Apple Expands Its Smartwatch Lineup, Adding Rugged Watch Ultra to Series 8 and Watch SE
The Series 8 watch adds a body temperature sensor, while the SE and AirPod Pros get relatively minor updates
The new Apple Watch Ultra is the biggest, brightest watch yet from the company.
By Allen St. John
Apple has significantly revised its smartwatch line, introducing the high-end, adventure-oriented Apple Watch Ultra alongside a new Series 8 model and an updated SE model. The company also announced four new iPhone models and an improved version of the AirPods Pro wireless earbuds.
With its rugged case, highly specialized bands, and advanced features designed to work in the backcountry, the Ultra appears to be targeted at extreme athletes, as well as those who just want to look like they’ve just returned from Denali.
The Ultra, Apple’s largest watch to date, features a 49mm case made of aerospace-grade titanium. That lightweight metal encases the sapphire crystal for increased protection from edge impacts. At 2000 nits, the display is twice as bright as that on any other Apple Watch, making it ideal for reading notifications in intense sunlight. The heavily knurled digital crown and now-raised side button are easier to use while wearing gloves, Apple says. And the new large, orange Action button can be assigned a variety of functions, allowing for more precise starts to training intervals and switching between segments of a multisport workout.
The Ultra has the longest battery life of any Apple watch, according to Apple, powering along for up to 36 hours under normal use and 60 hours when placed in low-power mode. A beefed-up GPS provides greater accuracy in remote locations, not to mention in cities with tall buildings that can cause interference. The Ultra also includes two speakers and three mics, which improves the clarity of phone calls.
For backcountry adventuring, the Ultra features a Wayfinder watch face with room for all sorts of metrics and an improved Compass App. Just in case, it also provides a handy Backtrack function that allows users to retrace their path as if the watch had automatically dropped a trail of digital breadcrumbs. For emergencies, the model includes an 86-decibel siren that can be used to summon help. Add the new Oceanic+ app and the watch can function as a dive computer that meets universally recognized standards for dive accessories.
The Ultra ships with your choice of three bands—the Alpine Loop, Trail Loop, and Ocean Band—all designed to hold fast under challenging conditions and make a fashion statement while doing so. The Ultra will retail at $799 and up and can be ordered starting today. It will be available in stores on Sept. 23.
Apple Watch Series 8 uses the same case as the Series 7 but adds a body-temperature sensor.
Photo: Apple
Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch SE
The Series 8 watch uses the same case and processor found on the Series 7 model introduced a year ago, so the improvements are understandably modest. The battery life hasn’t technically improved, for example, but a new low-power mode allows you to disable some features and potentially stretch power from 18 hours to 36. But the low-power mode is included in the WatchOS9 update available to all Apple models from the Series 4 onward.
The most significant change in the Series 8 is the new sensor that can track your body temperature day and night. The data can be used by the Cycle Tracking app to provide an estimate of when you likely ovulated, which can be helpful for family planning. As for privacy, Apple says the information stays on the device and is encrypted when the watch is locked, so the company has no access to it.
Like the new iPhone 14, the Series 8 watch also adds a new crash detection function that can call for help and alert emergency contacts if it senses an auto accident or atmospheric changes that accompany an airbag deployment.
The Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399 for GPS models and $499 for cellular models and is available for preorder starting today. It can be purchased at Apple Stores and other retailers starting on Sept. 16.
The Apple Watch SE also keeps the same case as its predecessor—in two sizes (40mm or 44mm) and three colors (midnight, starlight, and silver)—but adds a new case back. The new S8 processor, which it shares with the Series 8 watch, is said to boost speed significantly. The SE starts at $249 for the GPS-only model, while cellular models carry a $299 price. The watch is available for preorder now and arrives in stores on Sept. 16.
AirPods Pro
The new AirPods Pro have improved active noise cancellation, Apple says, and a Spatial Audio feature designed to provide a more immersive listening experience. The H2 chip and updated drivers improve sound quality, Apple adds, while an extra small ear tip is aimed at providing better passive noise canceling for smaller-eared users.
The new Pros add a touch control that allows you to adjust volume with a swipe. They also feature longer battery life—up to 6 hours, according to Apple—and you can now top them up using an Apple Watch or MagSafe charger. The MagSafe case has a built-in speaker, so you can ping it if you misplace it.
The new AirPod Pros are $249, with free engraving. They can be ordered starting on Sept. 9 and will be available in stores on Sept. 23.
More from Consumer Reports:
Top pick tires for 2016
Best used cars for $25,000 and less
7 best mattresses for couples
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.
