Apple has unveiled its latest additions to the smartwatch family, introducing the Apple Watch Series 9 and the all-new Apple Watch Ultra 2. While these watches come with upgraded processors, marking a significant improvement since their predecessors, the real impact may be subtle for those already using the previous model.
During my brief hands-on experience with these new timepieces, there was little discernible difference in terms of their physical feel, button placement, or other tactile aspects. Most of the enhancements in these models are concealed beneath the surface, promising improvements in battery life and overall performance. I did notice an increase in speed, particularly compared to my own Apple Watch Ultra, which employs the outgoing S8 SIP processor.
Siri’s responsiveness, as advertised, has been notably enhanced, thanks to local processing that eliminates the need for round-trip communication with cloud servers. The screens also appear brighter, especially when placed side by side with last year’s model. However, it’s challenging to fully gauge and appreciate these improvements in the controlled and bustling environment of an Apple event demo room.
In essence, these new additions retain the distinctive Apple Watch identity. While even the previous model, powered by a three-year-old chip, still holds its own, users can expect a performance boost from the Series 9 and Ultra 2. Notably, both models feature second-generation Ultra Wideband chips, enhancing location precision and the range for device tracking—although I didn’t have the opportunity to thoroughly test this feature during my brief encounter.
One standout feature is the introduction of the “double tap.” This novel gesture allows users to trigger actions by tapping their fingers together twice on the hand that adorns the watch. I tested it with setting timers, and it performed as advertised. This innovative interaction model could become an intuitive addition to the smartwatch’s input options.
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are now available for pre-order on the Apple website, with shipments starting on September 22.
In conclusion, while the exterior appearance remains consistent with previous models, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 offer subtle yet impactful improvements beneath the surface, making them worthwhile upgrades for enthusiasts seeking enhanced performance and user interaction options.
