Apple Unveils Apple Watch Ultra Alongside Apple Watch Series 8

Apple kicked off its Fall keynote today by unveiling three new Apple Watch models. First of all, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a pretty modest update, using the same design as last year’s Apple Watch Series 7.

The main new feature on the Apple Watch Series 8 is a temperature sensor that can be used for analyzing menstrual cycles. There are also new motion sensors for car crash detection, a feature that’s also available on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro.

Another notable new feature on the Apple Watch Series 8 is Low Power Mode, which can extend battery life to up to 36 hours. The feature works by disabling auto workout detection and the always-on display while keeping activity tracking and fall detection enabled.

Apple also announced a second-gen Apple Watch SE today, which uses the same S8 processor as the Apple Watch Series 8. This new model comes with a new back case made of a nylon composite material, and it also supports the new car crash detection feature.

The Apple Watch Series 8 will start at $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the cellular model. As for the 2nd-gen Apple Watch SE, the GPS model will start at $249 and the cellular model at $299. All Apple Watch Series 8 and 2nd-gen Apple Watch SE models start shipping on September 16.

Now, let’s move on to the Apple Watch Ultra, which is a brand new model designed for exploration and endurance training. This new Apple Watch comes with a new 49 titanium case and flat sapphire front crystal, and there’s also a new customizable Action button on the side.

“The case rises up to surround all edges of the flat sapphire front crystal, protecting the Retina display, which is up to 2000 nits — 2x brighter than any Apple Watch display yet. The new Action button in high-contrast international orange is easily customized for instant access to a variety of features, including Workouts, Compass Waypoints, Backtrack, and more,” the company explained today.

The Apple Watch Ultra offers built-in cellular connectivity, and its bigger battery can last up to 36 hours on a single charge. Later this fall, a new battery optimization technology will raise that to up to 60 hours, Apple said today.

There are many features for athletes including three built-in microphones to improve voice quality during any conditions. There’s also a precision dual-frequency GPS providing users with more precise distance, pace, and route data while exercising. A built-in siren is also included to alert users of your location when necessary.

The Apple Watch Ultra is priced at $799, and it will start shipping on September 23. It’s available for pre-order today in select markets including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the UAE, the UK, and the US.