Apple has revealed the second generation of its smartwatch, named “Series 2,” which confirms a number of rumored features for the wearable device. Among the highlights is Series 2’s ability to withstand swimming and water activities, boasting water resistance up to 50 meters, allowing users to confidently wear the device in the water. Additionally, Apple has integrated GPS into Series 2, which enables users to achieve more precise measurements for pace and distance during running exercises.
The company’s announcement focused on the new fitness features of Apple Watch Series 2, particularly in its attempts to develop intuitive and user-friendly swimming workouts. With its advanced algorithms for pool and open water sessions, Series 2 can count laps, monitor average lap pace, and automatically detect stroke type to accurately measure calorie burn during physical activity.
Apple Watch Series 2 offers precise distance, pace, and speed measurements during outdoor runs and bike rides, thanks to the integrated GPS. Users can enjoy the convenience of leaving their iPhones behind during the workout. Once completed, the connected iPhone Activity app provides even more detailed information about the session.
Boasting a dual-core processor and second-generation S2 chip, the Series 2 smartwatch is impressively faster by up to 50 percent compared to its predecessor. The updated GPU enhances the graphics performance, resulting in a display that is 2x brighter than the first Apple Watch, with a brightness of 1,000 nits. This feature enables the watch to be more easily read in bright sunlight.
“We’re thrilled with the response to Apple Watch and how it’s changed people’s lives. We are committed to fitness and health and think our customers will love the new capabilities of Apple Watch Series 2,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “With a powerful new dual-core processor, water resistance 50 meters and built-in GPS, Apple Watch Series 2 is packed with features to help our customers live a healthy life.”
Apart from the aluminum and stainless steel models, Apple has introduced a new ceramic Apple Watch Edition in Series 2, which features a smooth white, pearl-like color. Additionally, Apple has briefly mentioned the new set of Hermès bands, including the Single Tour, Double Tour, Cuff, and Double Buckle Cuff.
Although the specific pricing of casings and band collections has not been disclosed, Apple has confirmed that the Series 2 smartwatch will start at $369. The ceramic Apple Watch Edition will start at $1249, with pre-orders beginning on September 9 and the official launch on September 16. The Apple Watch Hermès starts at $1149, and the Apple Watch Nike+ starts at $369 but will be available for shipping in October.
Starting on September 16, Apple Watch Series 2 will be available in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the UAE, the UK, and the US.
As a side note, Apple has renamed the first generation as “Series 1,” with models starting at $269. The processor upgrade will place Series 1 on par with Series 2. The same pre-order and launch dates of September 9 and September 16 apply to Series 1 as well.
