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.
Garmin is offering up to $200 off select smartwatches during their Birthday Sale, including models like the Venu 2S, Epix Gen 2, and Vivoactive 4, making it worth checking out for those in search of a high-quality and affordable smartwatch.
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.
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 is replacing leather wristbands on its Apple Watch Series with a new "FineWoven" material as part of its effort to become more environmentally friendly and carbon neutral.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a minor upgrade over the Series 8, with features like the S9 chip, Double Tap gesture, and Precision Finding for iPhone 15 models being the most significant changes, making it difficult to recommend upgrading for most Series 8 users.
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.
Huawei has unveiled its new Watch GT 4 smartwatch series in 41 mm and 46 mm sizes, offering a variety of designs and features including extended battery life, water resistance, NFC chip for mobile payments, and health monitoring capabilities, with prices starting from €249 in the Eurozone and £229.99 in the UK.
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 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.
Xiaomi has announced its new Watch 2 Pro, a Wear OS smartwatch with impressive features such as body composition analysis and dual-frequency GPS, priced at ÂŁ229.99 ($280), offering access to third-party apps and Google Assistant.
Apple has added all first-generation Apple Watch models to its obsolete products list, meaning they are no longer eligible for repairs or service.
Apple's first generation Watch, including the Hermes and 18-karat gold Watch Edition models, has officially become obsolete, leading to debates about planned obsolescence.
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 Pixel Watch 2 will not be repairable, but Google is offering an insurance policy called Preferred Care that covers accidental damage and mechanical issues for a monthly fee of $4 or a one-time fee of $89 for two years.
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.
Apple is offering rare discounts on official Apple Watch bands, with prices starting at $44, while Anker chargers and accessories are also on sale, and Microsoft Office for Mac is available for just $30.
Apple has added first-generation Apple Watch models to its list of obsolete products, meaning they are no longer eligible for repairs or service, while the Apple Watch Series 1 has been classified as vintage and may only be eligible for repairs if parts are available.
The Apple Watch Series 8 with GPS is currently on sale for up to $175 off at Target, offering an always-on display and fast charging, making it a great option for those not interested in the latest Series 9.
Apple's official iPhone 15/Plus silicone MagSafe cases are now on sale for as low as $42, the lowest price yet, and the original Apple Watch Ultra is discounted by $70, while Belkin's BoostCharge Pro power bank with Apple Watch fast charging support is available for $90.
The Apple Watch Ultra, with its long battery life, bright screen, and versatile features, offers a great alternative to the more expensive Watch Ultra 2, especially with its current discounted price.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, which we named the best option for Android users in our smartwatch buying guide, is currently on sale for $235 at Amazon, marking the lowest price we've tracked outside of trade-in deals.
