Click to Skip Ad
Closing in...

Apple officially introduces the Apple Watch Series 2

Updated Sep 7th, 2016 1:56PM EDT

If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.

It’s a big day for Apple today, with the company expecting to announce a slew of new products, including the iPhone 7, the Apple Watch 2 and more. The event is already underway and Apple didn’t wasted any time getting into the good stuff. Not only did we find out that Mario is coming to iOS, we also learned that Pokemon Go is coming to the Apple Watch.

And just a short while ago, Apple officially unveiled the Apple Watch 2.

DON’T MISS: Apple’s big iPhone 7 event is about to start – here’s how to watch live

Officially dubbed the Apple Watch Series 2, the next-gen Apple Watch is swimproof and water resistant up to 50 meters. This is a huge step up from the original Apple Watch which was only splash-proof. Naturally, Apple believes the device will be incredibly popular among swimmers.

As for Apple Watch 2 hardware, Apple’s next-gen wearable features a dual-core processor that’s nearly 50% faster than the original and a revamped GPU that delivers two times the graphical performance of the original Apple Watch.

As anticipated, the Apple Watch 2 will come with built-in GPS. This is a huge upgrade that will finally make the device a bonafide fitness tracker. The original Apple Watch was serviceable, but the lack of built-in GPS was problematic for many runners. With GPS in tow, expect a wave of interesting new Apple Watch apps to flood the market.

That said, Apple announced a new Apple Watch/Nike+ model with a completely new sports-oriented band design and specialized software. “We think it delivers the best running experience out there,” a Nike rep said during the event. The new sports band is available in four new colors.

Also interesting is that Apple claims the Apple Watch 2 display is much brighter than the original. In fact, Apple said the Apple Watch 2 display is the brightest display it’s ever shipped. That should make the display much easier to use during outside use.

Apple Watch Series 2 will also come in a white ceramic option with a “pearl-like” shine that’s “four times harder than stainless steel.”

Apple Watch Series 2 will be priced at $369 and pre-orders start on September 9. The original Apple Watch will be given the same S2 dual-core processor as the Series 2 model and will be available for $269. It will now be called the Series 1 model.

Curiously, we didn’t hear a peep about Apple Watch Series 2 battery life.

Developing…

Yoni Heisler Contributing Writer

Yoni Heisler has been writing about Apple and the tech industry at large with over 15 years of experience. A life long expert Mac user and Apple expert, his writing has appeared in Edible Apple, Network World, MacLife, Macworld UK, and TUAW.

When not analyzing the latest happenings with Apple, Yoni enjoys catching Improv shows in Chicago, playing soccer, and cultivating new TV show addictions.