Apple finally unveiled the Apple Watch 2 or what you know as the Apple Watch Series 2. Although the update is more incremental than we expected, there are still plenty of new features to talk about.
The plus to this is that if you loved the original Apple Watch, you will certainly love the new model. But are there enough upgrades to warrant purchasing the new model if you already own the original? If you don’t own an Apple Watch yet, would it be better to get the new model instead?
We’re going to take a closer look to find out.
Introducing the Apple Watch Series 2
The Apple Watch Series 2 is already available to buy right now. There’s no waiting period.
The older model will get a discount, just like what happens to the old iPhone models when a new lineup launches.
Now, it’s important to note that a lot of the specifications and features are the same. Apple did a great job with the Apple Watch the first time around, so there’s no need for sweeping improvements.
For example, the Apple Watch Series 2 comes in two sizes just like the original: 38mm and 42mm. The biggest difference is that it is now waterproof up to 50 meters in depth or about 164 feet. Yes, this means that you can actually take the Apple Watch Series 2 models for a swim, both in a pool and in open water. Of course, it will be safe only if you follow the depth limitations – don’t go deeper than 50 meters in the ocean.
Apple Watch Series 2 Design
As we already discussed, the Apple Watch Series 2 will come in two sizes and the case is waterproof.
For Watch styles, you can choose between a silver, gold, space grey, or rose gold finish for the case. There are stainless steel options too if you’d much rather go with a more durable material.
For the Series 2 Apple created a white ceramic model – which is four times harder than stainless and scratch resistant.
Sadly, the gold plated model has been tossed to the curb. You can still get the original Apple Watch in gold plating if that’s your thing.
As you’d expect, Apple has also teamed up with some companies to deliver unique style options. The Apple Watch Nike+ edition will be available in four colors, with custom watch faces and a band inspired by Nike’s SportWatch.
Hermes will be offering a Double Buckle Cuff in Swift, and a unique Sport Band in orange, and a couple more options.
We’ll see more partners teaming up with Apple in the future. Expect to see more unique accessories and styles for the Apple Watch Series 2 real soon.
Apple Watch Series 2 Display
Unsurprisingly, Apple decided to update the display in the Apple Watch Series 2 models. The touchscreen is two times brighter than the original, with a rating of 1,000 nits. That’s about 450 nits brighter than the first Apple Watch.
If you are not familiar with nits rating, it means the screen will be both brighter and more vibrant.
According to Apple, it’s the brightest screen they’ve made for any device.
The Apple Watch Series 2 stills include Force Touch technology, and a reinforced screen no matter what model you choose.
The ceramic Apple Watch Series 2 Edition has Sapphire crystal, like the high-end models of the original watch. The Series 2 Apple Watch Sport has ION-X glass. And if you are unsure what that is, it’s tempered or strengthened glass like Gorilla Glass.
Basically, it’s much more difficult to shatter or break, and scratch-resistant, as well.
Apple Watch Series 2 Straps and Wrist Bands
As with the original model, the Apple Watch Series 2 includes a variety of bands to choose from. Of course, which model watch you choose will determine which bands are open to you.
Options include woven nylon, leather, stainless steel, sport silicone, and more. Then there are the Hermes, Nike, and partner bands that include their own design options.
Apple Watch Series 2 Processor and Performance
The Apple Watch Series 2 is powered by a dual-core S2 processor (second generation). What does this mean exactly?
The processor in the Apple Watch Series 2 is 50% faster than the one in the original. The Watch Series 2 also has an upgraded GPU which delivers two times the graphics performance.
So, apps, games, media – or anything that uses the device hardware – will perform better.
But Apple will also be manufacturing the Apple Watch Series 1 (the original) with the new processor. So, if you decide to pick up the older models you’ll still get the performance boost!
Apple Watch Series 2 Fitness Tracking and Health Apps
One of the exciting features of the original Apple Watch was it had decent fitness and health support.
The Apple Watch can check your heart-rate and track beats per minute while you’re active. This is a feature many smartwatches are lacking.
The Apple Watch Series 2 now has GPS, so you can track your run or ride without an iPhone nearby. This also means it can track distance, pace, and speed metrics without a connected phone.
Plus, with the waterproof design, it makes sense to include swim tracking too – which Apple did. The Apple Watch Series 2 will calculate swim stats for pool and open water activities. Recorded metrics include laps, pace, and stroke type.
And yes, there’s still a heart rate monitor on board.
Apple Watch Series 2 Price and Release Date
If you want the basic model of the Apple Watch Series 2 the price is $269. It will fluctuate depending on select options, like if you want a more durable band. If you opt for the more expensive model – with a stainless steel case and strap – the price can be as high as $1,099.
Then there’s the Apple Watch Edition with a ceramic case, which is starts at $1,249.
Regardless, all are available to purchase right now from the Apple Store online, or in store. Some models will launch at a later date, like the Apple Watch Nike+ Edition available in October for $369.
Buying an Apple Watch can be confusing, especially if this is your first time.
Don’t worry, we’ll release a guide to help choose the right Apple Watch Series 2 – like we did for the original Watch models.
Stay tuned for more information on the Apple Watch Series 2 from Smartwatches.org!