Introducing the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Unveiled during the Apple September event, the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 model is open for pre-orders starting September 12, 2023, and will officially hit the market on September 22, 2023, maintaining a price point similar to its predecessor, subject to minor regional fluctuations.
While the Apple Watch Ultra 2 may not boast radical upgrades, it incorporates practical enhancements, aligning it closely with the Apple Watch Series 9. This strategic move caters to those who may not have considered upgrading from the original Apple Watch Ultra. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect.
APPLE WATCH ULTRA 2: PRICE & RELEASE DATE
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is scheduled for release on September 22, 2023. Pre-orders commenced on September 12, 2023, with the official release set for the 22nd.
Pricing remains consistent at $799 in the US, £799 in the UK (now £50 cheaper), and AU$1,399 in Australia (AU$170 more than the previous model).
APPLE WATCH ULTRA 2: DESIGN & SCREEN
Design-wise, the Watch Ultra 2 remains largely unchanged. Apple does emphasize its eco-friendly, recycled-material straps, introducing subtle alterations to certain bands.
Crafted from durable titanium, the watch maintains its robust build, featuring the Action Button for swift access to essential tools, a feature shared with the iPhone 15 Pro.
The primary alteration comes in the form of the display, which retains its size and resolution but elevates brightness to an impressive 3,000 nits. The previous Apple Watch Ultra offered 2,000 nits, marking a 50% increase. This enhancement enhances visibility under extreme sunlight, catering to the watch’s niche and adventurous use cases.
A new watch face, Modular Ultra, offers dense information display, extending right to the edge of the screen.
APPLE WATCH ULTRA 2: FEATURES & DOUBLE TAP
At the core of the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s upgrades is the new Apple S9 chip, substantially enhancing processing power, especially for machine learning functions. This chip powers two significant features:
- Double Tap: This gesture control feature allows users to double-tap their index finger and thumb quickly on the watch-wearing hand to interact with the screen. The chip detects these movements, even monitoring changes in blood flow. It enables actions such as answering or ending calls, controlling music playback, snoozing alarms, and more. The goal is to facilitate interaction without needing to touch the screen, even in situations where your hands are occupied.
- On-device Siri Language Recognition: The upgraded chip enables the watch to interpret various Siri commands directly without relying on cloud processing. This results in faster responses and offline functionality, making it useful for tasks like setting GPS waypoints, initiating workouts, setting timers, and more. Additionally, Siri now comprehends inquiries about your Health app data and can add data using voice commands.
U2 Ultra Wideband Chip Another noteworthy addition is the U2 Ultra Wideband chip, enabling users to locate their misplaced iPhone with precision. The watch guides users in the right direction using this advanced wireless technology, boasting an extended range compared to its predecessor.