Main topic: Apple Watch set to receive a major redesign in 2022.
Key points:
1. The upcoming Apple Watch, called "Watch X," will be the 10th edition of the device.
2. Apple plans to introduce the most significant redesign of the Apple Watch since its launch in 2015.
3. Previous annual updates to the Apple Watch have been minor, with only small changes or additions.
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.
Apple has announced the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra with a brighter display, faster chip, new gestures, and enhanced features for water activities, starting at $799.
Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, as well as the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, all featuring advanced features, improved performance, and new designs, with prices starting at $399 for the Apple Watch Series 9 and $799 for the iPhones. Additionally, the iPhone and AirPods will now have USB-C connectors, and iCloud+ will offer new storage options, while iOS 17 will be released as a free software update on September 18.
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 Series 9 features a new S9 chip that enables faster performance, on-device Siri processing, and a new gesture called Double Tap, enhancing the user experience of the smartwatch.
Apple's 2023 iPhone event saw the introduction of the iPhone 15 lineup with a switch to USB-C, an updated camera system, and a new A16 chip, while the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 received upgraded chipsets and brighter displays.
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 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.
The Apple Watch Series 9 disappoints by not offering more accurate location tracking through dual-frequency GPS, which many other fitness brands have implemented in their watches at a lower price point.
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers a significant upgrade with a faster processor, brighter screen, enhanced tracking, and the ability to control functions with a tap, but those with older models may not need to upgrade as the watchOS 10 operating system update is coming to most older models, bringing new fitness features such as live cycling activity, Bluetooth support for cycling accessories, compass and map support for hikers, and a mindfulness app update.
Google's upcoming Pixel Watch 2 is expected to have improved battery life and performance but may have a similar design to its predecessor, with the addition of new metal bands to differentiate it from the original Pixel Watch.
The Apple Watch Ultra is on sale for $700, offering a more affordable alternative to the new Apple Watch Ultra 2, while Apple's FineWoven MagSafe Wallet and HomePod 2 are also seeing discounts at $56 and $285 respectively.
Apple Stores worldwide have unveiled new product displays for the launch of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, featuring a recreated scene from the Series 9 introduction video and colorful bursts of color on a black surface to showcase the new watches.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is recommended for those who don't already own a Series 7 or Series 8, as it offers the same features and more, while the Series 7 is only worth buying at a heavily discounted price due to its similar features.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a 564 mAh battery, slightly larger than its predecessor, while both the Ultra 2 and Series 9 have similar internal designs to their previous models, according to a teardown by iFixit.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 teardowns by iFixit reveal no significant hardware changes, confirming that the new Double Tap feature is just a software update, but also highlighting the difficulty of disassembling the models due to tiny screws and strong glue.
The Pixel Watch 2 is expected to have advanced health features, a safety check feature, faster internals, and new watch bands, making it a significant upgrade over its predecessor.
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.
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 second watchOS 10.1 update for Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 devices introduces a new feature called Double Tap, which allows users to interact with their watch using one hand by double tapping their finger and thumb together.
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers upgraded internals and new features like Double Tap gesture controls and onboard Siri queries, making it a promising device for iOS users and a worthy upgrade from previous models.
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.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 offers improved battery life and a range of updates and features that make it a better smartwatch than its predecessor, although it still has some quirks and concerns.
The Pixel Watch 2 offers incremental improvements over its predecessor, with a focus on health tracking and integration with the Fitbit platform, but lacks compelling features to justify an upgrade from the original model, making it one of the best smartwatches available but not a significant leap forward.
The Pixel Watch 2 is a solid upgrade over its predecessor, with improvements in performance, battery life, and health tracking, making it one of the best smartwatches of the year, although it still has some downsides like its small size, thick bezels, and delicate form factor.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 has been announced with improved specs and features, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 remains the overall winner in terms of design, display, fitness tracking, and software.
