Apple has launched the Apple Watch Ultra – a new version of the popular smart watch with a larger screen and a more rugged design.
The Apple Watch Ultra will go on sale in Australia on September 23. It will be priced at $1,299.
Apple Watch Ultra has a 49mm watch face, a larger aerospace-grade titanium housing and a reinforced screen.
The Apple Watch Series 8 retains its 41mm and 45mm sizes with pricing starting at $629. It will go on sale on September 16.
The larger Apple Watch Ultra has been introduced to entice the customer who wants more out of their device – they may be training for a marathon or just love exploring the great outdoors.
“Inspired by explorers and athletes from around the world, we created an entirely new category of Apple Watch designed for new and extreme environments — it’s the most rugged and capable Apple Watch yet,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer.
“Apple Watch Ultra is a versatile tool that empowers users to push their boundaries with adventure, endurance and exploration.”
It has an orange action button to switch between training modes and more speakers so it can be clearly heard outside and up to 2000nits brightness so it can also be clearly seen.
The Apple Watch Ultra has 36 hours battery life and up to 60 hours in low power mode.
GPS performance provides even more accurate metrics for serious athletes with dual frequency receivers to make it even more accurate in areas with tall buildings and other obstructions.
Apple Watch Ultra also includes a loud siren so you can be found in remote areas and a GPS track back features so you can find your way back to your point of origin.
It can also handle extreme temperatures and can be taken underwater with a host of features for scuba divers exploring the underwater world.
Health and Wellness continue to be at the centre of Apple Watch Series 8 and include an electrical heart sensor, ECG and a blood oxygen sensor.
For the first time Apple Watch has a new cycle tracking features and a temperature sensor.
This can help women track their ovulation more accurately and receive updated cycle notifications – valuable information for a woman who is trying to conceive.
On the safety side, the Apple Watch Series 8 has added Crash Detection to notify emergency services if you have a car crash.
It is powered by a new accelerometer to detect extreme impacts that’s run through a new algorithm which even differentiate between front, rear and side crashes.
Low Power Mode is a new feature that will extend the battery life to up to 36 hours.
Cellular versions of Apple Watch will also now support international roaming
The aluminium models will be available in four colours – midnight, silver, starlight and (PRODUCT)RED.
The stainless steel Apple Watch Series will be available in silver, gold and graphite
Apple has also updated the new Apple Watch SE and now has the same processor as in Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra, making it 20 per cent faster than the previous generation and will also include Crash Detection.
Apple Watch SE users can enjoy the benefits of the new Compass app in addition to the enhanced fitness and wellness features. Apple Watch SE is available in 40mm and 44mm aluminium cases, in midnight, starlight and silver finishes, and is compatible with all bands.
Apple Watch SE will start at $399 and will go on sale on September 16.
* Stephen Fenech travelled to Cupertino as a guest of Apple
