None of the rumours could predict one of the coolest features that is arriving with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 — double-tap gesture.
First, the big changes that are arriving with Series 9, most of which are internal. Thanks to a new Apple silicon chip, it has 60 per cent more transistors and is 30 per cent faster than the S8 chip. It also has a four-core neural engine for 2x faster neural tasks. The S9 SIP will ensure Siri requests are now processed on the Apple Watch, which is a far more secure method. Dictation on the Series 9 is also 25 per cent more accurate than the Series 8 because of on-device processing.
There is also the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which retains its rugged look as well as its titanium shell. While the Ultra’s screen brightness is now a massive 3,000 nits, the Apple Watch Series 9 can max out at 2,000 nits. On the Ultra 2, there is a new modular watchface that allows you to look at a lot of data at a glance. The bezels around the border can be edited to display data like depth or elevation.
Also new are integrations between the Apple Watch and HomePod, making it possible to see media playing on your device from your wrist.
How does double tap work?
The big feature is double-tap gesture control. The new feature lets you control system functions by tapping your thumb and index finger together twice in quick succession. There is no need to touch the display or free up your other hand.
For example, you could be walking the dog and it is difficult to tap on the watch screen. This is where the new feature comes into play. You can use double tap to answer or end calls, snooze alarms, play / pause music or start and stop timers.
To make the feature work, Apple needed to put in the faster Neural Engine S9 SIP. In other words, older models will not get the feature. Apple says the Neural Engine “processes data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor with a new machine learning algorithm. The algorithm detects the unique signature of tiny wrist movements and changes in blood flow when the index finger and thumb perform a double tap.”
There is another update one needs to talk about — sustainability. The Series 9 is Apple’s first carbon neutral product, and Apple is also using 100 per cent recycled cobalt in the battery for the first time.
The new series is expected to do brisk business. Apple already leads the global smartwatch market according to market research firm Counterpoint. The company is reportedly working on a significant overhaul to its watch in 2024, according to Bloomberg. Will it be called the Apple Watch X to mark the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch?
Pricing and availability
You can order Apple Watch Ultra 2 right away, with availability in stores beginning September 22. Price: Rs 89,900. Apple Watch Series 9 starts at Rs 41,900, and Apple Watch SE starts at Rs 29,900.
