Features That Distinguish Apple Watch Series 2 From Its Predecessor

While Apple didn’t add LTE connectivity to its new Apple Watch Series 2, it does come with enough new features that users should choose it over the original Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch Series 2 comes with a built-in GPS chip, a feature that was conspicuously missing in the first model. The feature means users can take the Apple Watch out on a hike or use it as their personal navigator. It also helps the device do a better job at tracking fitness activities, like distance traveled.

Apple spent considerable time at its press event talking about the Apple Watch Series 2’s appeal to swimmers. Not only can the device track strokes, but it also can give swimmers information about their bodies during a swim. Most importantly for swimmers, it features water resistance up to 50 meters (about 164 feet), allowing it to handle intense water pressure while swimming.

The Apple Watch Series 2 is first and foremost a fitness tracker. On its special Series 2 page, Apple even promotes it as such, calling it a “superior sports watch.” In addition to the built-in GPS, the wearable has a heart-rate sensor, a built-in workout app to track a person’s activity and information on how many calories a user has burned. There are even fitness coaching and achievement features.

Apple was quick to note that third-party apps are fully compatible with Apple Watch Series 2. While the device is using a different processor (more on that in a bit), Apple said that an increasing number of fitness apps and other programs are coming to the smartwatch. Third-party app developers, in other words, are expected to jump on the Series 2 bandwagon.

Unfortunately, Apple didn’t bundle LTE connectivity in the Apple Watch Series 2. That means that the smartwatch must rely on the iPhone to deliver much of its functionality, including the ability to receive notifications, get alerts to a phone call and more. Once the Apple Watch gets LTE, it can be used as a stand-alone device. Until then, it’ll need the iPhone to deliver most of its features.

Apple surprised many by announcing a ceramic Apple Watch that will complement its metal options. The ceramic model, which Apple says will deliver a “beautiful” shine, is called the Apple Watch Edition. Apple discontinued the previous Apple Watch Edition, which was extremely expensive, with one version costing as much as $17,000.

Although Apple didn’t share too many details on the processor built into the new Apple Watch, the company did say that the chip has dual cores and offers greatly enhanced performance over the original Apple Watch. The processor should help the Apple Watch respond more quickly to user inputs and deliver better graphics performance.

Apple has expanded its Apple Watch partnerships with the upcoming launch of the Apple Watch Nike+. The Nike+ looks like a standard Apple Watch, but has its own special band for athletes and comes with Nike software built in for additional activity tracking. The Apple Watch Series 2 Nike+ starts at $369.

It’s important to note that Apple isn’t replacing its first-generation wearable with the Series 2. Instead, Apple says that the first-generation model will remain on store shelves and even include the aforementioned dual-core processor so it delivers better performance. That means Apple is now offering more smartwatch options than ever.

The Apple Watch Series 2 launches on Sept. 16. Pricing is all over the place, depending on the case customers want and the bands they desire. The smartwatch starts at $369, and pricing quickly rises to $1,499 for the top-of-the-line Apple Watch Hermès. The Apple Watch Edition now starts at $1,249.