Apple’s Newest Lineup: What’s New?
This week, Apple introduced the latest additions to its smartwatch line-up during the “It’s Glow time” event. The unveiling showcased the Apple Watch Series 10 and the revamped Apple Watch Ultra 2, priced at $399 and $799 respectively. Both models are available for pre-order and will officially launch on September 20th.
The Apple Watch Series 10 distinguishes itself with a larger and slimmer design compared to its predecessor. Both the Series 10 and Ultra 2 come in a new sleek black variant, marking the first time the Ultra is offered in an additional color. Beyond aesthetics, these watches introduce new functionalities, such as notifications for sleep apnea (pending FDA approval) and enhanced media playback through built-in speakers, supporting music, and podcast streaming.
Comparing Models: Price, Size, and Design
When it comes to pricing, Apple’s smartwatch line-up varies significantly. The budget-friendly Apple Watch SE starts at $249, while the Series 10 begins at $399, with the Ultra 2 positioned as the premium option at $799. In terms of size, the Series 10 is available in 42mm and 46mm configurations, slightly larger than the Series 9 (41mm, 45mm) and SE (40mm, 44mm). The Ultra 2, the largest model, comes in at 49mm. The design of these models also emphasizes durability, with all watches featuring water resistance up to 50 meters and IP6X-rated dust resistance. The Ultra 2 stands out with enhanced durability, being water-resistant up to 100 meters and compliant with military durability standards (MIL-STD-810H).
Each model offers distinct hardware features tailored to different user needs. The Ultra 2, designed for athletes and adventurers, includes an Action Button for customizable activities, multiple microphones, and a high-decibel siren for emergencies. All models except the SE feature always-on OLED displays, with the Ultra 2 offering the brightest display at 3,000 nits, making it more visible in bright sunlight.
Apple Watch Series 10: Advanced Features and Enhanced Processing Power
Across the lineup, Apple’s smartwatches provide essential health and safety features, such as heart rate monitoring, ECG, and fall detection. Newer models, including the Series 10 and Ultra 2, further support advanced functionalities like the detection of sleep apnea, which could send alerts and detailed reports to assist with diagnosis. Notably, the Series 10 introduces Apple’s new S10 SiP, enhancing processing power and enabling on-device Siri processing and a double-tap gesture feature, which are unavailable on the SE model. The SE also lacks some advanced sensors found in the higher-end models, such as temperature and ECG sensors, limiting its functionality for certain health monitoring features.
For aquatic activities, the Series 10 and Ultra 2 cater to swimmers with built-in water temperature and depth sensors. The Ultra 2 offers a depth gauge capable of measuring up to 40 meters, compared to the Series 10’s six-meter limit, making it suitable for diving enthusiasts. All models support the upcoming watchOS 11, which will introduce features like Training Load measurement and expanded options for Activity Ring management, ensuring each watch remains equipped with the latest software advancements.
