The September 2022 Apple Keynote was packed with information! In addition to the famous iPhone 14 and the long-awaited AirPods Pro 2, 3 Apple Watch models were presented: Apple Watch 8, Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra. Price, release date, new features… we tell you everything and hope this helps you choose the product that is made for you!
New Apple Watch SE: a very simple entry-level model
The Apple Watch SE is THE bestseller from Apple. If you had an iPhone and wanted to discover connected watches, we always recommended these to you, but is that still the case with this new version?
We’d rather say yes, but we can’t help but think that the changes from the previous model are minimal. It’s very simple, there are only 2:
- The processor is 20% faster. Honestly, in use you won’t notice much of a difference (if anything, everything is still very smooth on the previous-gen Apple Watch SE).
- car accident detection is cominga new feature present across the 2022 range. Granted, this can save lives, but the new iPhones also have this feature, and between us it probably doesn’t get used very often.
No EKG since Series 6, no O2 reading, no enlarged Series 7-style screen and best of all… still no Always On Display.
The old generation Apple Watch SE is certainly still available at a price that could drop to around $220. We’re more inclined to tell you that while it’s still with resellers, if you want an entry-level Apple Watch you’ll have to favor the older generation.
Be careful, the Apple Watch SE is not a poorly connected watch, quite the opposite in fact. Simple, value for money, it may not be the most profitable model. You might even find a more economical Series 6 for $300.
Apple Watch 8: Relatively small but welcome changes
The big highlight of last year’s Series 7 was the 20% larger screen for the same size. It is difficult to compete with such a visible and pleasant novelty.
The big change this year is the temperature sensor. Amazing for a connected watch, the Apple Watch Series 8 detects changes to within 0.1°C.
Apple mainly spoke about the usefulness of this new sensor in the Menstrual cycle tracker. By combining all the information from the Apple Watch, it will be possible to know exactly the periods of ovulation.
We also note the presence of dDetection of your sleep phases. Third-party applications, often paid for, already made this possible on previous models, but thanks to your body temperature, this new native function will be particularly precise.
The car accident detector is also part of this.
So do we recommend this Apple Watch Series 8? Honestly yes. The model is ultra complete, light, more or less large depending on your wrist … if you are looking for a super connected watch for everyday use, go for it.
Apple Watch Ultra: a new ultra-premium model reserved for elite athletes
Apple clearly had fun creating this brand new model of connected watch. The Apple Watch Ultra is a very high quality model, comparable to what Garmin can do and reserved for the most demanding athletes.
In terms of design, the materials themselves are of particularly high quality by nature: titanium
When it comes to size, it’s by far the largest Apple Watch ever built. The largest models were 45mm diagonal, here is one of them 49mm. It might not be all that impressive to say the least, but in real life we can assure you that this watch is reserved for well-muscled forearms.
One will immediately notice the presence new action button. It’s customizable to your needs: stop a timer, place a landmark on a map… The idea is that you can perform an action with one touch without losing the rhythm of your activity. The other buttons don’t change much, at least note a notched wheel.
The Apple Watch Ultra is also entitled to its own bracelets in terms of design, which are also particularly elegant, soft and, above all, resistant. The Apple Watch Ultra should also stay in place in fast water (unfortunately we won’t be able to test that).
The Apple Watch Ultra can also boast about it the best GPS ever built on a watch. At least that’s what Apple claims. This innovation is made possible by a dual-frequency GPS.
For the first time we find one on the Apple Watch Ultra dual speakers. Calls and the connection with Siri, everything becomes more audible. This dual speaker also allows you to transmit a shrill 86 decibel tone (which can be heard from 180 meters away) in an emergency.
We think so too 3 different pickups remain audible even in windy conditions.
The Apple Watch Ultra is a battery life monster. It lasts twice as long as all other Apple models: 36 hours in classic use, in sports and up to 60 hours in energy saving mode.
The Apple Watch Ultra embeds a depth gauge, stays up to 100 meters deep and can be used as a real dive computer. It is also resistant to extreme temperatures: from -20 °C to +55 °C.
Who is the Apple Watch Ultra made for?
So who is the target audience? Is the product for you? If you want what Apple does best and your forearms are as big as your wallet, then go for it. If, like the vast majority of people, you’re not particularly into extreme sports and don’t want a big screen on your wrist, you can drop by.
What is the release date of the new 2022 Apple Watches?
The Apple Watch Ultra will be released on September 23rd. Release of Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 8 09/16 Pre-orders are already open.
What prices for the new Apple Watch SE, ULTRA and Series 8?
- Apple Watch SE: from 299$
- Apple Watch 8: onwards 499$
- Apple Watch Ultra: from $999
Yes, everything is up this year, even if the dollar isn’t bouncing. The reason is simple, it’s due euro rate. Apple made its predictions with the euro equivalent to about $1.20, and currently one euro is worth one dollar. Don’t forget that American prices are shown without tax, ours show everything including VAT.
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