Apple’s first announcements of the Far Out event were the new Watch Series 8, Watch SE and the highly anticipated Apple Watch Pro Ultra.
Apple Watch Ultra
Let’s start with the new Apple Watch Ultra (known as Pro when it was still a rumor) – a big deal in both size and importance given the screen time spent at the event. It’s a whole new category of smartwatches for Apple, so see what it offers.
Upfront, the Apple Watch Ultra is instantly distinguishable from Apple’s other wearables. It has a huge 49mm case that packs the largest (and brightest) display ever seen on an Apple Watch.
The case is made of titanium with a raised edge to protect the display. The display is located under a flat sapphire crystal cover. Apple claims up to 2,000 nits of brightness for the display – an incredible (literally!) Figure.
Apple has created a new watch face specifically for the larger display, called the Wayfinder. It contains much more information and can be customized for the different environments you will find yourself in.
On the left side, the Apple Watch Ultra has an extra speaker, which can be used to produce an 86 decibel siren for emergencies, as well as a new Action button painted in high-contrast international orange. The button can be customized for instant access to Workouts, Compass Waypont or Backtrack, a feature that allows you to find your way back via a trail.
The usual home button and digital crown are located on the right side. The crown has a larger diameter and coarser grooves. There are three microphones on the Watch Ultra that Apple says can help make you hear even in windy conditions.
A second speaker, an action button, plus the Home button and a digital crown
Moving forward, being larger than its peers, the Apple Watch Ultra has better battery life: up to 36 hours of normal use with always-on display, automatic workouts and constant heart rate, as well as up to 60 hours with an Ultra value. low power mode which will arrive later this year.
A word about resistance. Watch Ultra can drop as low as -20 ° C and up to 55 ° C. Complies with MIL-STD-810H for Low Pressure (Altitude), High Temperature, Low Temperature, Thermal Shock, Fluid Contamination, Rain, Moisture, Immersion, Sand and Dust, Freeze / Thaw, Ice / Freezing Rain, Shock and Vibration .
You can also use Watch Ultra for water sports like kitesurfing and wakeboarding and even for serious diving. It is certified according to WR100 and EN 13319, the recognized standard for diving accessories. There is a built-in depth gauge which, together with the Depth app, shows the time, depth, water temperature, duration underwater and the maximum depth reached.
The Apple Watch Ultra comes with three straps: Trail Loop, Alpine Loop and Ocean Band. All units have GPS and cellular connectivity and are on sale today for $ 799. The watch will begin shipping on September 23rd.
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple also unveiled the Watch Series 8. Physically, it’s nearly identical to the Series 7 but uses the new S8 chip, adds a temperature sensor, crash detection, and a new ultra-low power mode.
The temperature sensor will scan your skin temperature every five seconds, using a combination of two sensors: one on the skin and another just below the display. It is capable of detecting variations up to 0.1 ° C and helps with ovulation predictions and cycle deviation monitoring.
Shock detection works thanks to the 3-axis gyro sensor and a new high-G-force accelerometer that can detect up to 256 G. The new sensor samples motion 4 times faster than the old accelerometer and will be able to distinguish between a frontal or side impact, a rear-end collision or overturning. Upon detection of an incident, Watch Series 8 will automatically alert emergency services and emergency contacts.
Watch Series 8 has 18-hour battery life with an always-on display, automatic activity tracking and drop detection, but the optional low-power mode lets you eliminate some of the features and double them to 36 hours.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is available in four colors: Lunar, Astronomy, Metropolitan and Modular, with a case made with 100% recycled aluminum and three models in stainless steel. Sales start today at $ 399 for a GPS-only model and $ 499 for a GPS + Cellular, shipments begin September 16.
Apple Watch SE
Finally, the new Apple Watch SE drops the temperature sensor but has the same S8 chip as the more expensive Series 8 and Watch Ultra, and brings support for new crash detection. The Watch SE has a 100% recycled aluminum case and a new redesigned plastic caseback.
The SE goes on sale today for $ 249 for GPS only and $ 299 for GPS + Cellular, with shipments starting September 16.
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