Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra will get big updates

A report on Friday has spilled the beans on what appears to be a significant upgrade for both the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra.

There have been few rumors about the new Apple Watch lineup at Apple's event, with most focusing on a new chip granting both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra more speed. However, Friday's report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, goes into more detail about both devices.

As expected, neither Apple Watch model will change in size, nor design. However, new materials and colors are coming, with both devices using more recycled materials. The Apple Watch Ultra will get a new black color, as previously rumored.

While the report doesn't delve too heavily into the specifics, both models are said to get "various sensor and internal component upgrades," including a new version of the lauded heart rate sensor. The updates are also rumored to improve efficiency and sensor accuracy.

Both devices are rumored to include a new U2 ultra wide band chip. This will give the devices improved Find My capability.

The report also delves into the recent rumor that Apple will shift away from leather. However, this report says that only "some" of its leather watch bands will be discontinued.

Numerous rumors have surfaced throughout August about Apple switching to a woven composite fabric from its use of leather, affecting iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands. In the latter's case, the shift from leather may fully happen in September's event

Mark Gurman has a long-term, and well above average track record for reporting on Apple's future plans.

19 Comments

Xed 2896 comments · 4 Years

About 1 year ago

If the Ultra get Emergency SOS via satellite I'll upgrade again. Outside of that I'm not sure if any YoY feature could move the needle for me.

sflagel 867 comments · 11 Years

We consider new colours, an improved heart rate sensor, and improved Find My "significant" upgrades now? I remember when significant meant things like mobile calling capability.

mike1 3437 comments · 10 Years

Xed said:

If the Ultra get Emergency SOS via satellite I'll upgrade again. Outside of that I'm not sure if any YoY feature could move the needle for me.

To be honest, I'm waiting for a compelling reason to upgrade my Series 4. I suspect it may be when the battery finally gives out, but I still easily get a full-day between charges. Maybe the 9 will surprise me with something.

thethirdshoe 29 comments · 16 Years

What a nice picture of the sore on their arm…

john-useless 73 comments · 4 Years

mike1 said:

To be honest, I'm waiting for a compelling reason to upgrade my Series 4. I suspect it may be when the battery finally gives out, but I still easily get a full-day between charges. Maybe the 9 will surprise me with something.

Yes, me too. I owned a "Series 0" and waited for the Series 4 to upgrade — and with features like fall detection, a bigger screen, ECG, raise-to-talk, vastly better processor and improved battery, it was worth it. Four years later, it still has fantastic battery life; it's very rare that my usage takes me to low-power mode near day's end.

The always-on, even larger displays, crash detection, and health features in newer models have tempted me … but not enough yet. I have zero doubt that I will upgrade eventually … but it's not clear whether the Series 9, 10, or 11 will be what gets me there.