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 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 introduces a new feature called Double Tap, allowing users to perform tasks by tapping their finger and thumb together without touching the display, while also bringing faster performance and on-device Siri processing.
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 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 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.
Apple's new Apple Watch Series 9 features a gesture control called Double Tap, which allows users to tap their index finger and thumb together twice to control the device, hinting at a touch-free future.
Garmin is expected to release the Vivoactive 5, a new smartwatch with an AMOLED display and improved battery life, making it a strong contender against the Apple Watch Series 9.
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 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.
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 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.
