Apple Watch Series 2 has finally landed, and while it may look almost identical to its predecessor, it comes with some significant improvements that make it worth the upgrade.
Fans can look forward to a faster processor, Apple’s brightest display yet, greater water-resistance, and a built-in GPS. There’s also a stunning new ceramic model.
The original Apple Watch made its debut last April and quickly became the world’s most popular smartwatch. In just 24 hours, it outsold all Android Wear watches combined, and it has continued to outsell all of its competitors ever since.
In fact, Apple was the second-biggest watchmaker overall in 2015, behind only Rolex. That’s even more impressive when you consider Apple Watch was only on sale for 8 months of the year.
Apple Watch Series 2 (yes, Apple is really calling it that) hopes to be an even bigger success. It’s even more water-resistant than the original model, allowing you to take it into water up to 50 meters deep. That makes it perfect for swimming.
Swimming is actually a big focus of Apple Watch Series 2. Apple has developed a new algorithm to measure swim workouts, and added two new workouts for swimmers. It has also built a new speaker that automatically ejects water after your swim workout.
Series 2 also boasts Apple’s new S2 chip, with a faster dual-core processor, and a new GPU with up to 2x graphics performance. Its new display is the brightness display Apple has ever shipped at 1,000 nits (that’s twice as bright as Apple Watch’s display).
The new Apple Watch also offers a built-in GPS, so you can track your running routes without an iPhone. It promises to be faster than other GPS watches, and Apple is giving third-party developers the opportunity to take advantage of it.
Apple Watch Series 2 comes in aluminum and stainless steel just like the original, plus a new ceramic material with a “gorgeous pearl-like shine.” Many are also available with Hermés straps and watch faces.
Apple has also teamed up with Nike to create Apple Watch Nike+. It’s made out of aluminum and comes with exclusive straps that are built for fitness. It also offers an exclusive Nike+ Run app.
Photo: Apple
You’ll be able to pre-order your Apple Watch Series 2 on Friday, September 9. Prices start at $369 for Apple Watch Series 2 and Apple Watch Nike+. Apple is also adding its new S2 processor to Apple Watch Series 1, which is now prices at $269.
