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Apple Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2: What Are We Waiting For?!

Marques Brownlee@mkbhd4.8M viewsSep 21, 202310:29
Source
YT
Views
4.8M
Subscribers
21M
Critic
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Promos

Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 are... a spec bump. But what are we actually waiting for? MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: youtube.com Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl Watch provided by Apple for review. ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD

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The video sets the tone by stating that Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are primarily iterative updates aimed at new buyers or those with very old Apple Watches. The host argues that most of the visible changes are subtle, including a new pink color on the Series 9 and minor design changes that are hard to notice in everyday wear. The core innovations come from the S9 chip, which brings faster performance, better power efficiency, and a brighter display, with Series 9 reaching up to 2,000 nits and Ultra 2 up to 3,000 nits. A key note is that many of the most ambitious features, such as on-device health data handling and some health-related capabilities, are promised for later in the year rather than at launch. The host highlights that the most compelling new feature is the double-tap gesture, which leverages sensors and processing power to control the watch with one hand, a capability that appears difficult for competitors to match soon. He also praises Apple’s move toward carbon neutrality for the watch, claiming it as a standout achievement across the product’s lifecycle. The discussion then shifts to potential design shifts Apple might adopt, with the host noting a desire for a larger visual update, such as a circular redesign or a rotating bezel, which however did not materialize in this generation. In closing, the video frames the watches as solid upgrades for new buyers but tempered expectations for existing owners seeking a dramatic leap forward, emphasizing that the next big changes may arrive in later updates or product lines.

Topics · wearables · consumer_tech · apple_watches · smart_watches

Questions answered

What is the main takeaway about the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 according to the reviewer?
The main takeaway is that these models are mostly spec bumps rather than major redesigns, with notable improvements centered on the S9 chip, brighter displays, and features like the on-device Siri and Find My integration, plus the new double tap gesture as a standout addition.
Which feature does the reviewer consider genuinely innovative for this generation?
The reviewer highlights the double tap gesture, which allows controlling the watch by tapping the thumb and forefinger together, as the genuinely innovative feature of this generation.
What future capabilities were noted as coming later in the year?
Capabilities such as health data submission from voice and certain features referenced in the keynote were noted as arriving later in the year, beyond the initial launch.