Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 introduces an array of front-line enhancements, chiefly driven by its custom-designed S9 SiP. This iteration marks a significant leap in watch technology, boasting the most potent chip Apple has ever incorporated. This robust foundation delivers sweeping enhancements and introduces fresh features that redefine the Apple Watch experience.
One standout feature is the novel double tap gesture, granting users greater control with a single hand and without the need to touch the screen. By tapping the index finger and thumb of their watch hand together twice, users can swiftly and effortlessly execute numerous common actions on the Series 9. Whether it’s stopping a timer, managing music playback, snoozing an alarm, or even answering a phone call, the double tap becomes an intuitive shortcut. Moreover, it simplifies navigation through the Smart Stack from the watch face and widget scrolling.
The Series 9’s S9 SiP also houses a brand-new 4-core Neural Engine, delivering a remarkable twofold improvement in processing machine learning tasks when compared to its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 8. This acceleration in machine learning prowess enhances the watch’s responsiveness and efficiency. Notably, the power-efficient S9 SiP contributes to the Series 9’s impressive battery life, ensuring it can comfortably last for an entire day, clocking in at 18 hours of usage.
The Series 9 takes visibility to the next level with its advanced display architecture, providing an impressive maximum brightness of up to 2000 nits, twice that of the Series 8. This makes reading text under direct sunlight a breeze. Conversely, for those dark rooms or early mornings, the display can be dimmed down to just one nit to avoid disturbing nearby individuals.
The beloved feature of using the Apple Watch to locate a misplaced iPhone has received an upgrade with the inclusion of a second-generation Ultra-Wideband (UWB) chip in the S9 SiP. This enables Precision Finding, which provides users with detailed information on the distance and direction to their iPhone, along with visual, haptic, and audio cues, even if the iPhone is in another room.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
At the heart of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 lies the powerful S9 SiP, Apple’s most advanced watch chip to date. This custom Apple silicon not only provides a significant boost in performance but also introduces a host of new capabilities. Users can now experience systemwide improvements and a range of brand-new features that enhance their daily interactions with the watch.
One of the standout features of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the new double tap gesture, also present in the Watch Series 9 and Watch SE. This intuitive gesture allows users to control their watch with just one hand, eliminating the need to touch the display constantly. By tapping their index finger and thumb together twice, users can effortlessly perform common actions on the watch. This gesture also activates the Smart Stack on the watch face, and another double tap smoothly scrolls through widgets in the stack. The magic behind this innovation lies in the watch’s new 4-core Neural Engine, which processes data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor using a cutting-edge machine learning algorithm. This algorithm can detect the unique patterns of tiny wrist movements and changes in blood flow associated with the double tap.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts a remarkable display with a maximum brightness of 3000 nits. This brightness level is 50% higher than its predecessor, making it the brightest display ever designed by Apple. Whether you’re under the blazing sun or in a dark room, this display adjusts to provide optimal visibility. In low-light environments, it can lower to just one nit to avoid disturbing those around you. Additionally, the flashlight function benefits from this new display architecture, temporarily doubling the brightness when needed to light your way. To make the most of the expansive display, Apple has introduced the Modular Ultra watch face. This watch face utilizes the outermost edge of the screen to display real-time data such as seconds, altitude, or depth. With a wide array of complications, it’s perfect for customizing your watch to suit sports, outdoor adventures, or water-related activities. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is designed to withstand extreme conditions and has been rigorously tested for use across a vast range of altitudes, from 500 meters below sea level to the highest peaks reaching 9,000 meters above sea level.
Watch Bands
Apple is unveiling FineWoven, an opulent and robust microtwill comprising 68% post-consumer recycled materials, boasting significantly reduced carbon emissions compared to leather. FineWoven exhibits a plush suede-like texture and is compatible with both Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle bands. Effective immediately, Apple is phasing out the use of leather in all forthcoming Apple products, including watch bands. The immensely popular Sport Loop band has transformed, now incorporating 82% recycled yarn. Consequently, all new Apple Watch Sport Loops are environmentally conscious and carbon-neutral.
In a collaborative effort with Nike and Hermès, Apple has introduced environmentally friendlier band collections. The Nike Sport Band now integrates at least 32% recycled fluoroelastomer, incorporating vibrant flakes derived from surplus bands, creating a unique randomized pattern for each band. Additionally, the Nike Sport Loop, featuring a space-dye pattern, repurposes yarn from previous seasons. The latest assortment of Hermès bands draws inspiration from the brand’s storied legacy in textiles and craftsmanship. Two novel woven bands make their debut: Toile H, an interpretation of the iconic checked canvas, and Twill Jump, a sumptuous solid colour adorned with contrasting accents. Furthermore, Apple Watch introduces its first-ever knitted band, Bridon, featuring a striking chevron pattern, while Kilim, constructed from durable waterproof moulded rubber, boasts a deployment buckle. To complement these four new band styles, Apple unveils the classic Hermès Radial watch face.
Price & Availability
The Apple Watch Series 9 comes at an accessible starting price of $399, while the Apple Watch SE offers an even more budget-friendly option starting at $249. For those seeking the pinnacle of features and performance, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available starting at $799. Alongside these impressive timepieces, Apple offers a variety of stylish bands to customize your watch. Whether you prefer the classic Apple Watch bands, sporty Apple Watch Nike bands, or the luxurious Apple Watch Hermès bands, you can order them today from the Apple Store website or the Apple Store app. These bands will also be available in physical Apple Stores starting on Friday, September 22, providing you with ample choices to personalize your Apple Watch to your heart’s content.
