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.
TechRadar readers have exclusive early access to the Samsung Discover event, including a great deal on the Galaxy S23 Ultra with an enhanced trade-in rebate of up to $880 and a free 512GB memory upgrade, offering a total saving of up to $980.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Summary: Apple's announcement of the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9 raises questions about the value of current devices, with trade-in options varying between Apple and reputable trade-in sites like Back Market.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Samsung's 27-inch ViewFinity S9 5K Display is now available for $1,299.99, down from $1,599.99, marking the first significant discount since its launch, and the 32-inch Smart Monitor M8 is on sale for $499.99, down from $699.99.
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.
