Among Apple’s flagship products, the Apple Watch connected watch still holds a prominent place. And for this new generation, Apple is thinking big with an Ultra reinforced model, designed for extreme sports.
It’s not one, but three new Apple Watches that Tim Cook, Apple’s boss, unveiled during his back-to-school keynote, this Wednesday, September 7, live from Apple Park. Like every year, the firm renews its range of connected watches and takes the opportunity to multiply the functionalities. For this edition, it is the eighth generation that is revealed, available in three versions. Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE and the new addition to the family, Apple Watch Ultra. New watches, new design? Not really. The Apple Watch Series 8 and SE 2 adopt a design that is strictly identical to previous generations. You have to look for new things elsewhere.
What are the features of the Apple Watch Series 8?
Improved autonomy The main flaw of all previous models would have finally been corrected. The Apple Watch Series 8 would finally display a correct autonomy allowing to go back through the charging box only after 36 hours. A real leap even if the Apple watch does not yet catch up with its competitors in this field. A gain obtained by WatchOS 9 which adds an energy saving mode. With it, the essential functions are maintained (detection of falls, or monitoring of sports activities, etc.). On the other hand, more anecdotal functions will be deactivated such as the Always On Display mode which keeps the display of the time and complications on the screen in standby.
On-board thermometer This function was at the top of the rumors circulating about the new Watch before its announcement. Apple has thus integrated body temperature sensors into the case. But beware, they are intended primarily for women to monitor their ovulation cycles. One is placed at the base of the case, the other under the screen. They analyze the temperature every 5 seconds (with an accuracy of 1°C). But they do not deliver the temperature in real time. The information collected is of course encrypted on the device and on iCloud.
car crash detector Previous Apple Watches are already capable of detecting accidental drops. In such cases, they make it possible to call for help or an emergency contact with a single press of the button. The 8 Series now brings car crash detection based on the same principle. The watch thus embeds an improved accelerometer which, supported by the movement sensors and the microphones of the device, makes it possible to detect accidents, to alert the emergency services and to send your position.
What are the features of the Apple Watch SE 2?
The most accessible Apple Watch in the Apple catalog is slowly evolving. On the program, new colors but also a new chip that makes it 20% faster than the previous version. Its screen is 30% larger than that of the Apple Watch Series 3. If this SE 2022 version also includes road accident detection, it ignores the Always on display.
What are the features of Apple Watch Series 8 Ultra?
A backpacker design Designed primarily for extreme sports enthusiasts and sports enthusiasts, the Apple Watch Ultra departs seriously from its little sisters. Its design is more massive. The shape remains rectangular but adopts a 49 mm titanium case and a flat sapphire crystal glass (and not curved like on other Apple Watches). On the edge, there is a large action button and the unboltable Digital crown (the crown) which has taken on a little weight to be easy to use even with gloves.
Substantial autonomy The Apple Watch Ultra claims a 36-hour battery life that jumps to 60 hours with power saving mode. So much the better for extreme athletes who don’t always have an electrical outlet nearby to charge their watch.
A brighter screen Since it can be used in extreme conditions (in scuba diving for example), the Apple Watch Ultra adopts a brighter screen to remain readable in all circumstances. It thus climbs to a brightness of 2,000 nits, double that of previous Apple Watch models. In addition, it has a function to switch it to night mode. The display then changes to red on a black background.
A boosted GPS To be able to locate you anywhere in the world, the watch uses two GPS signals (L1 and L5). This also allows it to obtain a more precise localization in an urban environment.
Ready for adventure The Apple Watch ultra supports strong temperature differences: from -20°C to + 55°C. It is also ready to dive in depths (- 40 m) and therefore benefits from compliance with the international standard EN13319 which certifies diving accessories, in particular depth gauges used by recreational divers. An app called Oceanic+, dedicated to scuba diving, will also be delivered with the watch.
When is the Apple Watch Series 8 release date?
Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra are available for pre-order today. They will be available in stores from September 16.
What is the price of the Apple Watch Series 8?
Apple has not changed the price of its Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Ultra, a newcomer to the range, has a significantly higher price.
Apple Watch SE 2: 299 euros
Apple Watch Series 8: from 499 euros
Apple Watch Ultra: 999 euros.