Apple Event: Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 Announced.

Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9, bringing forth a slew of enhancements to the popular smartwatch while also achieving a noteworthy environmental milestone. This latest iteration of the Apple Watch, which builds upon its predecessors, introduces several noteworthy improvements, all while taking a step towards a greener future.

The Series 9 is powered by the S9 SiP, Apple’s most potent watch chip to date. This upgrade brings improved overall performance, unlocking new capabilities and features that enhance user experience.

A notable addition is the “double-tap” gesture, which simplifies interaction with the watch. Users can now perform various common actions with ease using this intuitive gesture, making one-handed operation effortless.

The Series 9 introduces an impressive display with a maximum brightness of 2000 nits, ideal for readability in both bright sunlight and dark rooms. It can also lower its brightness to one nit, ensuring minimal disturbance in quiet environments.

Siri has received enhancements, now capable of processing requests on the device itself. This improves response times for tasks that don’t require internet access, such as initiating workouts or setting timers. Additionally, Siri can access health data for health and fitness-related queries, offering users more convenience.

The Series 9 boasts a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip that enables Precision Finding, facilitating the location of misplaced iPhones, even if they’re in another room. This UWB integration extends to HomePod, allowing for seamless media control when in proximity to the device.

The Series 9 runs on watchOS 10, which introduces redesigned apps, new watch faces, and expanded features for cycling and hiking enthusiasts. Users will also find tools for mental health support and a unique feature for measuring daylight exposure.

A significant move towards sustainability is the introduction of carbon-neutral options for all Apple Watch models, aligned with Apple’s Apple 2030 initiative to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire business by 2030. This step involves reducing emissions related to materials, electricity, and transportation and offsetting any remaining emissions with high-quality carbon credits from nature-based projects. Additionally, Apple has revamped packaging to be entirely fiber-based.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple also announced the Apple Watch Ultra 2. This latest iteration builds on the ruggedness and capability of its predecessor while also embracing environmental responsibility. Let’s dive into what makes this timepiece tick.

The Ultra 2 packs a punch with the all-new S9 SiP chip, making it the most potent Apple Watch yet. This powerhouse chip brings enhancements across the board and ushers in a wave of fresh features.

A brand-new “double tap” gesture adds a sprinkle of magic to your interaction with the watch. Imagine controlling your Ultra 2 with one hand and without touching the screen by tapping your index finger and thumb together twice. With an advanced display architecture, the Ultra 2 boasts a dazzling 3000 nits of brightness, 50% brighter than its predecessor. So, whether you’re basking in bright sunlight or sneaking a peek in the dark, the Ultra 2 has you covered.

The spacious display allows for the creation of the “Modular Ultra” watch face, presenting real-time data at the outer edge. This watch face offers more complications than any other digital face, catering to sports, outdoor adventures, and aquatic activities. The Ultra 2 is designed for the toughest conditions, tested across a wide range of altitudes. It can go as low as 500 meters below sea level or as high as 9,000 meters atop towering peaks.

The Ultra 2 is the ideal companion for water enthusiasts. It’s perfect for a range of water sports, including freediving. Siri now flexes its muscles with on-device processing, offering rapid responses for tasks that don’t require internet access. It’s also tapped into health data for fitness queries, providing a seamless experience.

Ultra 2’s S9 SiP chip includes a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for Precision Finding. Say goodbye to hunting for your iPhone – this feature guides you straight to it, even when it’s hiding in another room. Running on watchOS 10, the Ultra 2 brings a refreshing approach to information display. New watch faces join the party, along with Night Mode that activates automatically in the dark.

For the first time, you can choose a carbon-neutral Apple Watch, marking a step forward in Apple’s commitment to being carbon neutral across the board by 2030. Emissions from materials, electricity, and transportation have been drastically reduced, with any remaining emissions offset by nature-based projects.

Availability:

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 are available for order, and the devices hit the market on September 22. The Ultra 2 starts at $799, Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399, and Apple Watch SE starts at $249.

WatchOS 10 will be available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later on September 18. It requires an iPhone XS or later running iOS 17.