Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra

Smartwatch has come a long way. It has evolved from a gadget that lets you check your phone less to tracking fitness to monitoring your health parameters and now, to detecting car crashes. The latter is what the newly revealed Apple Watch is capable of.

Apple Watch Series 8 Smartwatch
Apple Watch Series 8.

Crash Detection in the new Apple Watch Series 8 uses the combined power of an improved 3-axis gyroscope and a new g-force accelerometer, along with a microphone, barometer, GPS, and an advanced sensor-fusion algorithm trained on over a million hours of real-world driving and crash data to detect if you’re in a severe crash.

In the event of a severe car crash, it can automatically connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts. It is a potentially life-saving feature like fall detection and Emergency SOS the watch already has.

In addition, the new Series 8 also boasts a new temperature sensor that enables advanced features for women’s health.

Apple Watch Series 8 Smartwatch
Apple Watch Series 8 (Product) Red (L) and the stainless case version (R).

The new Apple Watch also touts crack resistance, IP6X certification for dust resistance, swim-proof with WR50 water resistance, sleep stages for a better understanding of your sleep, and an enhanced Workout app.

It has a large edge-to-edge Always-On Retina display that lets you check on the watch without lifting up your hand.

Other features include ECG function, measuring bloody oxygen level, international roaming, and an all-new Medications app for keeping track of meds, vitamins, and supplements – just to name a few.

Apple Watch SE (2022) Smartwatch
Apple Watch SE (2022).

In related news, there is also a redesigned Apple Watch SE that offers the same core Apple Watch experience – including Crash Detection – at a new starting price of US$249. The Apple Watch Series 8, which is available in 41 and 45 mm, starts at US$399. Both models are available to order today with official availability on September 16. 

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As before, Apple Watch Nike bands and Apple Watch Hermès are available with the new Apple Watch.

Also revealed today is a new variant of the Apple Watch, called Apple Watch Ultra, aka the most extreme Apple Watch yet. Instead of an aluminum or stainless steel case with a curved touch display, the Ultra has a large 49 mm titanium case and flat sapphire front crystal over the biggest and brightest Apple Watch display yet.

Apple Watch Ultra Smartwatch
Apple Watch Ultra: Apple Watch goes the ruggedized route.

The new rugged Apple Watch touts a customizable Action button for instant access to a wide range of useful features. The Ultra is built tough to survive even the most grueling outdoor adventures, including extreme temperatures from -4° to 131°F (-20°-55°C).

Moreover, it is certified to WR100 allowing it to be your companion in extreme water sports like kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and even recreational scuba diving to 40 meters with the new Oceanic+ app.

Speaking of which, it is certified to EN 13319, which is an internationally recognized standard for dive accessories. This means you can serve as a dive computer as well when used with the corresponding app. Snazzy.

Apple Watch Ultra Smartwatch
Apple Watch Ultra.

Befitting its purpose as an adventurer’s smartwatch, it has up to 36 hours of battery life under normal use and up to 60 hours when operating under a new low-power setting. Along with the new rugged design are three new bands for a secure and comfy fit for any adventure.

The new Apple Watch Ultra is available to order today, with availability beginning Friday, September 23, for US$799.

Apple Watch Ultra Smartwatch
Apple Watch Ultra.

All images courtesy of Apple Inc.