Apple’s not one to shy from yearly device refreshes, and the company recently announced the latest additions to its smart wearable range, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. While both watches might not seem like much of an upgrade over their predecessors, there are arguably some reasons as to why buyers might be compelled to get their hands on these new devices.
The company also sneaked in another new product launch by way of the second-generation AirPods Pro, which likewise comes with some new hardware changes compared to Apple’s older wireless audio products. What exactly do you get with these new releases, though? Let’s check them out.
Meet the Watch Series 9
Apple wasted no time in starting its keynote by unveiling the Apple Watch Series 9, which does feature some nice upgrades over the Watch Series 8 (we’d be disappointed if it didn’t). The company showed off the new S9 processor – which powers the Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 – adding that the new hardware features up to 30% improved performance over Apple’s older S8 processor.
With the S9 inside, the Apple Watch Series 9 gets access to on-device Siri and Siri + Health Integration, allowing users to access Siri faster on their wrist, and even provides them with a spoken recap of their health and exercise stats. In terms of design, there’s not much that the Watch Series 9 changes; users still get the tried-and-tested look that Apple has used on its wearables, although it has equipped the Watch Series 9 with a newer display that can get really bright – up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness, in fact.
Other major highlights of the Watch Series 9 include an integrated double-tap gesture, which means users can trigger a wide range of custom actions simply by tapping their thumb and index fingers together. This allows the watch to react accordingly, depending on which software is currently running. There’s also support for improved UWB, which lets a user locate their iPhone more accurately using their watch. The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at £399.
Going Ultra for a Second Time
Apple also launched its newest and most durable smartwatch to date, the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Ultra 2 incorporates several familiar elements from its predecessor, such as the rugged design which now features a greater amount of recycled Titanium in its overall build. Similar to the Apple Watch Series 9, the Watch Ultra 2 also features Apple’s new S9 processor, double-tap gestures and UWB functionality.
Additionally, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 does come with some significant hardware highlights – this includes the device’s impressive battery, which Apple says can last for up to 36 hours of usage on a regular basis, or around 72 hours when used in low power mode. There’s also a new display which outshines the Apple Watch Series 9 quite literally – the Watch Ultra 2 can reach up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness when used outdoors. The Ultra 2 will be sold at £799 for buyers in the UK.
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen
While Apple’s product showcase focused on its new watches and phones, the company also (more quietly) released the second-gen AirPods Pro, which now come with USB-C MagSafe Charging. Apple adds that the new AirPods Pro also deliver improved active noise cancellation and transparency mode, in addition to more immersive spatial audio quality.
As with the iPhone 15 series, the second-gen AirPods Pro also incorporate USB-C connectivity, in addition to added dust resistance, and can integrate with iOS 17 to bring features like Adaptive Audio which blends Transparency mode and Active Noise Cancellation to adjust noise control based on the sound in a user’s surroundings. There’s also Conversation Awareness, which allows the AirPods Pro to lower the content volume and enhance the voices in front of the user, all while reduce background noise. FInally, lossless audio is now possible thanks to the new H2 chip inside, which Apple says allows for 20-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio.
The AirPods Pro second-gen will be available for £229 starting on Friday, September 22.
