Apple launches new generation wearables

Apple has unveiled its latest wearable products including the Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and SE, as well as the next-generation AirPods Pro with new features.

The Apple Watch Ultra brings a new design and a wide range of features built for endurance, exploration, and adventure. The Apple Watch Ultra introduces a 49mm titanium case and flat sapphire front crystal that reveals the biggest and brightest Apple Watch display yet, according to the vendor.

A customizable Action button offers instant access to a wide range of useful features. Apple Watch Ultra has the best battery life of any Apple Watch so far, reaching up to 36 hours during normal use. Additionally, a new low-power setting, ideal for multi-day experiences, can extend battery life to reach up to 60 hours, said Apple. The Wayfinder watch face is designed for the larger Apple Watch Ultra display and includes a compass built into the dial, with space for up to eight complications. Apple Watch Ultra also brings three new bands - Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band.

Apple Watch Ultra is available to order today, with availability beginning September 23 at a price tag of US$799.

Made from aerospace-grade titanium, Apple Watch Ultra's case rises up to surround all edges of the flat sapphire front crystal, protecting the Retina display, which is up to 2000nits - 2x brighter than any Apple Watch display yet. The new Action button can be customized for instant access to a variety of features, including Workouts, Compass Waypoints, Backtrack, and more.

Apple Watch Ultra has three built-in microphones to improve sound quality in voice calls. An adaptive beamforming algorithm uses the microphones to capture voice while reducing ambient background sounds. In challenging windy environments, Apple Watch Ultra uses advanced wind noise-reduction algorithms, including machine learning, to deliver clear and intelligible audio for calls, according to the vendor.

The Apple Watch Series 8 features a large, Always-On Retina display and a crack-resistant front crystal. With all-day 18-hour battery life, Apple Watch Series 8 builds on best-in-class health and safety features like the ECG app and fall detection by introducing temperature-sensing capabilities, retrospective ovulation estimates, Crash Detection, and international roaming at a price of US$399, said Apple. The new Apple Watch SE delivers the core Apple Watch experience, including Activity tracking, high and low heart rate notifications, and Emergency SOS, as well as the new Crash Detection feature and a redesigned back case that matches the three classic case finishes, all at US$249.

Both models are powered by watchOS 9, introducing new and more customizable watch faces like Lunar and Metropolitan, an enhanced Workout app, sleep stages, a first-of-its-kind AFib History feature, and an all-new Medications app. Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE are available to order today, with availability beginning September 16.

With the power of the new H2 chip, the second-generation AirPods Pro features major upgrades to Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode, while also offering Spatial Audio that is even more immersive, said Apple, adding customers can enjoy Touch control for media playback and volume adjustments directly from the stem, along with longer battery life, a brand-new charging case, and an additional ear tip size for a better fit.

The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) will be available to order September 9 for a price of US$249, with availability in stores beginning September 23.

Apple Watch Ultra smartwatch