Apple Watch Series 9, Watch Ultra 2: Everything you need to know

Apple Watch Series 9: Minimal visual changes

Several reports point towards the fact that the upcoming Apple Watch Series 9 will be visually indistinguishable from its predecessor. A report from Bloomberg suggests that Apple is planning for a major design overhaul for the future Apple Watch Series 10 to commemorate its 10th anniversary.

This means, the existing watch straps will continue to be compatible with the Watch Series 9, which will boot watchOS 10 with a revamped UI, featuring new watch faces, an improved navigation interface, and updated first-party apps such as Compass and Maps.

The Activity Rings on Apple Watch is an accessible, intuitive tool for everyone — wherever you are on your fitness journey. (Express Photo/Nandagopal Rajan)

Apple Watch Series 9: Performance and battery life

Apple Watch Series 9 will be powered by the new S9 chip, which according to Bloomberg will introduce “significant speed improvements.” It is said that, when compared to the S8 chip, the upcoming S9 will be over 20 per cent faster and is said to be based on the A15 Bionic processor that currently powers the iPhone 13 series and select models on the iPhone 14 lineup.

The new S9 chip is also said to be more efficient, hence, with the Watch Series 9, Apple might deliver slightly enhanced battery life when compared to their predecessors. Thanks to the new chip, the Watch Series 9 is also expected to gain dual-band GPS support for more accurate navigation and these could also be the first pair of smartwatches from Apple to support a 5G network with built-in 5G radios.

According to other reports, the Watch Series 9 is expected to include new health sensors such as electrodermal activity (EDA) and bioimpedance sensors to accurately measure stress levels and body composition. While Apple has been reported to be working on several new technologies like non-invasive blood sugar monitoring, they are expected to be introduced in subsequent models.

Apple’s watchOS is one of the best operating system for wearable devices to date. (Express Photo)

Apple Watch Series 9 models

Apple Watch Series 9 is likely to be available in two sizes: 41mm and 45 mm. Just like the previous generation line-up, the Watch Series 9 is expected to be available in both Aluminum and Stainless-Steel finish with multiple colour options. There will also be Wi-Fi only and cellular models. Hence, there will be at least eight different models in the Apple Watch Series 9.

Watch Ultra is not just the best Apple smartwatch, it’s one of the best smartwatches, period (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/The Indian Express)

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Features and specifications

Just like the Watch Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is also said to be powered by the S9 chip. Unlike the first-gen model, the Ultra 2 is expected to be available in two colour options. According to a report from Bloomberg, Watch Ultra 2 will come in a new “dark titanium” colour and in terms of design, it will be similar to the current model with an identical form factor.