As expected, during the iPhone 14 lineup announcement event yesterday, the Apple giant revealed a few other wearables besides the new smartphones. One of the most notable is the Apple Watch Series 8.
Apple announced the new watch along with another better model, the Apple Watch Series 8 Ultra, which comes with a somewhat funky design compared to the usual smartwatches from Apple. This design is somewhat at odds with the company's traditional unified design philosophy, but it also makes the Apple Watch Ultra unique compared to the rest, and it should be…
The most powerful and durable Apple Watch yet
The new Apple Watch Ultra comes with a durable, premium design in titanium, unlike traditional stainless steel. Unsurprisingly, this smartwatch comes at a price of $800 which goes with the very luxurious look and design.
Perhaps the most notable feature of this smartwatch for the average user is its huge battery, which should bode well for former Apple Watch users looking to upgrade to a watch that lasts longer than a day. However, during its presentation, Apple was very clear that the Apple Watch Ultra is not intended for the average user.
A smartwatch for adventure and exploration
Why is the name “Ultra” given to a smart watch? Well, this smartwatch is specially designed for people who practice, explore, dive, and professional athletes in general. As the design and price suggest, if you are looking for a simple smartwatch to keep track of essential health features or as a fashion accessory, then you are definitely going for the standard Apple Watch Series 8 model because it is more than just enough.
The most prominent features of the Apple Watch Series 8 Ultra:
- Bigger, Brighter Screen
- Additional customizable button
- Titanium design
- Up to 36 hours of battery life or up to 60 hours with battery saving measures
- Waterproof protection is twice as strong as that found in the standard model
- Extra loudspeaker
The extra button is really customizable, and is meant to make it easier to navigate the watch if you're snorkeling or wearing gloves. The Watch Ultra is of course more durable than the standard Apple Watch, has a water resistance rating of WR100, and is EN 13319 certified, something professional divers will especially appreciate. It is a certification standard for computers and accessories. Apple Watch Ultra is also built to withstand sweltering desert heat or frigid temperatures, too.
Some of the other notable features that Apple has shown off for this smartwatch is the ability to set walking points while you're traveling through a mountain, for example, and it can help you back off if you find yourself needing to do so. In regards to this, the new dual-frequency L1 + L5 GPS that is exclusive to that model only should help provide the most accurate GPS in an Apple smartwatch to date.
But if the watch gets lost or hurt, which we hope won't happen, the Apple Watch Ultra also comes with a built-in 86dB siren, which can alert anyone reasonably close for help.
Aside from all those great durability, exploration and skill features, Apple Watch Ultra users will also get access to a new app developed by Apple in partnership with Huish Outdoors, called Oceanic Plus. As the name suggests, it will help divers in particular in tracking things like the depth and temperature of the water.
Other new features not exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra
Notably, Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra bring to the table including a temperature sensor. According to Apple, this will be useful in detecting both hormonal changes and ovulation. It will also be useful for tracking the temperature at night, which can particularly help in certain scenarios.
Fault detection is another new feature coming to the new Apple Watches. Apple says it will be able to detect if a user has had an unfortunate car accident, automatically call emergency services, give them the user's location, and alert their emergency contacts.
Apple Watch Series 8 Ultra price and release date
Pre-orders for the Apple Watch Ultra open starting tomorrow, Friday, September 9, and shipping begins next week, September 16. All Apple Watch Ultra models come with a different style bracelet, priced at $800. The only available Apple Watch Ultra size is 49mm, and all models come with GPS + cellular connectivity.
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