Apple has announced the launch of Apple Watch Series 2 during its annual September press event. Featuring a 2nd generation SiP, a 50% dual-core processor, a new GPU that offers 2x faster graphics, making it the most powerful Apple Watch yet.
It allows apps like Night Sky to increase its level of detail by 5x and run at 60 FPS. 2nd generation display is 2x brighter, the brightest display Apple has ever released.
Series 2 marks a new frontier for working out with the Apple Watch, thanks to powerful new waterproofing and the addition of onboard GPS. You can wear the watch in the pool or in the ocean, and it’s rated as water resistant up to 50 meters. Engineers developed new seals to keep the water out. As you swim over time it learns from your swimming patterns to give you better feedback to track your workouts.
To get around the issue of water in the only hole in the device, the speaker, Apple has added an ingenious new feature. The series 2 uses the speaker itself to eject the water, pushing it out of the device. Apple tested the waterproofing by putting the watch under water simulating strokes for weeks to test.
With the built-in GPS you can run without your phone. At the end of your workout the GPS will build a route map for you. GPS is important to new apps like View Ranger, a hiking app that can pull up hiking routes using the GPS, even without cell signal. The app will even alert you if you stray off the map.
Apple
Series 2 also introduces a new Ceramic watch body option, which Apple says is stronger than stainless steel. That’s not the only new body. Apple is partnering with Nike for Apple Watch Nike+, a watch designed specifically for runners, with a special breathable band and a light aluminum body.
In addition to a specialized interface that’s designed to give you just the information you need during your run, the Nike+ Watch reminds to run. Sometimes it will tell you the weather is nice, or that your friends are running, or how long it’s been since your last run. The watch will actually prod you off the couch. It even encourages you to run on weekends, because if you run on Sunday you’ll be more active.
Apple Watch Series 2 will be available later in September for $369. and preorders start on September 9. A refreshed version of the original Apple Watch called the Series 1 comes with an upgraded S2 dual-core processor and will be able for $269.
Apple has found incredible success with the Watch. Measured by Sales revenue Apple is now only behind Rolex in terms of sales revenue, becoming the 2nd watch brand in the world and the top selling smart watch. It’s also number 1 in customer satisfaction.