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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.)
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 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.
The Apple Watch Series 9 brings new features such as the S9 chip and improved performance, making it a worthwhile upgrade for users with Series 6 or older models, while Series 7 and Series 8 users might not see significant benefits; however, discounted models from previous generations are a good option for those looking to save money.
The Apple Watch Series 9 was found to be more accurate than the Fitbit Inspire 3 in counting steps during a test comparing the two fitness trackers.
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 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.
Google has announced the Pixel Watch 2, which features improved heart rate monitoring, new sensors for stress management, automatic tracking for different workouts, and a Safety Check feature, among other updates.
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.
