Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman says the Apple Watch Series 9 and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will boast several previously mentioned features.
Gurman today published a detailed report about his expectations for Apple’s “Wonderlust” iPhone 15 media event, which included information about the Apple Watch Series 9 and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra. Gurmn says both will boast multiple sensor and component upgrades, focusing on “speed, efficiency, and accuracy.”
These changes will include a fourth-generation version of Apple’s optical heart rate sensor, an upgrade from the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 8’s third-generation optical heart rate sensor.
An all-new “U2” ultra wideband chip will also make a debut, which will be the first generational iteration of the component since the U1 chip’s debut in the 2019 iPhone 11 Pro. The new chip will improve the Apple Watch’s location capabilities, allowing more precise tracking of people and devices in the Find My App. The U2 will also be used in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro lineups.
The second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, which will come in a black color for the first time, will be manufactured with more recycled materials. And, the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 9 will boast a 3D-printed casing. Apple plans to start using the 3D printing technology for the Apple Watch Ultra starting next year.
The Apple Watch will also sport a new processor, which has to date not really been changed throughout three generations of the device. Apple is said to be planning to “heavily tout major gains in processing speed” during Tuesday’s event.
Apple will hold its “Wonderlust” media event at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (1 p.m. Eastern Time). Apple will unveil its new Apple Watch Series 9 lineup, Apple Watch Ultra 2, alongside its new iPhone 15 lineup, and will also likely debut a new version of the AirPods Pro charging case with USB-C.