Apple debuted the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 during its September Event. These new smartwatches shared the stage with the iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max.
Both the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 come with improvements that are brought upon by the new S9 SiP (System in Package) and run on watchOS 10. Additionally, these are the first Apple Watches with carbon-neutral options.
The new S9 SiP features a new 4-core Neural Engine that processes machine learning tasks up to twice as fast as the previous generation processor. It also has a GPU that’s 30% faster than its predecessor.
Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 now has a brighter display at up to 2000 nits on its Always on Retina display, which is double that of the Series 8. Thanks to the power-efficient design of the S9 SiP.
Among the features that the S9 SiP allows is the new Double Tap Gesture that allows you to control the Watch by tapping your index finger and thumb of the watch hand together twice. This allows you to do things like answer and end close, stop an alarm, or even take a photo on your iPhone.
The faster Neural Engine processes data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor with a new machine-learning algorithm. The algorithm detects the unique signature of tiny wrist movements and changes in blood flow when the index finger and thumb perform a double tap.
The Apple Watch Series 9 now offers on-device Siri request that also makes use of the Neural Engine that makes dictation up to 25% more accurate than its predecessor. This not only makes it private but also makes it more secure.
Moreover, you can now also ask Siri queries related to health like how many hours of sleep you’ve had the previous night or your blood glucose level.
The smartwatch also has a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that enables Precision Finding for the iPhone 15 series devices to aid you in case you’ve misplaced your iPhone.
The chip also allows deeper integration between the Apple Watch and HomePod. When the Watch gets within 4 meters of a HomePad playing audio, the Apple Watch Series 9 will launch Now Playing to control the media or if nothing is playing it will give suggestions.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Apple Watch Ultra 2, on the other hand, builds on the performance of its predecessor and remains the company’s most capable and rugged smartwatch. It offers up to 3000 nits of peak brightest, 50% brighter than its predecessor.
It shares all the new features of the Apple Watch Series 9 while bringing new features thanks to the same S9 SiP. This includes the new Double Tap Gesture, on-device Siri requests, and Ultra Wideband chip features.
Apple also introduced a Modular Ultra watch face that is specifically designed for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It uses the outermost edge to present real-time data like seconds, altitude, and depth. Additionally, it has a night mode.
The new Watch Ultra has been tested for use across the largest range of altitudes from 500m below sea level and up to 9,000m. It offers more information as well for diving via the Oceanic+ app.
Lastly, it is said to offer up to 36 hours of typical use and up to 72 hours with low battery mode.
Local Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in two variants – Aluminum and Stainless Steel. The Aluminum version is available in five color options – Midnight, Starlight, Silver, PRODUCT(RED), and Pink. Meanwhile, the Stainless steel variant comes in Graphite, Silver, and Gold colorways.
These are priced at:
- Aluminum (41mm) – starts at PHP 26,490 (GPS-only with Rubber/Sport Loop/Nike Sport Loop band)
- Aluminum (45mm) – starts at PHP 28,490 (GPS-only with Rubber/Sport Loop/Nike Sport Loop band)
- Stainless Steel (41mm) – starts at PHP 46,990 (with Rubber/Sport Loop/Nike Sport Loop band)
- Stainless Steel (44mm) – starts at PHP 49,990 (with Rubber/Sport Loop/Nike Sport Loop band)
Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is priced locally at PHP 54,990 with three band options – Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and Ocean Band.
The availability of both Apple Watches is yet to be announced though, as of writing this.
Ram found his love and appreciation for writing in 2015 having started in the gaming and esports sphere for GG Network. He would then transition to focus more on the world of tech which has also began his journey into learning more about this world. That said though, he still has the mentality of "as long as it works" for his personal gadgets.
