Apple has introduced Apple Watch Series 2, the next generation of their smartwatch. It’s packed with fitness and health capabilities including a water resistance 50 meter rating for swimming  and built-in GPS so users can now run without an iPhone.


The Apple Watch Series 2 also features a brighter display and a dual-core processor. Combined with the performance enhancements of watchOS 3, Apple Watch Series 2 makes it even easier to access third-party apps, receive and respond to notifications and conveniently use Apple Pay, says Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “

The Apple Watch Series 2 is rated water resistant 50 meters for swimming, surfing or just playing in the pool. For swimmers, Apple developed all-new algorithms after hundreds of hours of research for two new workout options, pool and open water. Apple Watch Series 2 can count laps, track average lap pace and auto-detect stroke type to accurately measure active calorie burn.

With built-in GPS, the Apple Watch Series 2 records precise distance, pace and speed for outdoor workouts such as walking, running or cycling, without needing to take an iPhone. Users can begin an outdoor workout immediately as Apple Watch Series 2 uses Wi-Fi, GPS and locally stored satellite data to quickly identify their location.

On completion of an outdoor workout, view a route map that shows variations in speed in the Activity app on iPhone. Whether running, going for a swim or walking between meetings, the Activity app on Apple Watch Series 2 counts all daily activity towards the Stand, Move and Exercise rings.

Apple pioneered the custom designed System in Package (SiP) for Apple Watch, and continues to develop this breakthrough technology with the second generation S2 chip. With a dual-core processor, the S2 chip takes performance to a new level, making Apple Watch up to 50% faster, according to Williams.

In addition, a new GPU has been added, which delivers up to two-times-greater graphics performance, he adds. Apple Watch Series 2 also features a dramatically brighter display — at 1,000 nits, it’s more than two times brighter— making this the brightest display Apple has ever shipped. The goal is to make it even easier to see important information at a glance when outside on a sunny day.

The Apple Watch Series 2 is available with all the new fitness and health capabilities in lightweight aluminum or stainless steel cases, paired with a wide variety of new band colors. 

Apple Watch Series 1 is available in lightweight aluminum and combines the new powerful dual-core processor and GPU with all the features of the original Apple Watch, making it up to 50% faster and available to even more customers, starting at $269.

The Apple Watch Edition now comes in a ceramic, lustrous white case that’s purportedly more than four times harder than stainless steel. It sports a white, pearl-like finish, making Apple Watch Edition extremely scratch-resistant.

The Apple Watch is available in two different case sizes, 38 mm and 42 mm. Apple Watch Series 1 will be available in gold, rose gold, silver or space gray aluminum cases paired with a Sport Band and starts at $269; Apple Watch Series 2 will be available in gold, rose gold, silver or space gray aluminum, or silver or space black stainless steel cases paired with a wide variety of bands starting at $369; and the new ceramic Apple Watch Edition starts at $1,249 from Apple.com, Apple Stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers and carriers.

For local availability, visit locate.apple.com. Apple Watch Nike+ starts at $369 and Apple Watch Hermès starts at $1,149. Customers will be able to order Apple Watch Series 1, Apple Watch Series 2 and Apple Watch Edition beginning Friday, Sept. 9, with availability beginning Friday, Sept. 16, in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UAE, the UK and the US.

Apple Watch Nike+ will be available to order on Apple.com beginning Friday, Sept. 9, with availability in late October, in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, UAE, the UK and the US.

Apple Watch Hermès will be available beginning Friday, Sept. 23, in Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macau, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, UAE, the UK and the US.