Apple Watch Series 8, SE, & Ultra — Everything You Need To Know
They’re Marvellous. Any better word?
Apple launches the Apple Watch Series 8, SE, and Ultra at the Far Out event.
I’ve expected the Series 8 and a new SE model to be released, but there’s a new, unexpected Watch — The Apple Watch Ultra.
Here are all the features — hardware and software — of the newest Apple Watches. And the features that make the Ultra model an athlete’s friend.
Two exclusive features for all the new Watches
#1. Temperature Sensor
The Apple Watch finally gets a temperature sensor. Oh, not one, but two.
The two sensors — one lying at the back of the watch, and other just below the display — can measure your body temperature every 5 secs with 0.1°C accuracy.
If you’re a woman, this will show further insights of your menstrual cycles. You’ll get retrospective ovulation estimates, and improved period predictions.
#2. Crash Detection
Thanks to the upgraded gyroscope and accelerometers, the Apple Watch can now detect vehicle crashes (upto a force of 256g).
If you’re into one (god forbid), and should you be unresponsive for a 10-sec countdown timer, the Apple Watch will immediately call emergency services.
Note your iPhone will be preferred, if nearby, for better connectivity.
Hardware Upgrades
#1. Screen Size
- Apple Watch Series 8 → 45mm and 41mm with edge-to-edge display.
- Apple Watch SE → 44mm and 41mm.
- Apple Watch Ultra → 49 mm (OMG! The biggest ever display on an Apple Watch).
#2. Brightness
- Apple Watch Series 8 and SE → 1,000 nits max.
- Apple Watch Ultra → 2,000 nits max (The brightest ever display on an Apple Watch)
With the Apple Watch Ultra, you can scroll the Digital Crown to turn the interface red for better visibility in the dark when using the Wayfinder face.
Additionally, the Series 8 and Ultra have Always-On Retina display that keeps your watch face always displaying with minimal battery loss.
#3. Water Resistance
- Apple Watch Series 8 and SE → 50m water resistant.
- Apple Watch Ultra → 100m water resistant.
The Apple Watch Ultra will be a nice company for a recreational dive upto 40m depth. It features a depth gauge with water temp. sensor.
The Oceanic+ app (to be downloaded) can make the watch your only dive computer.
Note the Apple Watch Ultra can endure temperatures from -20°C to 55°C while remaining fully functional.
#4. Battery
- Apple Watch Series 8 and SE → All day 18-hour battery life.
- Apple Watch Ultra → 36-hour battery life.
Upgrades only for the Apple Watch Ultra
#1. Loud(est) Speaker
If you’ve lost your way in a team trek, the Apple Watch Ultra can act as a siren that’s 86dB loud — sound that’s audible upto 180m.
#2. Enhanced Mic(s)
The Apple Watch Ultra has 3 microphones, yes 3, strategically placed for clear sound quality in any surrounding conditions.
#3. Most Accurate GPS Yet
The Apple Watch Ultra uses dual-precision frequency that uses both L1 and L5 (newer) bands to deliver the most accurate GPS and Compass of any Apple Watch ever.
#4. Action Button
The Apple Watch Ultra brings a new customisable button — Action Button — that provides instant access to many useful functions of an app.
E.g. you can use it to savepoint your current location while navigating through a desert. And you can backtrack the points if you feel you’ve lost your way.
Lastly, 3 new watchOS 9 features
#1. Cycle Deviation
Cycle Tracking can now notify users if it finds a deviation in the logged cycle history, which indicates a potential underlying health condition.
#2. Low Power Mode
With low-power mode, you can temporarily turn off select sensors and features like
- Always-On Retina display,
- Workout Autostart,
- Heart Health Notifications, etc.
thereby extending battery life to upto 36 hrs on Series 8 and 60 hrs on Ultra.
Note: This works for Series 4 and up.#3. International Roaming
This feature will get you stay connected on your Apple Watch to a cellular network even while abroad.
This is currently supported by over 30 carriers worldwide, and the plan can be opted for little or no additional fee.
Note: This works for Series 5 and up, only for cellular models (obviously).I find the Ultra model irresistible. What’s your take on the newest Apple Watch models?
For more amazing articles on Apple Watch, read these
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