Apple is pushing the boundaries with their new lineup of Apple Watches with the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The latest additions bring along with them several new features including a new processor – the S9 SiP, enhanced Siri capabilities, Precision Finding for iPhone with UWB and a brand new double tap gesture.
At the heart of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 lies the custom Apple silicon in the S9 SiP, representing Apple’s most advanced watch chip to date. This chip not only boosts overall performance but introduces novel features like the double tap gesture and on-device Siri with secure health data access. The Series 9 also incorporates a 4-core Neural Engine, capable of processing machine learning tasks twice as fast as its predecessor while maintaining an 18-hour battery life.
Navigating the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 has become even more intuitive with the introduction of the double tap gesture. By tapping the index finger and thumb of their watch hand together twice, users can perform a range of actions with ease. This includes stopping timers, controlling music playback, answering phone calls, and even capturing photos using the Camera Remote. The gesture, enabled by the faster Neural Engine, will be available in a forthcoming software update.
Apple has pushed the display capabilities further, increasing the maximum brightness of the Series 9 to 2000nits, double that of its predecessor. The Ultra 2, on the other hand, has a higher 3000 nits brightness. This should mean that the two watch models should be legible even in bright sunlight, and the display can dim to just one nit in low-light environments.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduces the Modular Ultra watch face that takes full advantage of the larger display. It provides real-time data, including seconds, altitude, or depth, and offers an unprecedented level of customization for outdoor activities, sports, and water adventures.
Siri can now process requests directly on the device, eliminating the need for internet connectivity for certain tasks. This not only results in faster and more reliable responses but also maintains privacy. Siri can also access and log health data from the Health app, offering users more control over their health and fitness inquiries.
Both the Series 9 and Ultra 2 come with a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip that enables Precision Finding for the iPhone 15 family which comes with the same chip. Your Apple Watch can literally guide you to your iPhone 15 with its visual, haptic and audio guidance.
The Ultra 2 continues to be the more rugged Apple Watch. Complete with an app ecosystem to support it, the Ultra 2 will be able to handle high altitudes and deep waters.
100% Carbon Neutral – If you choose correctly
Of course, as Apple progresses towards its 2030 environmental goal, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 now come with carbon-neutral options for straps. In fact, with these two models, the right pairing of the Watch and strap will mean that your Apple Watch is 100% Carbon Neutral.
This is thanks to a 78% reduction in emissions when it comes to transport and production as well as a sleeker, more compact box that allows for more Apple Watches to be transported. Apple has also empowered its partners to work towards being carbon neutral. As such, certain bands, like the new sports band are made completely of Carbon neutral and eco-friendly materials.
Apple Watch SE
Also along for the ride is the new Apple Watch SE which continues to offer core Apple Watch features at an affordable price. This year, the Apple Watch SE is being updated with support for low heart rate notifications, Fall Detection, Emergency SOS, Crash Detection, and watchOS 10.
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE are available on the official website and Apple Store app. The Series 9 starts at USD$399 or MYR1,899, and the SE begins at USD$249 or RM1,199.
The Apple Watch will be priced at USD$799 RM3,799. It is available in a sleek 49mm size and becomes carbon neutral when paired with the new Trail Loop or Alpine Loop bands. These bands are available in various colours, offering both style and sustainability.