Apple will unveil the next generation of Apple Watch on Tuesday at its Wonderlust event, but you don’t have to wait to find out what the new wearables will offer: Many of the details have leaked out already.
Here’s what we know about Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the next Apple Watch SE.
Why we expect new Apple wearables
People who don’t wear an Apple Watch might underestimate the role it plays in Apple’s bottom line. In its most recent financial quarter, the Wearables, Home and Accessories division — which includes Watch and also AirPods and HomePod — pulled in $8.3 billion. That’s more than either Mac or iPad.
And Apple dominates the global smartwatch category, with three times the market share of its closest rival.
All this is why Cupertino updates Apple Watch every year … like clockwork.
Apple Watch Series 9 leaks
According to a reliable source, the major change coming in the 2023 Apple Watch will be better performance coming from a faster processor. Noticably longer battery life is also expected. The chip, likely dubbed S9, is supposedly a special version of the A15 processor from the iPhone 13 series.
But don’t expect dramatic external changes in Series 9. In fact, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman called it “arguably the most minor upgrade in the product’s history.”
Apple Watch Series 9 reportedly will come in 41- and 45-millimeter versions, like its predecessor. No new health sensors have been rumored. The wearable will keep the ECG, temperature sensor and crash and fall detection from Series 8. And it might come in pink.
There has been no word on pricing, which might indicate that Apple doesn’t plan to raise the cost. The price currently starts at $399.
Apple Watch Ultra 2, too
With its 49mm display and $800 price, 2022’s Apple Watch Ultra took watchOS wearables to a new level. A 2023 edition is rumored, but it’s much too soon to expect significant enhancements to the product line.
The original model doesn’t offer case color options — only titanium. So it’s possible the biggest change in 2023 will be a new black option.
That said, the second-gen Ultra model surely will come with the upgraded S9 processor that will power Apple Watch Series 9.
At this point, no leaks have mentioned a price increase coming for Apple Watch Ultra 2. It’ll likely stay at the first generations’s $799 starting price.
No Apple Watch SE in 2023
The original budget-priced Apple Watch SE launched in 2020, with a successor model in 2022. The next update isn’t expected until 2024.
There are no rumors that say anything different. In fact, a trusted source indicated recently that there will be no new Apple Watch SE this year.
Almost here!
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be announced on Tuesday, September 12 at the Wonderlust event. Expect preorders to begin on Friday September 15. The products should reach customers and store shelves around September 22.
The iPhone 15 is also on the docket for the event is the iPhone 15 series.
We originally published this article on August 13. We updated it with additional information.
