The 2023 autumn new product release event of Apple has arrived, unveiling the highly anticipated highlights of the year for Apple fans. Besides the flagship iPhone 15 series, the event also showcased the latest smartwatch offerings from Apple, including the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Additionally, the AirPods Pro with a USB-C charging port made its debut.
For watch enthusiasts, the anticipation for the new features of the latest Apple Watch is no less than that for the iPhone 15. This time, both Apple Watch models share some common changes, including:
Upgraded to a faster S9 SIP processor
Brand-new gesture control (Double-tapping with the index finger and thumb of the hand wearing the watch can answer calls, open notifications, play and pause music, etc.)
Equipped with the second-generation Ultra-Wideband (UWB) chip for locating the iPhone
As for the Apple Watch Series 9, priced at NT$ 13,500, here are the key new features to note. Firstly, the watch size remains at 41mm and 45mm. In terms of colors, there are options such as silver, gold, graphite (stainless steel), and midnight, starlight, and pink (aluminum alloy) for the case material and color. One notable change in the Apple Watch Series 9 is that Apple has abandoned leather straps and introduced new woven straps with a modern texture.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is also at the forefront of Apple’s commitment to environmental protection. Through efforts in materials and low-carbon transportation, this model has become Apple’s first carbon-neutral product (with a reduction of at least 75% in carbon emissions for each carbon-neutral Apple Watch!). The battery of the Apple Watch Series 9 also uses up to 100% recycled cobalt metal. In fact, the strategy of replacing leather straps with “fine-textured” fabric also aims to reduce carbon emissions during the product production process. In conclusion, the overall environmental protection spirit of the Apple Watch Series 9 has evolved more tangibly compared to previous generations.
In terms of watch functions, the Apple Watch Series 9 has increased the maximum screen brightness to 2000 nits (and can be lowered to 1 nit at minimum). The watch can be clearly and comfortably viewed in both very bright and very dark environments. Thanks to the second-generation Ultra-Wideband chip, the Apple Watch Series 9 can also be integrated and operated with the HomePod, providing a more convenient user experience.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also has many detailed enhancements, including a maximum screen brightness increase to 3000 nits, an extended standby time to 72 hours. It is also a carbon-neutral product, with 95% of the titanium in the case being recycled materials. Like the iPhone 15 and the Apple Watch Series 9, its pricing has increased compared to the previous generation, with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 now priced at NT$ 27,900.
Apart from the changes in internal and external functions and designs of the watches, another hidden highlight of the annual Apple Watch is its strap accessories. In 2023, Apple continued its collaboration with HERMÈS to introduce the Apple Watch Series 9 with high-end straps. This year, Hermès has developed four new straps for the Apple Watch Series 9, namely:
- Toile H Strap (Inspired by the distinctive cotton canvas first introduced by Hermès in 1930. Only available in Single Tour)
- Twill Jump Strap (Also a woven strap, but with a different texture from Toile H and colorful trims. Only available in Single Tour)
- Bridon Strap (Employing a continuous knitting process to hand-weave a three-dimensional herringbone pattern. Available in both Single Tour and Double Tour)
- Kilim Strap (A rubber strap with an “H” shape. Only available in Single Tour)
The pricing of these four Hermès straps starts from NT$ 10,900. Each strap also comes in different color combinations. When paired with the HERMÈS concentric circle watch face on the watch, the Hermès style of the entire watch can be maximized, adding a touch of high-end luxury to the Apple Watch.
Barénia Calfskin Strap
In addition to the four new Hermès straps, the brand has also created a Barénia calfskin strap. The strap design pays tribute to the equestrian world. However, this strap has relatively limited availability and can only be purchased at Hermès’ designated boutiques worldwide that sell the Apple Watch HERMÈS, giving it a sense of being a hidden gem and endowing the watch with a more elegant and mature taste.
Currently, the Hermès straps for the Apple Watch Series 9 are available for pre-order and will be officially released starting from September 22nd. Those interested will need to wait a little longer.
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