Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Hands-On With the New Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 Models

I own a Apple Watch 6. Nice device, use it for payment and to record my workouts. It is also nice, since I can make calls and see some notifications.

But then, it fails. I wanted to connect the AW heart rate monitor to my cycling computer, but Apple does not want me to. The latest series still doesn‘t have this feature (what is basically a pure software feature). So why should I buy a watch that looks the same, does the same job and lasts as long as my AW6? Cause it has a new CPU I don‘t need?

Tim, please explain ….
 
My series 6 is on its final knees (battery-wise), so I've been long contemplating the Ultra. Annoyingly, I was hoping for a dark titanium but alas, not.

In Spain, the price also appears to have gone down. I was sure it was 999eur, but I see it listed at 899eur, and I'll also get 115eur for my series 6 as a trade-in, so 784eur seems ok-ish....

I'm still questioning the lighter colour though.
 
AndiG said:
I own a Apple Watch 6. Nice device, use it for payment and to record my workouts. It is also nice, since I can make calls and see some notifications.

But then, it fails. I wanted to connect the AW heart rate monitor to my cycling computer, but Apple does not want me to. The latest series still doesn‘t have this feature (what is basically a pure software feature). So why should I buy a watch that looks the same, does the same job and lasts as long as my AW6? Cause it has a new CPU I don‘t need?

Tim, please explain ….
Click to expand...
I agree. The only reason I'm contemplating an update is that my battery is down to 76%, and I'm feeling it. It barely lasts.

However, there are ways to connect your AW to your Garmin:

(I prefer a heart rate strap, but there is this)
 
beanbaguk said:
I agree. The only reason I'm contemplating an update is that my battery is down to 76%, and I'm feeling it. It barely lasts.

However, there are ways to connect your AW to your Garmin:

(I prefer a heart rate strap, but there is this)
Click to expand...
But this video shows you how to connect your bicycle computer to the iPhone, correct? But what In wanted is to connect my bicycle computer to the watch, without a transmitter station (the iPhone).

This may be possible as soon as March 24, when Apple is forced to allow sideloading and third party AppStores.

Shame on you, Apple!
 
  • Like
Reactions: arkitect
Am I the only one who would like to see a stand-alone apple watch? ie one that does not need an iphone.

My kid has a chinese made watch that does GPS-tracking and some simple activity tracking, takes a sim and transfers data + makes/revices calls and texts over regular 4G.

I'd just want the same plus maybe contactless payments and keychain/contacts/calendar sync.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Saturn007
ApplesAreSweet&Sour said:
Considering past AW upgrades, I’m actually not so sure AW 10 will have upgrades to the SiP.

Apple has altered AW design and display in the past without changing the SiP. Since S9 is an actual SiP upgrade, we might not get a new SiP upgrade until 3-4 years from now in AW Series 11 or 12.

Leakers love to hype AW 10 to get clicks. Bu I’m still not convinced Apple will go crazy with it, especially since it’s most likely not going to hit the $799 the Ultras bring in.
Click to expand...

I definitely expect the SiP lifecycle to be in the range of 3 years (with only minor upgrades and tweaks in the between) and I’m pretty much fine with that.

IMO next year we will see the long waited change in the AW form factor and maybe a renewed sensor with some additional features, while the AWU 3 will only see minor incremental upgrades.
 
  • Like
Reactions: srknpower
And to say that Apple once had 3-5 years ahead of the competition with Apple Watch. Nowadays, competition is on par with them. The last 3-4 upgrade cycles were almost empty.
 
I have a series 6, was hoping to see a few more compelling changes in the Ultra 2 like lighter weight or better battery life. S9 isn't compelling, they must be saving something big for the 10th anniversary next year?
 
“Can't innovate, my &*$#!”

A pink Barbie Watch that tap dances!

Amazing!

😁 🙈

Yet, it is “Smarter, Brighter, and Mightier” and those changes are not be sneezed at or so summarily dismissed.
 
Am I the only one who found myself consciously doing the double click gesture throughout the presentation after it was first announced? Also, I’m seeing several comments here that the feature really isn’t new and was there via assistive menu. Where? I’m clearly not looking in the right place or recognizing it. This one hand control feature was THE thing that caught my attention and may drive a watch upgrade for me (unless I can figure out that I already have it).
 
fel10 said:
The keynote was a bore overall. I'll be upgrading my Series 7 to a 9, but thats about it. My 14 should last me another year until the 16 is out.
Click to expand...

I have a 7, too. So, I’m genuinely curious about your upgrading. What is leading you to get the 9? That could help me decide. We're also looking at a 7, 8, or 9 to upgrade a 1st gen SE — so your insights could help us there, too!
 
You don't need to coddle Apple and call the S9 and "major feature." They said something in the keynote about the S9 making smooth and snappy animations. LOL. Never once EVER have I seen any performance or animation stutters after using my Watch 8 for almost a year now.
 
PowerButton said:
Meh 🤷‍♂️
Missed the keynote, then realized I didn’t miss anything.
Click to expand...
This is why they won’t go back to live anymore, you can’t excite an upgrade anymore to a live audience and have them clap, it would be so out touch for Apple. This is why they stream because the upgrades good enough where people don’t need to upgrade yearly
 
They almost had me sold on the Apple Watch with the finger gesture…but not quite. I currently wear a Apple Watch Ultra and can stay here for now.
 
Series 6 will get upgraded to Series 9. Not only is it about the right time, but I have and like the Milanese loop and the bands will be compatible.

Poor iPhone 12 mini that has suffered some water damage (but still works well enough to be used as my main phone) is going to be on its way out for a 15 Pro. I’d get a 15 mini instead since I think that is the superior size for one hand operation and pocket carry. But having the larger screen will be nice.
 
CheffyDude said:
They almost had me sold on the Apple Watch with the finger gesture…but not quite. I currently wear an Apple Watch Ultra and can stay here for now.
Click to expand...
Finger gesture is part of the current OS. It’s not new. Turn on Quick Actions under Accessibility.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back