Apple Watch Series 9, Watch Ultra (2nd generation) with new heart rate sensor and U2 chip: Mark Gurman
The official launch of the Apple Watch Series 9 and the second generation of the Apple Watch Ultra is expected to take place on September 12th as part of the “Wonderlust” event. The new Watch Series 9 is believed to bring a number of improvements over the Apple Watch Series 8. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman now claims that upcoming smartwatches will use a new version of Apple’s optical heart rate sensor. The Apple Watch Series 9 is said to be available in 42mm and 45mm sizes, while the Apple Watch Ultra could be offered in a 49mm size.
In his latest weekly Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman says that Apple’s Watch Series 9 and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will feature a new optical heart rate sensor. This would be a significant upgrade over the third-generation heart rate sensor on the Watch Series 8 and last year’s Watch Ultra. In addition, the smartwatches are expected to receive various sensors and other internal component upgrades.
Gurman states that the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra will be similar to their predecessors. The former will reportedly launch in 42mm and 45mm sizes. The Apple Watch Ultra, on the other hand, could come in a 49mm size and is expected to be made from more recycled materials and have a black color option.
Like the iPhone 15 series, the new wearables will reportedly come with the U2 ultrawide band chip for improved Find My features. Additionally, Gurman says the new models will receive their first new chip since 2020’s Series 6.
As part of an environmental initiative, the materials for the stainless steel models of the Apple Watch Series 9 will reportedly be made using a new manufacturing process based on 3D printing. The second-generation Ultra could switch to this process next year. Additionally, the Cupertino-based company is reportedly ditching some of its leather straps and may update or discontinue the stainless steel link bracelets on the 2015 watch.
Apple will host its “Wonderlust” launch event on Tuesday, September 12th. The event will begin at 10:30 PM IST at Apple Park in California and will be livestreamed on the company’s YouTube channel and Apple.com website. In addition to the new Apple Watch Ultra (2nd generation) and Apple Watch Series 9 models, the iPhone 15 series and the second generation AirPods Pro model are also expected to be introduced.
