Apple Watch Ultra 2: Everything You Need To Know

For Apple users everywhere, September almost always guarantees the launch of a suite of new products and operating systems. This year is no different, with the Cupertino-based tech giant announcing the highly anticipated iPhone 15 (and Apple AirPods Pro 2). In addition to the new smartphone, 2023 also sees the arrival of the Apple Watch Series 9, the latest generation of the silhouette we know and love, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, a follow-up to the remarkably popular first edition.

They’re both quite different offerings and aimed at different kinds of Apple users, but a lot of the upgrades are common across both Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Let’s get into them. But first, here are the pre-order, shipping and pricing details in Australia.

Double Tap Gesture

In my opinion, this is the coolest new development across the Apple Watch range in 2023. By tapping together your index finger and thumb, you can perform a bunch of basic, but very common actions on the Apple Watch, including answering and hanging up calls, pausing alarms and timers, or playing music.

It immediately reminded me of the Italian che vuoi hand gesture, but is probably closer to part of a rugby concussion protocol and is made possible thanks to the new 4-core Neural Engine inside both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

According to Apple, this interaction is enabled via data inputs from a number of different bits of hardware and software within both watches.

Specifically, the “algorithm detects the unique signature of tiny wrist movements and changes in blood flow when the index finger and thumb perform a double tap”. Wild stuff, and perhaps the dawn of Minority Report-esque gesture-based interactions with the smart products around us.

Fresh Silicone & watchOS 10

Paired with the 4-core Neural Engine is the all-new S9 SiP, which is reportedly the most powerful watch chip that Apple has ever released. In addition to the double tap gesture, the S9 SiP enables Siri on your wrist, as well as more efficient use of power while operating to guarantee an 18-hour battery life.

This year sees the launch of watchOS 10 for both Series 9 and Ultra 2, which features a number of incremental upgrades across things like Bluetooth connectivity, the app interface, watch faces and more.

Brighter Screens

Both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 have brighter displays than their previous generations, upgrading to 2000 nits (twice as bright) and 3000 nits (50% brighter) respectively. This is another solid upgrade, especially when using your watch outside or when there’s significant glare on the screen.

Where They Differ

Apple Watch Series 9

In addition to the big upgrades, the Apple Watch Series 9 also offers more convenient access to your own health data (stored securely) and a more accurate location service when you’ve lost your iPhone 15.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has been tested to even more robust levels, now boasting a water-resistant rating of 500m and an altitude limit of 9,000m. There are also new features that’ll help recreational scuba and free divers, capturing data from dives of up to 40m deep.

Frequently Asked Questions