Tag: Apple Watch Ultra

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple’s watchOS could soon receive its biggest update in years

watchOS, Apple’s smartwatch operating system, might be getting a rather substantial update this year.

According to Mark Gurman’s Bloomberg Power On newsletter, watchOS 10 will feature the most substantial update to the Apple Watch in several years.

Changes include a new visual design, offering Apple Watch owners a refreshed look and feel with watchOS 10.

“I believe the new watchOS should be a fairly extensive upgrade — with notable changes to the user interface — unlike iOS 17,” writes Gurman in the newsletter.

Gurman goes on to say that other updates, including iOS 17 and hardware refreshes — including even the Apple Watch Series 9 — are expected to be minor in 2023. There are reportedly plans for a more substantial Apple Watch update in 2024.

Last year saw the release of the Apple Watch Ultra, a rugged take on the wearable, and the Apple Watch Series 8, a relatively minor update to the Series 7 that includes a body temperature sensor and few other changes or new features.

Source: Bloomberg Via: iMore

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple could move to in-house screen production in 2024

Apple will reportedly move its screen production in-house as early as next year.

According to Bloomberg, the tech company plans to switch out displays in high-end Apple Watches first, including the Apple Watch Ultra, replacing OLED with microLED before upgrading its other devices.

The move will present the next generation of watches with brighter displays, vibrant colours, and better viewing from an angle. “The displays make content appear like it’s painted on top of the glass, according to people who have seen them,” Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman wrote. 

Gurman further states moving such production in-house will allow Apple to customize its devices better and have more control over its supply chain.

However, the 2o24 target could extend to 2025 due to high costs and technical challenges, people familiar with the matter told the publication. Such factors have long impacted the upgrades, as Apple reportedly had plans to switch to microLED screens in 2020.

The news isn’t surprising, as Apple has been steadily moving to in-house production for years, reducing its reliance on external parties. Moving to in-house production for microLED screens will impact several companies, including Samsung and LG.

The company is also reportedly working on its own Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip.

Source: Bloomberg

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple Watch Ultra could feature larger display with Micro LED technology in 2024

Despite only releasing a few months ago, reports surrounding Apple’s successor to the Apple Watch Ultra are already starting to appear.

According to Haitong Intl Tech Research analyst Jeff Pu (via 9to5Mac), Apple will bring Micro LED technology to the 2nd-gen Apple Watch Ultra alongside a larger 2.1-inch display, a minor upgrade over the smartwatch’s current 1.93-inch screen. Apple will likely reduce the Apple Watch Ultra’s size to fit the larger screen rather than make the device larger.

For those unaware, Micro LED technology is capable of reaching a higher brightness level and offers improved colour accuracy. Apple will likely test Micro LED display tech with the Ultra before bringing it to other devices in its lineup, like the MacBook or iPad Pro.

Pu goes on to say that Apple Watch sales are expected to dip in 2023 due to the wearables being very similar to their 2022 counterparts.

The jump from the Series 7 to the Series 8 is also very minimal, with a body temperature sensor and crash detection being the only notable new hardware features. No rumours regarding the Apple Watch Series 9 have appeared yet.

Via: 9to5Mac

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8 and SE (2022) can use built-in GPS independently

Apple has confirmed the Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, and SE (2022) can now rely solely on their built-in GPS sensor and no longer need to utilize the GPS signal of the iPhone it’s connected to. Older Apple Watch models will still utilize the iPhone’s GPS whenever possible.

While this change isn’t recent, it’s gone under the radar for the past few weeks. It was uncovered by DC Rainmaker, a reputable sports tech reviewer (via The Verge), in a recent Apple support document update.

Although this doesn’t change a lot regarding the everyday use of the Apple Watch for most owners, there are a few things worth noting. First off, this should result in the Ultra, Series 8 and SE (2022)’s GPS being more accurate in some situations since the wearable is strapped directly to the user’s body and not in a pocket, bag or backpack like the iPhone typically would be.

It also negates the weird GPS handshake issues with the iPhone that were common in the early days of the Apple Watch and that I still encounter occasionally with older versions of the wearable. On the other hand, this shift could also result in slightly worse Apple Watch battery life, given the smartwatch is no longer piggybacking off of the iPhone’s GPS chip and is utilizing its built-in hardware.

In a way, this makes sense, given you likely have your iPhone with you when you’re wearing your Apple Watch anyways. It’s unclear how negatively this change affects the Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8 and SE (2022)’s battery life, but considering how much Apple has boasted about the wearables’ battery life, the impact is likely minimal.

It would have been great if Apple offered Apple Watch users the option to turn independent GPS on/off since both methods of connectivity have advantages and disadvantages, but Apple isn’t exactly known for offering consumers a lot of options when it comes to features like this.

Source: DC Rainmaker, Apple Via: The Verge

Categories
Mobile Syrup

The Apple Watch Ultra is $150 off on Amazon

Apple’s highest-end wearable, the 2022-launched Apple Watch Ultra, is currently on sale at Amazon.

Only the GPS+cellular model in 49mm with the Black/Grey Trail Loop in M/L size is discounted.

The watch, which normally costs $1,099, is currently available for $949.99, marking a 14 percent discount on the four-month-old watch.

The Apple Watch Ultra sports the biggest battery in an Apple Watch yet. It can last up to 60 hours on a single charge, while offering several power-intensive features like Emergency SOS, crash detection ECG, temperature sensing and more.

Learn more about the Apple Watch here or head to Amazon to purchase the discounted wearable.

Source: Amazon

Categories
Mobile Syrup

You don’t need to dive in the ocean to get value from the Apple Watch Ultra

When Apple released the Apple Watch Ultra alongside the iPhone 14, the entire focus was on it being a fitness tracker for the adventurous and extreme. That’s not surprising with its incredible battery life and impressive durability.

The Apple Watch Ultra’s biggest problem is that it’s solely viewed as an extreme fitness tracker, and its marketing shows that. While it’s a solid niche for the device, a few surprising features can benefit anyone. The Apple Watch Ultra can represent your focus on fitness and improvement even if you aren’t an extreme adventurer. 

Battery Life

The Apple Watch Ultra features up to 36 hours of battery life, which will soon be extended to 60 hours with a future watchOS update that will add low power mode. Compared to previous Apple Watches that sometimes cap out at 18 hours, the Apple Watch Ultra is an impressive improvement. While 18 hours is fine day-to-day, it still has limitations, particularly for users who want to use cellular connectivity.

I enjoy using my Apple Watch’s cellular connectivity when I go for a run or a walk. Like most people, my phone is attached to me 24/7. Except, when I work out, I enjoy not having my bulky phone with me. With previously Apple Watches, I felt severe battery anxiety, often making sure my Series 7 was charged to 100 percent before going on a two to three-hour walk. Cellular connectivity really ate at Apple Watch’s battery life.

The Apple Watch Ultra removes those concerns entirely. It’s fantastic to leave your phone at home or in your car and rely on cellular connectivity for hours without being concerned with battery life. Additionally, suppose you’re a person who forgets to charge their device or wants to explore sleep tracking with your Apple Watch. In that case, the Ultra’s battery life makes it a no-brainer wearable.

Durability

The Apple Watch comes in three materials: aluminum, stainless steel and titanium, and previously also offered gold and ceramic case materials. Each material has its pros and cons. For example, Aluminum is light and cheap but soft and easily damaged. on the other hand, stainless Steel is shiny and durable, making it a fantastic fashion piece, but it’s also heavy and expensive. Titanium, while also expensive, features incredible durability combined with impressive lightness. 

The Apple Watch Ultra is built out of corrosive-resistant titanium with water resistance up to 100 metres, double the previous Apple Watch since the Series 2. Although previous Apple Watches are swim-proof, the Apple Watch Ultra is the first watch I feel entirely comfortable swimming with. 

The titanium build of the Apple Watch Ultra makes it durable yet light, especially compared to an aluminum Series 8. When buying an Apple Watch Ultra, you can be sure it will not break easily. Whether you find aluminum watches chip and scratched or want a watch just as durable as the stainless steel models, the Apple Watch Ultra makes for a great choice.  

49MM Display

The Apple Watch Ultra introduces a new 49MM 2000-nit display. Besides the Apple Watch Ultra, the largest and brightest display is the 45MM 1000-nit display on the Series 8. One nit is equivalent to a single lit candle. It’s surprisingly convenient to have a super bright flashlight attached to your wrist. Also, the large flat display makes for a surprisingly pleasant experience with large easy tap targets. 

Action Button

The Action button is a first on the Apple Watch premiering with the Apple Watch Ultra. The Action button is an orange button on the right side of the Ultra. What’s neat about the Action button is it’s customizable. Personally, I enjoy being able to press the Action button to start an outdoor walk. Pressing the Action button during a walk or run can mark segments, and tapping the Action button along with the side button pauses the workout. 

Apple Watch Ultra

When using non-segment-focused workouts like with Apple Fitness+, pressing only the Action button will pause the workout. Other possible apps that can be tied to the Action button are running Shortcuts, launching the workout or dive app, starting the stopwatch, and turning on the flashlight.

The Worst Part

Whether it’s the improved battery life or being able to start a workout immediately, the Apple Watch Ultra is a really nice wearable for anyone that finds regular Apple Watches miss the bar on one level or another. 

Perhaps the most disappointing part of the Apple Watch Ultra is its aesthetics. I think it’s bulky and ugly compared to the Apple Watch Series 8. It’s also unfortunate that the Apple Watch Ultra only comes in a silver finish. 

Apple Watch Ultra

I  previously owned Space Black Stainless Steel Apple Watches and the Graphite Stainless Steel Series 7. Stainless Steel watches, while durable, are also stylish. They look traditional and go great with a suit while still having the amazing features of watchOS. The Apple Watch Ultra misses the mark on aesthetics. It’s functional but far from fashionable.

I hope in a future Apple Watch, we get the improved battery life in a classic design or an Apple Watch Ultra in a darker finish.

Categories
Mobile Syrup

A U.S. jeweller is transforming the way the Apple Watch Ultra looks

The Apple Watch Ultra is massive. It features the largest battery, compared to other Apple Watches, at 542mAh. The device is targeted towards those practicing active sports, like scuba diving and rock climbing, and has features like the yellow rubberized ‘Ocean Band’ designed for those activities.

However, some might not be satisfied with the Watch Ultra’s look. But as Digital Trends reports, there’s always more that can be done. In this case, people can enlist De Billas Lux as an option. In a YouTube video, the U.S.-based jeweller used its polishing treatment on the device, making it look like raw metal. The company paired it with a matching link band, completely transforming the Apple Watch Ultra.

“We start by very carefully preparing the watch to be treated with an electrolytic solution in order to remove the paint and previous finish. After this, we carefully start polishing the watch with our special equipment in order to achieve the mirror finish you see,” De Billas Lux told Digital Trends. 

But the transformation comes with a steep price tag of $1,499 USD (roughly $2,052 CAD). It’s unclear if the transformation will void the device’s warranty or impact its use for active sports.

Take a look at the video for yourself:

Image credit: De Billas Lux/ screenshot

Source: De Billas Lux/ YouTube via Digital Trends

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd-Gen) and Apple Watch Ultra are now available in Canada

Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd-Gen) and Apple Watch Ultra are now available at the Apple Store and other retailers.

The new AirPods Pro cost $329, and the Apple Watch Ultra costs $329.

The new AirPods Pro feature upgraded sound quality, better battery life (6 hours), on-AirPod volume controls and an upgraded charging case that offers a built-in speaker and more precise ‘Findy My’ functionality.

On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s first rugged Apple Watch. Along with a bulkier and more durable design and a larger screen, the Apple Watch Ultra also features more accurate GPS, 36 to 70 hours of battery life, new Watch Bands like the ‘Alpine Loop’ and Apple’s updated S8 chip.

For more on the AirPods Pro (2nd-Gen), check out my review of the wireless earbuds. MobileSyrup will have a review of the Apple Watch Ultra in the coming days.

MobileSyrup utilizes affiliate partnerships. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, though we may earn a commission on purchases made via these links that helps fund the journalism provided free on our website.

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Should you buy Apple’s iPhone 14? ft. Shevon Salmon [SyrupCast 264]

On this week’s SyrupCast, Patrick O’Rourke, Brad Bennett, Dean Daley and special guest tech YouTuber Shevon Salmon discuss Apple’s big ‘Far Out’ keynote and also delve into MobileSyrup‘s reviews/hands-ons of all the devices the tech giant showed off, including the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Pro/Max, the Apple Watch Series 8, the Apple Watch Ultra and the AirPods (2nd-Gen).

As always, you can listen to the SyrupCast below or on your favourite podcast platform.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts

Direct download link

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8 battery sizes revealed in filing

Apple tends to keep some of the more technical aspects of its hardware, like RAM and battery size, under wraps. However, there’s always a way to find out this information. Earlier this week, a filing on the Chemtrec website revealed the sizes of the batteries in the iPhone 14 line, and now the Apple Watch batteries have been revealed too.

As spotted by MySmartPrice, a listing on the 3C website revealed the capacity of the battery in the Apple Watch SE, Series 8, and Ultra:

  • Apple Watch SE (40mm) – 245mAh
  • Apple Watch SE (44mm) – 296mAh
  • Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm) – 282mAh
  • Apple Watch Series 8 (45mm) – 308mAh
  • Apple Watch Ultra – 542mAh

To put those numbers in perspective, the Watch Series 7 sported a 303.8mAh battery in the 41mm watch, and a 309mAh battery in the 45mm watch. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 sports either a 247mAh or 361mAh battery, depending on the watch size. The new Watch 5 is between 284mAh and 410mAh, while the Watch 5 Pro clocks in at 590mAh. Google’s upcoming Pixel Watch is rumoured to sport a 300mAh battery.

While the Apple Watch Ultra’s larger battery is certainly impressive, the Ultra likely needs the extra power (and it has the room for it with that 49mm case!). Apple claims the Watch Ultra can get 36 to 70 hours of battery life, and while that certainly sounds like a lot, the massive battery suggests it could last that long.

At the same time, Samsung said the Watch 5 Pro could last up to 80 hours. It has a larger battery than the Watch Ultra, however, the 5 Pro apparently hasn’t lived up to the 80-hour claim.

It remains to be seen whether the Watch Ultra can live up to that lofty battery life claim, but we’ll likely know soon thanks to reviews. In the meantime, you can learn more about the Watch Ultra here.

Source: MySmartPrice