The Apple Watch Series 9 and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will have upgraded sensors, components, and a focus on speed, efficiency, and accuracy, including a new version of the heart rate sensor and an all-new "U2" ultra wideband chip for improved location tracking.
Apple will announce its next generation of mobile products, including the iPhone 15 and the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra, at its upcoming Wonderlust event, with the Ultra expected to have significant design improvements and both watches potentially featuring upgraded sensors and processors.
Apple will unveil the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 at its September 12 event, featuring a new optical heart rate sensor, improved sensors and components, and a focus on performance and speed.
Garmin is offering up to $200 off select smartwatches during their Birthday Sale, including models like the Venu 2S, Epix Gen 2, and Vivoactive 4, making it worth checking out for those in search of a high-quality and affordable smartwatch.
Apple has announced several new features for its upcoming iPhone 15, including a titanium case, the ability to call roadside assistance via satellite, a starting price of $799, the inclusion of USB-C connectivity, and the standardization of the A16 Bionic chip on the base model. Additionally, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which will be priced at $799, and showcased its commitment to environmental initiatives.
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have double the storage capacity of previous models, providing more space for apps and media.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a new screen that is the brightest of any Apple Watch, with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, along with new features such as Double Tap for control and the Modular Ultra watch face.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, designed for outdoor adventures, boasts a longer battery life and faster performance with the new S9 SiP processor, while also featuring a brighter display that is easily visible in any lighting conditions.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a minor upgrade over the Series 8, with features like the S9 chip, Double Tap gesture, and Precision Finding for iPhone 15 models being the most significant changes, making it difficult to recommend upgrading for most Series 8 users.
Apple did not announce the Black Apple Watch Ultra, iPhone 15 Ultra, multiple USB-C accessories, color-matching USB-C cables for iPhone, Thunderbolt support for new iPhones, or new iPads and Macs at its recent event.
The "Double Tap" feature, a new way of interacting with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, will not be available at launch but will be added via a software update next month.
Apple announced upcoming product releases, including the new Apple Watch Series 9, AirPods Pro with USB Type-C, and Apple Watch Ultra, all available for pre-order on September 2. Other deals include an RTX 4070 GPU, Anker PowerCore Slim 10,000mAh power bank, Apple Watch SE, and a 34" Dell ultra-wide gaming monitor.
The new Apple Watch Ultra 2 is available for order, but some configurations are facing shipping delays, with certain band options still available for September 22 delivery.
The Apple Watch Series 9 models have the same battery capacities as the Series 8 models, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a slightly larger battery but the same battery life as the original Ultra.
Apple has made repairs easier and cheaper for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max by introducing a removable glass back, with back glass replacements costing $169 and $199 respectively, and those with AppleCare+ only paying $29, while the cost of battery replacements for Apple Watches has increased from $79 to $99.
Apple's latest 15-inch M2 MacBook Air is currently available at its lowest price ever, with a $250 discount on Amazon, while the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 is being offered with a $19 discount on various styles and colors; additionally, Belkin's 3-in-1 MagSafe charger and Aqara's HomeKit Smart Lock U100 are also on sale.
The Pixel Watch 2 is expected to have improved features such as temperature monitoring and stress management, along with a familiar design, and will likely be priced at $350, undercutting competitors like the Apple Watch Series 9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.
Xiaomi has announced its new Watch 2 Pro, a Wear OS smartwatch with impressive features such as body composition analysis and dual-frequency GPS, priced at £229.99 ($280), offering access to third-party apps and Google Assistant.
Apple is rumored to be bringing microLED display technology to the Apple Watch Ultra, with the display expected to launch in either 2025 or 2026, and plans to eventually incorporate the technology into other products such as iPhones, iPads, and Macs to reduce reliance on Samsung.
The original Apple Watch Edition models, which were priced between $10,000 and $17,000, have been deemed "obsolete" by Apple and are no longer supported, leaving them as mere pieces of gold rather than functional timekeepers.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a similar physical design to its predecessor, but it offers notable improvements in features and performance, such as a faster processor, increased storage, a brighter display, longer battery life, and new features like double tap gesture support and on-device Siri with health access. However, these upgrades may not be compelling enough for those who already own the previous model.
Early adopters of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 can now access the new double tap gesture with the public beta of watchOS 10.1, which allows users to interact with their watch without touching the display, making it more convenient for tasks when the other hand is occupied.
The new Double Tap gesture for Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 allows users to perform actions in compatible apps without tapping the screen, such as silencing alarms or dismissing notifications, by pinching together their index finger and thumb twice.
Google unveiled its Pixel Watch 2, featuring an improved heart rate sensor, personal safety options, a more powerful processor, and a longer battery life compared to its predecessor, with a starting price of $349.
Amazon is offering the Apple Watch Series 8 at its lowest price to date, with a $175 discount, just ahead of its Prime Big Deal Days event, making it an enticing deal considering the recent release of the Series 9.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is now available at its lowest price ever, starting at $225, offering significant savings compared to the new Series 9; and Alpine CarPlay receivers are also discounted by $100, with the iLX-507 Receiver being one of the standout options.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, which has the capability to connect to cycling accessories and track cycling performance, is currently available at a $50 discount for Amazon Prime Day.
Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the 2024 Apple Watch will not offer significant innovative experiences, such as a micro-LED display or blood glucose monitoring, but there may still be the possibility of a high-end "Apple Watch X" that offers more changes.
