Apple is gearing up to unveil its highly anticipated iPhone 15 family, Apple Watch Series 9, second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, and AirPods at an event called Wonderlust next week. While much of the attention has been focused on the iPhone 15, the upcoming watches are expected to be notable upgrades in their own right, according to a detailed report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Although the new watches will have a similar design to their predecessors, the main change this year will be a faster chip. This is significant because Apple’s smartwatches from Series 6 to Series 8 all used processors that were essentially the same. The current chips were based on the A13 Bionic chip that powers the iPhone 11. Gurman previously mentioned that the Watch Series 9’s S9 chip would be based on the A15 Bionic chip. In the report, Gurman reveals that the new watches will offer “major gains in processing speed.” The improved processor is also expected to enhance energy efficiency and help improve battery life, making them one of the top smartwatches of 2023.
Gurman also mentions that the new watches will feature the U2 ultrawide-band chip, which will enhance the Find My capabilities of the devices. Additionally, the watches are expected to come with upgraded sensors and internal components that offer improved performance, efficiency, and accuracy. One example highlighted in the report is a new optical heart rate sensor.
Regarding manufacturing, it is reported that the stainless steel variants of the Watch Series 9 will be made using 3D printers. This process is not only more environmentally friendly but also requires less material. Apple may also adopt this manufacturing technique for the cases of the second-generation Ultra starting next year.
In terms of size options, the Watch Series 9 will continue to be available in 41-millimeter and 45-millimeter sizes, while the Watch Ultra 2 will be offered in the current 49-millimeter size. There may also be new color choices, including a black option for the Ultra.
With these anticipated upgrades, Apple Watch enthusiasts can expect the new Series 9 and Ultra 2 to offer enhanced performance, better battery life, and advanced features. Stay tuned for Apple’s Wonderlust event to get the full details and official announcements.
