The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 have been making waves in the tech community, and for good reason. While they may not be revolutionary upgrades, they bring a host of small but significant improvements that make them the best Apple Watches to date. Let’s dive into what makes these smartwatches tick.
Design and Build
- Series 9: The aluminum Series 9 comes in a new pink color, maintaining the same 41mm and 45mm sizes as its predecessors.
- Ultra 2: Almost identical to the original Ultra, it is made from 95% recycled titanium.
Key Features
- S9 SIP: A 30% faster GPU and a four-core neural engine, enabling onboard Siri processing and greater power efficiency.
- Ultra-Wideband Chip: Enables precision finding, much like Apple’s AirTags.
- WatchOS 10: Reintroduces widgets to Apple’s smartwatch landscape.
Performance
Both watches feature the new S9 SIP, promising a 30% faster GPU and a four-core neural engine. This results in better Siri processing and power efficiency. The addition of a second-generation ultra-wideband chip enables precision finding, a feature similar to Apple’s AirTags.
Battery and Efficiency
The new S9 SIP also contributes to greater power efficiency, although exact battery life figures were not mentioned in the source review.
Price Point
- Series 9: Starts at $399
- Ultra 2: Starts at $799
Who Should Buy?
- New Users: If you don’t already own an Apple Watch, the Series 9 and Ultra 2 offer the best features yet.
- Upgrade Cautiously: If you already own a recent Apple Watch model, the new features may not justify the cost of upgrading.
Quick Takeaways
- The Series 9 and Ultra 2 are not radically different but offer smart new features.
- The S9 SIP and second-generation ultra-wideband chip are the major updates.
- WatchOS 10 brings widgets back to the Apple Watch.
- The Series 9 starts at $399, and the Ultra 2 starts at $799.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 may not be groundbreaking, but they offer enough improvements to be the best Apple Watches to date. Whether you’re a new user or considering an upgrade, these smartwatches offer compelling features that cater to a wide range of needs.
