Apple Wonderlust 2023: Watch Series 9 is getting a vastly improved heart rate sensor, new U2 chip

As Apple’s special event approaches where the company is set to unveil the iPhone 15 and new Apple Watch models, reports suggest that the upcoming Apple Watch Series 9 will come equipped with some hardware improvements, with a focus on enhancing the heart rate sensor.

The rumours regarding this year’s Apple Watches have generally indicated that there won’t be major design changes, with a significant redesign planned for 2024.

However, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, available in sizes similar to their predecessors, are expected to feature a new chip for faster processing.

One notable hardware change is the introduction of an updated heart rate sensor. While specific details about this sensor remain unclear, it’s reported to be more accurate, potentially enhancing the watch’s health monitoring capabilities.

Both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will also incorporate the U2 chip, an upgraded version of Apple’s ultra-wideband chip. This chip is expected to improve “Find My” capabilities and is also anticipated to be integrated into the iPhone 15.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be offered in an all-black version, expanding the colour options beyond the initial grey, which is the natural colour of the titanium. This colour alignment could potentially align with the rumoured titanium frame of the iPhone 15 Pro, offering a consistent aesthetic across both devices.