Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2: New Sensors, Heart Rate - U2 Chip

As we wait with anticipation for Apple's forthcoming "Wonderlust" event, recent insights from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reveal some intriguing details about the Apple Watch Series 9 and the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra.

Gurman paints a vivid picture of the next-generation Apple Watches, emphasizing key upgrades centered on "speed, efficiency, and accuracy." One of the most notable updates will be to the optical heart rate sensor. While the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8 as well as Apple Watch Ultra are equipped with Apple's third-generation optical heart rate sensor, the upcoming models are expected to debut a refreshed version, enhancing user experience and health tracking capabilities.

Apple Watch:
- Series 9 and Ultra 2, same designs but new colors
- Big focus on performance with new chip, sensors and U2 ultra-wide-band chip
- Black color option for the new Ultra
- Environment and sustainability focus for the hardware and bandshttps://t.co/7HqK30G9Jk pic.twitter.com/Tsm5EledaD

— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) September 8, 2023

But that's not all on the technology front. An exciting development pertains to the inclusion of a novel "U2" ultra-wideband chip. This is the first significant evolution since the introduction of the U1 chip in the iPhone 11 Pro back in 2019. With this chip, the Apple Watch's ability to pinpoint locations will receive a substantial boost. This enhancement promises to make tracking devices and individuals through the Find My App more accurate than ever. And, this advancement isn't restricted to just the Apple Watch. There's talk of this chip gracing the next versions of flagship Apple products, including the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro.

On the design and sustainability front, the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra is breaking new ground. Not only will it incorporate a higher percentage of recycled materials, marking Apple's continuing commitment to environmental sustainability, but it will also introduce a sleek black titanium option. Fans of the Apple Watch Series 9 have something to look forward to as well – a stainless steel variant featuring a unique 3D-printed casing. Apple's forward-thinking approach doesn't stop there; they're already gearing up to integrate this 3D-printing technology in the Apple Watch Ultra's manufacturing process by next year.

Under the hood, Apple is primed to revolutionize the core of the Apple Watch. This year, the spotlight is on a brand-new processor. Even though the heart of the watch – its processor – has remained consistent over the last three generations, this new iteration is set to turn heads with improved battery life and performance. The tech giant is expected to showcase the considerable strides made in processing speed at the "Wonderlust" event.

While many features will undergo enhancements, some aspects of the new Apple Watch models will retain their classic feel. They'll largely mirror their predecessors in several respects. In addition, Apple is rethinking its accessory game. There's a potential shift in the wind regarding leather watch bands, and the Link Bracelet, a relic from the time of the original Apple Watch, might undergo a revamp or be phased out altogether.

As the "Wonderlust" event approaches, these revelations paint a promising picture of what's to come, reaffirming Apple's commitment to innovation, style, and sustainability.