Apple has announced two new Apple Watch models – the Series 9 and an updated Apple Watch Ultra. Boasting the new S9 chip, the new watches support a range of new features including the ability to use hand gestures for a touch-free experience.
| Processor | The new S9 SiP allows you to use Siri even when you don’t have a cellular or Wi-Fi connection – a huge boon to those who choose a Wi-Fi only Apple Watch. But the new chip also supports hand gestures. For example, you will be able to tap the index finger and thumb of your watch hand together twice to quickly and conveniently perform many of the most common actions on Apple Watch Series 9. Double tap controls the primary button in an app so it can be used to stop a timer, play and pause music, snooze an alarm, answer and end a phone call, and even take a photo with the Camera Remote on Apple Watch. Double tap will also open the Smart Stack from the watch face, and another double tap will scroll through widgets in the stack. This is enabled by the Neural Engine which is part of the new Apple Watch |
| Display | While display sizes remain the same, peak brightness has been boosted to 2000 nits – double the Series 8. And it can dim as just 1 nit for viewing in darkened rooms. Apple Watch Series 9 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes. Apple Watch SE is available in 40mm and 44mm aluminium cases. Apple Watch Ultra 2 has a 49mm display and a titanium case. |
| Colours | Apple Watch Series 9 comes in starlight, midnight, silver, (PRODUCT)RED, and a new pink aluminium case, as well as stainless steel in gold, silver, and graphite cases. |
Price and availability
Customers in Australia can order Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE today, with availability in stores beginning Friday, 22 September. Apple Watch Series 9 starts at RRP A$649 inc. GST, and Apple Watch SE starts at RRP A$399 inc. GST.
Customers in Australia can order Apple Watch Ultra 2 today, with availability beginning Friday, 22 September. Apple Watch Ultra 2 is RRP A$1,399 inc. GST.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.