Although iPhone 7 caught the limelight at Apple’s yesterday’s event, the company also announced a wearable lineup Apple Watch Series 2. An improved variant of its predecessors, the new Apple Watch Series 2 is powered by a dual-core processor, comes with an improved graphics, a much brighter display, inbuilt GPS, WatchOS 3, and above all, water-resistant up to 50 meters.
By its appearance, it mimics the last year’s Apple Watch. There is a new ceramic version to grab, which is said to be a lot more durable. Precisely, four times harder than the stainless steel models. The display brightness has increased and in Apple’s words, it’s the “brightest display Apple has ever shipped.”
Contradicting the rumors, Apple has not introduced cellular functionality in the new Apple Watch. Except for the GPS, you may still need to stay connected to iPhone. This is a shortcoming for the wearable, especially because its competitor Samsung Gear S3 comes with LTE functionality and can be used independently. Apple Watch Series 2 claims to offer a battery life of 18 hours. WatchOS 3 and iOS 10 will be available from September 14 as a free software update.
Pricing and Availability
In terms of price, the 38mm version costs $369 and the 42mm version variants cost $399. Silver, gold, rose gold and Space Black are the colors available to choose from. There are also expensive models. One introduced with stainless steel and space black costing $549 for the 38mm version with sports band, or $599 for 42mm. The durable ceramic model comes with a "Cloud" color sports band and sells for $1,249 for the 38mm case and $1,299 for the 42mm version.
Nike has partnered with Apple to bring out a model Apple Watch Nike+, an exercise-oriented model. Also, Apple has refreshed its partnership with Hermes. The result is three new French-designed leather bands. That reflects in its cost too that the single tour band costs $1,100, with the double tour costing $1,250. The Hermes Cuff is $1,500.
The original Apple Watch too gets an upgrade – a faster processor. It means it’ll be 50% faster than its predecessor. The pre-orders start on September 9 and Apple Watch Series 2 will be available from September 16.
Indian Availability
It is believed to be available in India from October 7. The versions, silver, gold, rose gold and space black, aluminum/silver/space black stainless steel cases paired with bands cost Rs. 32,900. Nike+ edition too costs the same. The ceramic edition costs Rs. 1,10,900.
