The Apple Watch Ultra 3 introduces a larger display, improved always-on mode, better battery life, satellite connectivity, and a faster processor compared to Ultra 2, making it a significant upgrade for users seeking enhanced features and performance.
The upcoming watchOS 26 will introduce several new features for Apple Watch users, including Wrist Flick, automatic volume adjustments, smarter Smart Replies, and Live Translation. However, only the latest models released in 2023 or later, such as Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, will support the most advanced features due to their enhanced processing power. Users with older models will miss out on some of these innovations.
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 series will see a price increase compared to previous models, with the Galaxy Watch 8 and Classic versions costing more, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 expected to be priced the same as the original Ultra in 2025, making it the most expensive among the lineup.
Apple is now selling Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the US without functional blood oxygen monitoring features, following a ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) that found the company had violated patents related to light-based blood-oxygen monitoring. The company modified the watches to comply with the ban, and while it's appealing the decision, it has introduced redesigned models without the blood oxygen feature. Customers who previously purchased models with the feature will not be impacted, and the modified watches will still have the blood monitoring app, but with a message indicating the feature is no longer available.
Apple is halting sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 due to a patent dispute, but they are still available for purchase at discounted prices from retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are both great fitness trackers for iPhone users, offering features such as offline Siri use, improved durability, and long battery life. In addition, the Sony SRS-XB100 Bluetooth speaker is currently on sale at various retailers and offers clear audio, stereo playback, and water resistance. Other deals include discounts on AirTags, the Aqara Smart Lock U100, and the 8BitDo USB Adapter 2.
Apple will temporarily halt sales of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the U.S. due to a patent dispute with medical technology company Masimo. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in October that Apple's smartwatches violated Masimo's patent rights, potentially leading to an import ban. While the ruling is under review by President Biden's administration, Apple is taking preemptive steps toward compliance. The affected smartwatches will no longer be sold on Apple's website and retail locations after December 24. Apple plans to appeal the ITC's decision and argues that it did not infringe on Masimo's patents.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a brighter screen, upgraded internals, and more storage compared to the Ultra 1. However, the Ultra 1 is currently cheaper and still benefits from the latest software updates. Both watches have similar features such as heart rate monitoring, water resistance, and navigation capabilities. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prioritize future-proofing or immediate savings.
Apple is introducing double tap gesturing to its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches, allowing users to control their watches with just one hand. The gesture can be used for various actions such as answering calls, viewing messages, pausing music, and more. It is powered by the S9 SiP chip, which is 25% more power efficient than its predecessor, and utilizes a machine learning algorithm to detect wrist movement and changes in blood flow.
The watchOS 10.1 developer beta for Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models introduces the "double tap" feature, allowing users to perform various tasks on their watch with a pinchy gesture. This feature offers contextual control and is customizable for widget stacks and music controls. It utilizes the S9 processor's neural engine and is expected to be available in the public beta and general release soon.
The upcoming watchOS 10.1 update will enable the new "Double Tap" gesture on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. This feature allows users to perform various actions, such as stopping a timer or answering a phone call, by tapping their index finger and thumb together twice. The Double Tap gesture is made possible by the faster Neural Engine of the S9 chip and relies on an algorithm that detects wrist movements and changes in blood flow. The update is expected to be released next month.
If you're considering buying a new Apple Watch and are not interested in the incremental updates of the Series 9, the Ultra 2 might be a better choice. The Ultra 2 offers double the battery life, a robust design, and a larger display. Additionally, it includes features like a siren, triple microphone array, dive computer, and a Backtrack tool for adventurous users. However, the price difference and personal budget should also be taken into consideration.
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 reviews are in, highlighting the new S9 chip that enables on-device Siri processing and the upcoming support for health queries. Both watches feature brighter displays, increased storage capacity, and an upgraded ultrawideband chip. The Series 9 introduces a new "Double Tap" gesture for one-handed operation, while the Ultra 2 offers precision finding with compatible iPhones. Reviewers praise the improved Siri responsiveness and the new pink color option, but note that the upgrades may not be compelling for existing Apple Watch owners.
The new Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 offer brighter displays, a faster S9 chip, a "Double Tap" gesture, increased storage, and more. Reviews suggest that these models are iterative upgrades and may not be worth upgrading to from previous versions. The Double Tap gesture is fun but not essential, and the smart stack widget may not be useful for everyone. The Ultra 2's brighter display benefits the flashlight feature, and the S9 chip provides a performance boost for on-device Siri processing.
The battery capacities for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 have been revealed in a Chinese regulatory database. The 41mm and 45mm Series 9 models have the same battery capacities as their Series 8 counterparts, while the Ultra 2 has a slightly larger battery compared to the original Ultra. Both new models feature brighter displays, a faster chip, and new interaction gestures. They are available for order and will be released on September 22.