Apple’s highly anticipated event, often referred to as “Apple Christmas,” recently revealed the newest additions to the Apple Watch lineup. Tim Cook unveiled the Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, promising enhancements to the beloved smartwatch series. While these watches may not bring groundbreaking changes, the good news is that pricing remains consistent. Let’s delve into what these latest watches have to offer.
Introducing the Apple Watch Series 9
The Series 9 is powered by Apple’s first significant chip upgrade since the Series 6, resulting in several exciting features. Notable improvements include double-tap functionality, quicker Siri processing directly on the device, and a significantly brighter screen.
Starting at $399 at Apple
Meet the Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Ultra 2 is an updated version of the already impressive Apple Watch Ultra, boasting many of the same upgrades as the Series 9. Additionally, it introduces a custom watch face known as the Modular Ultra and enhances its Depth app, catering to watersports and diving enthusiasts.
Priced at $799 at Apple
Preordering the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2
Apple enthusiasts can already preorder the Series 9 and Ultra 2 through the official Apple Store. The pricing structure remains unchanged, starting at $399 for the Series 9 with GPS, $499 for the Series 9 with GPS and cellular, and $799 for the Ultra 2. These watches are set to ship starting on September 22.
What’s New in iOS 17?
The latest Apple Watch lineup marks a significant chip upgrade, a first since the Series 6. This upgrade introduces a fascinating feature called “double tap,” which monitors wrist movements and blood flow to detect when the user taps their thumb and forefinger together twice. This gesture triggers the primary action on the watch screen, offering convenient one-handed control for tasks like managing timers, music playback, alarm snoozing, and answering calls.
Additionally, the new chip enables on-device processing of Siri commands, enhancing user privacy and allowing health and fitness-related queries to be handled directly on the watch.
The Series 9 and Ultra 2 also feature substantially brighter displays. The Series 9 boasts a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits, while the Ultra 2 takes it up a notch with a dazzling 3,000 nits, improving visibility in various lighting conditions.
Furthermore, a new Ultra Wideband chip enables precision tracking alongside the iPhone 15 lineup, aiding in locating lost iPhones and deepening integration with Apple’s HomePods.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
In line with Apple’s commitment to achieving net carbon-zero emissions by 2030, sustainability was a prominent theme in this year’s presentation. Apple announced its shift towards reused cobalt in watch batteries and recycled materials for watch cases. Even watch bands have undergone an eco-friendly transformation, with Apple discontinuing leather bands in favor of “FineWoven,” a suede-like fabric comprising 68% recycled material. The Sports Loop bands now consist of 82% recycled yarn, including material from recycled fishing nets.
This eco-conscious approach offers carbon-neutral options for Apple Watch buyers, with icons indicating eco-friendly choices for bands, cases, and watch models.
In conclusion, Apple’s latest offerings in the smartwatch realm continue their iterative approach, delivering the best watches the company has produced to date. While these may not be compelling upgrades for recent Apple Watch owners, such as Series 8 or Ultra users, those with the Series 7 might find these new watches worth exploring. Apple’s commitment to sustainability and ongoing improvements ensures a promising future for its iconic Apple Watch series.