Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2: Unveiling Game-Changing Features

Politics, News Sept. 13, 2023, 3:03 a.m.

Apples latest smartwatches, Series 9 and Ultra 2, introduce game-changing features like Double Tap gestures, enhanced displays, and sustainable materials, offering a promising user experience. Stay tuned for our detailed review.

The highly-anticipated Apple Watch Series 9 and the innovative Ultra 2 were unveiled at Apple's recent launch event. While not much was leaked about these smartwatches before the event, it's evident that Apple has made significant enhancements under the hood, some of which aren't easily captured in photographs. One standout upgrade is the new S9 SiP (system-in-package) which promises to revolutionize the user experience with better animations, on-device Siri processing, and a novel gesture called Double Tap. This new feature allows users to perform a pinch gesture twice in mid-air, enabling actions like answering calls, pausing music, dismissing alarms, and more.

One notable addition to the Apple Watch lineup is the introduction of a new material called FineWoven, designed to replace traditional leather. FineWoven finds its place in some of the new straps and accessories, aligning with Apple's commitment to using sustainable and recycled materials. While other changes, such as brighter displays and increased use of recycled materials, may seem less thrilling, it's the Double Tap feature that stands out as a game-changer.

Double Tap isn't Apple's first foray into minimizing screen taps on smartwatches. Apple introduced Assistive Touch in 2021, catering to individuals with limited finger mobility or other mobility challenges. However, Double Tap seems like a more refined approach to this concept. During a hands-on demonstration with the Watch Ultra 2, I was able to quickly pinch in mid-air. By default, this gesture brings up the Smart Stack on the home screen, and subsequent double taps allow you to scroll through individual cards. It's worth noting that you can customize this feature to launch the top card in your Smart Stack.

In my experience, the Watch Ultra 2 accurately recognized most of my pinches and wasn't easily fooled by unintended finger movements. It particularly excelled when I brought my thumb to my index finger pad, reacting precisely as intended. Apple achieves this level of accuracy by using a combination of the optical heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope to detect pinching. While it does require deliberate gestures, users will likely adapt to the correct technique over time.

As someone who values keeping my devices clean and smudge-free, I appreciate the utility of Double Tap, especially when cooking or cleaning. It can also be a lifesaver if you forget to start a workout during a run, as the watch prompts you to launch one after automatically detecting your activity.

Arguably, Double Tap is the most intriguing new feature, and it's also the easiest to experience during a hands-on session. While I couldn't thoroughly assess the Watch Ultra 2's new display, boasting brightness levels of up to 3,000 nits, for outdoor activities like hiking, I look forward to testing its readability in different scenarios. Similarly, I didn't have the opportunity to gauge the speed of on-device Siri or test its capabilities for health queries.

One notable design enhancement is the new Modular Ultra face, which efficiently utilizes screen space, extending content to the very edges of the display. Apple even claims that you can find information about elevation or depth in the bottom bezel, although it's worth noting that bezels themselves aren't capable of displaying information.

Another thoughtful addition is the automatic activation of Night Mode when the ambient light sensor detects low light conditions. The Ultra 2 takes it a step further by allowing the display to dim down to just one nit, catering to those who are sensitive to bright screens while ensuring the watch remains readable.

In alignment with Apple's goal to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2030, the company has discontinued the sale of leather bands and accessories, replacing them with the eco-friendly FineWoven material. During my trial of the FineWoven magnetic loop, it felt comfortable and had a suede-like texture, all while being composed of recycled materials.

In summary, while the Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 may not appear to be groundbreaking upgrades at first glance, the features enabled by the S9 SiP, such as on-device Siri and Double Tap, have the potential to bring meaningful changes to the user experience. To provide a comprehensive assessment, I'll need more time with these watches in real-world scenarios. Stay tuned for our in-depth review.

For live updates on all things Apple, don't forget to follow our coverage of Apple's 'Wonderlust' event.