13th September 2023 – (California) On Tuesday, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Ultra 2, an upgraded version of its highly capable smartwatch. The latest model retains all the features of its predecessor while incorporating several new enhancements, including the S9 SiP, a double tap gesture, Apple’s brightest display ever, an expanded altitude range, on-device Siri, Precision Finding for iPhone, and advanced capabilities for water adventures.
According to Apple, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 runs on watchOS 10, which brings redesigned apps, the new Smart Stack, enhanced cycling experiences, features to facilitate outdoor exploration, and a new watch face. Despite these additional features, the battery life of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains consistent, offering up to 36 hours of usage with regular use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be available for purchase starting from 22nd September. Apple’s latest smartwatch aims to cater to those seeking a rugged and advanced device, while also achieving a significant environmental milestone. For the first time, customers will have the option to choose a carbon-neutral Apple Watch, aligning with Apple’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral across its entire business, manufacturing supply chain, and product life cycle by 2030.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 can be ordered now, with availability scheduled for Friday, 22nd September. The promotional images showcase a cyclist utilising the Apple Watch Ultra 2 while riding outdoors.
The expanded altitude range and on-device Siri are among the notable features offered by the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Additionally, watchOS 10 introduces new cycling experiences and assists users in exploring the great outdoors.
Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, expressed excitement about the latest release, stating, “This year we’ve made our most rugged and capable Apple Watch even better. Apple Watch Ultra 2 is our most advanced model, offering impressive performance and feature updates. It’s perfect for anyone who desires our largest, brightest display, longest battery life, and the best GPS capabilities available on an Apple Watch, all within a stunning design.”
Powering the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is Apple’s custom silicon chip, the S9 SiP. This new watch chip delivers system-wide improvements and introduces new features, including the double tap gesture and on-device Siri. Users can now access and log health data privately and securely with the assistance of Siri. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also incorporates a 4-core Neural Engine, capable of processing machine learning tasks up to twice as fast as the original Apple Watch Ultra.
Among the various innovations, the double tap gesture stands out. Apple Watch users can now conveniently control their device using just one hand without touching the display. By tapping the index finger and thumb of their watch hand together twice, users can perform common actions such as stopping a timer, playing and pausing music, answering and ending phone calls, and even switching to the new Elevation view in the Compass app to view saved waypoints.
The enhanced double tap gesture is made possible by the faster Neural Engine in the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which leverages data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor to detect the unique movements and changes in blood flow associated with the double tap. This feature will be available through a software update next month.
Furthermore, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts an advanced display architecture that offers a maximum brightness of 3000 nits. This brightness level represents a 50 percent improvement over the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra and makes it the brightest display ever designed by Apple. The increased brightness ensures better readability in bright sunlight, while the display can be dimmed to just one nit for use in dark environments without disturbing those nearby. The flashlight feature also benefits from the new display architecture, as rotating the Digital Crown temporarily doubles the brightness, providing improved illumination.
With the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple continues to push the boundaries of smartwatch technology, offering users a powerful and versatile device that combines style, functionality, and environmental sustainability. The availability of a carbon-neutral option reflects Apple’s commitment to reducing its ecological footprint and aligning with its ambitious environmental goals.