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.
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.
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.
Main topic: Review of the Apple Watch Series 9
Key points:
1. Introduction of new methods of interaction: Double Tap and Raise to Speak (to Siri)
2. On-device Siri processing for convenient voice control
3. Enhanced fitness tracking capabilities and carbon neutral product
(Note: Battery life, new UWB chip, and screen brightness are also mentioned in the content, but they are not included as key points since they are not as significant as the ones listed above.)
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.
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.
The Pixel Watch 2 has been leaked ahead of its official release, confirming that it will have an aluminium build and retain the same charging time and battery life as its predecessor, but with added features such as automatic workout tracking and improved health sensors.
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.
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.
