Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Review

Overview

• Intended Audience: Not for those with recent Apple Watches; ideal for new users or those with very old models (e.g., Series 3).
• Visual Differences: Minimal; hard to distinguish from previous versions without a side-by-side comparison.

Key Updates

S9 Chip

• Performance: Faster UI navigation, app opening/closing, more power-efficient.
• Battery Life: Same 18-hour target, but higher display brightness.
• Brightness: Up to 2000 nits for Series 9, 3000 nits for Ultra 2 (brightest display on any Apple device).
• Ultra Wideband Chip: Precision finding for iPhone, similar to AirTag feature.
• Memory & Neural Engine: Double the speed and memory, improving Siri requests and on-device processing.

Siri Enhancements

• On-Device Processing: Faster responses for tasks not requiring internet.
• Health Data Access: Voice control for health data, pending future updates.

Double Tap Feature

• Functionality: Double tap thumb and pointer to interact with the watch (e.g., accept calls, control primary button functions).
• Release: Not available immediately, coming with WatchOS 10.1.
• Comparison with Assistive Touch: Double tap more advanced but shares roots with existing accessibility features.

Other Notable Features

• Carbon Neutral: First fully carbon-neutral product from Apple, including materials, energy, emissions for its lifetime.

Speculative Future Updates

• Possible Future Redesign: Current model looks the same as previous years; potential for significant design overhaul in future releases.
• Desired Features: Circular design, rotating bezel, improved battery life.

Conclusion

• Current updates are iterative, mostly internal with one new color (pink for Series 9).
• Apple likely planning a major redesign in the future, similar to other product cycles.