommend getting the S6 if money isn't the limiting factor.

And then what are the "must have" accessories?

Well simple.... straps, straps, straps and even more straps 🙃

 

[prwnr]

I bought new MBP M1 last December regardless of all that "wait for M1x or buy" and then I bought iPhone 11 not looking at the fact that it's not the newest one and that new 13 is on the horizon. and finally, last month I bought the SE Apple Watch.

In all 3 cases I simply wanted the stuff and I couldn't wait any longer - and I don't regret doing so. I am happy with all three and will be till next two gens will be out and then I will consider buying new one.

if you are like me, itching to buy the AW, just go for it, no regrets, just enjoy.

 

[nilk]

Another option would be if the 5 goes on sale again, would be a good buy if you want some of the extra features. If there is a good enough deal on the Stainless Steel model, that might be worth it, even if you don't plan on using cellular.

I also wanted an AW for years, and finally pulled the trigger after mask unlock in iOS 14.5 was announced and the a 5 SS 40mm was on sale for $379. I'd probably be just about as happy with an SE because it has all the functionality that I like, though I love the way my black stainless steel 5 looks, and maybe the durability of it is going to be nice in the long-term (though I already broke a screen; sapphire glass isn't indestructible and I thankfully had AppleCare+). I'm not currently using always-on-display, though it's nice to have the option that I can occasionally turn on, but I could live without it; YMMV.