Apple updates the Apple Watch lineup annually, and this year is no different in that regard as the company has launched the Apple Watch Series 7. It's the successor to the Apple Watch Series 6, rather than the budget-oriented Apple Watch SE.

Most of us know that Apple rarely makes radical changes to its products. Instead, it sticks to incremental upgrades year on year. However, the Apple Watch Series 7 has some significant changes that are worth mentioning. If you're considering buying one, here's a look at the best new Apple Watch Series 7 features.

1. A Nearly Bezel-Less Display

Apple Watch Series 7 official image
Image Credit: Apple

Apple first trimmed the chunky bezels on the Apple Watch with the Series 4 lineup. It replaced the square display with one that has rounded corners to match the exterior look. With the Apple Watch Series 7, the company has further minimized the bezels with a display that goes almost edge to edge.

The best part about this is that the overall dimensions of the Apple Watch have barely changed.

A bigger display on a smartwatch makes the overall user experience a whole lot better. Apple has reduced the borders by 40%, allowing 20% more screen area than the outgoing model. Compared to the older Apple Watch Series 3, the latest model offers roughly 50% more screen area. Whether it's a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch, a display with minimal bezels gives the device a modern appearance. The always-on display is not just bigger, but also 70% brighter indoors when your wrist is down.

2. A Full-QWERTY Keyboard

Traveling with Apple Watch Series 7
Image Credit: Apple

So far, the Apple Watch has only allowed its users to scribble to type text, as its display was never big enough to accommodate a full keyboard. Well, this changes with the Apple Watch Series 7, as the increased display area is big enough for Apple to add a QWERTY keypad in watchOS.

You can either type or swipe through different letters using QuickPath on the latest Apple Watch. The new keyboard should be good enough to quickly respond to text messages without having to take your iPhone out of your pocket.

3. Improved Durability

Cyclist wearing Apple Watch Series 7
Image Credit: Apple

Apple has strengthened the glass it uses for the Apple Watch Series 7's display to improve its durability. The front crystal is over 50% thicker than the previous model and has been redesigned with a sturdier flat base to make it more resistant to cracks.

Besides the increased screen durability, the Apple Watch Series 7 gets IP6X certification, meaning it's the first model with dust resistance. In addition, it's WR50-certified for water resistance, just like the previous model, which means you don't have to worry when taking it out for a swim. However, Apple recommends you don't use it while scuba diving, waterskiing, and doing other activities involving high-velocity water.

Related: What Do Waterproof and Water-Resistant Mean?

4. Faster Charging

Apple Watch Series 7 Nike Edition
Image Credit: Apple

For a device that you need to charge almost every day, the Apple Watch's charging speeds have always been underwhelming. Apple has fixed this by updating the charging architecture and providing a fast-charging USB-C cable with the Series 7 models. It now charges 33% faster than the Series 6, which is a considerable improvement.

According to Apple, you can charge the new Apple Watch Series 7 from 0% to 80% in just 45 minutes. Now that's really impressive, isn't it? You don't have to charge it overnight anymore. And with a quick 8-minute charge, you can be ready to use the sleep tracking feature for 8 hours.

Related: How Different Is the Apple Watch Series 7 From the Watch Series 6?

The Apple Watch Series 7 Addresses Its Predecessor's Shortcomings

While most of us wanted a major design refresh, Apple chose to make incremental changes in the Apple Watch Series 7. Although it carries the shape of any other Apple Watch released to date, the bigger, bezel-less display is undoubtedly a welcome treat. Besides the screen, features like fast charging and a full-QWERTY keyboard should improve the user experience as a whole. That said, we really hope Apple refreshes the design with the Series 8 models next year.