At its main launch event for the year, Apple announced this evening (Wed) its new series of smart watches, this time offering 3 completely different models: a solid option, a discounted option and also an expensive option that is most likely not for you.
Apple Watch Series 8
The new watch comes with a new body temperature sensor. But before you throw away the bad thermometers you bought in some pharm chain, we’re sorry, because at least at this stage Apple won’t allow you to measure body temperature just like that. Instead, the sensor will be used to monitor fertility and the menstrual cycle. Using the two new sensors, you can get a forecast for the ovulation period. According to Apple, during the night, the watch will measure the body temperature every few seconds, and in the health application you can find the information, and see if the body temperature rises as a result of hormonal activity that indicates ovulation. Apple explains that the new feature can help women and families plan a pregnancy.
Users of iOS 16 and above will also be able to receive notifications about unusual changes in body temperature, which may indicate a health problem. Interestingly, the temperature measurement system is split in two, so there is a sensor that does not directly touch your skin, but is designed to measure your temperature to make sure it does not bias the results. Apple, of course, emphasizes the issue of privacy with the new and sensitive feature, and claims that all information is encrypted on the device and accessible only by the biometric means you have activated, and all information is encrypted even when users pass it on to the doctor.
Apple also introduced a new feature for car accident cases, Crash Detection. If you happen to be in an accident, the watch will detect it using the various sensors (including a G-force sensor), and will automatically call the rescue services – even if you can’t reach your smartphone or watch. At the same time, he will call your emergency contact. Apple explains that for years they have studied car accidents under laboratory conditions, including frontal, rearward, side impacts and also self-rollovers. Using ML, Apple’s algorithm was trained on a million hours of driving and accidents in a variety of vehicle types. The information is processed on the device and only in the event that it detects an accident, and everything is done on your watch – following Apple’s tradition of preserving privacy.
Apple also introduced a new feature called Low Power Mode that will allow you to get 36 hours of use on a single charge. This energy saving mode allows you to track physical activity and accidents, and will turn off the less important things in the background, so you can continue using the watch. By the way, the feature will be available for Series 4 and above. In addition, the watch will finally be able to operate in Roaming so that you can continue to be connected to a mobile network even on trips abroad.
The price of the watches in the US will be $399 for the GPS version and $499 for the version that also includes cellular connectivity.
With the purchase of a new watch, you will also receive 3 months of Apple Fitness+ (not that it is available in Israel, unfortunately).
Apple Watch SE
Those who don’t need the best that Apple has to offer in its smartwatches, but still want an Apple watch, will be happy to hear that Apple has also launched a new version of the Apple Watch SE, Apple’s more basic and discounted watch. The new version will be available in 3 colors and made of recycled aluminum. The second generation of the SE comes with all the features that made the discounted watch a hit, and this time it will also come with the possibility of detecting traffic accidents. The new version comes with the S8 chip, which means that on paper it is significantly faster than its previous generation. The GPS version of the Apple Watch SE will cost $249 and the cellular version will cost $299.
Head to head against Garmin
But the watch that stole the show tonight is precisely the watch that most users probably have no reason to purchase: Apple Watch Ultra. This is a version that is simpler than anything in the Apple watch: a bigger screen, higher durability and impressive battery times. Extreme users, get the Apple Watch Ultra, which wants to be a real competition to Garmin watches. The new case is made of titanium, with a huge 49 mm screen made of crystal and more durable for extreme activities. The new screen is the brightest ever on an Apple Watch, and the watch comes with a new action button, which can be programmed for certain actions that are important to you. The watch is also suitable for use with gloves – so it is ideal for sports activities; And by means of a second speaker, the volume of the new watch should be clear and successful even in a strong wind. Oh, and it also comes with a siren feature in case you need rescue and locating.
Apple explains that using the watch you can also set waypoints, so if you get lost on a mountain, you can get a mini map that helps you find your way back to the camp for example. The new watch is also suitable for divers with support for diving standards, 2 times more water resistance, and the ability to see what depth you are at any given moment.
All Ultra versions will come with 36 hours of battery on a single charge and up to 60 hours after another update that will arrive in the fall and will give the watch a battery saving mode. As requested, Apple also introduced a new Watch Face design that comes with a compass and is adapted to various activities, and to change the interface to Dark Mode. Additional accessories are A new strap called Alpine Loop with a new gripper, and a new strap for swimmers and divers.
Another innovation is a new GPS sensor, which supports L5 GPS, so that even if you run a marathon in the middle of a huge city and between skyscrapers, the GPS will maintain an accurate location.
The Apple Watch Ultra will be priced at $799, and will hit stores on September 23.
The reporter is a guest of Apple at the launch event