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 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.
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.
The Huawei Watch 4/Watch 4 Pro offers non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, while the Apple Watch Ultra is a top-end watch with a durable titanium exterior and extended battery life; the rumored Google Pixel Watch 2 may feature an enhanced version of the Body Response stress detection system; the Amazfit Cheetah incorporates generative AI coaching, and the Fitbit Ace 4 is designed as a fitness tracker watch for children; finally, the Citizen Smart Touchscreen Gen-2 is an AI-assisted watch powered by IBM's Watson AI engine.
The Apple Watch has transitioned from a luxury fashion accessory to a highly popular health and fitness tracker, leading the global smartwatch market with 22% of shipments in Q2 2023.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 does not offer a straightforward 12-hour increase in battery life compared to the original Ultra model, as the testing parameters for both devices in Low Power Mode differ significantly.
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 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 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.
The Google Pixel Watch 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 are both strong contenders in the smartwatch market, with the Pixel Watch 2 offering modern fitness and health tech while the Galaxy Watch 5 provides a powerful alternative with multiple health sensors and a matured feature set.
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.
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 Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Coros Pace 3 smartwatches both perform well during a 10K race, but the Coros watch is lighter, more affordable, and has better battery life, making it a better choice for running.
