Apple Watch Series 2: Taking Smartwatches to New Depths
Hey there, tech enthusiasts and fitness buffs! Remember September 7, 2016? If you were paying attention to the tech world, you’ll recall it as the day Apple held its “See you on the 7th” event and they made a splash with the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 2!
As Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, said during the event, “We’re thrilled with the response to Apple Watch and how it’s changed people’s lives. Today, we’re introducing the Apple Watch Series 2, which takes fitness and health to the next level” and every word of this statement was pretty accurate.
So, strap on your swim caps and diving gear, because we’re about to take a deep dive into what made the Apple Watch Series 2 such a game-changer in the world of wearable tech!
A Leap Forward in Smartwatch Technology:
The Apple Watch Series 2 wasn’t just an incremental update, it was a significant leap forward in smartwatch technology, with its improved water resistance and built-in GPS, Apple was gunning for the fitness enthusiast market. Even with these new advancements apple didn’t forget about the tech-savvy crowd.
Technical Specifications:
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. What made the Apple Watch Series 2 tick? Here’s the lowdown:
Processor:
The Series 2 was powered by the T8002 processor, also known as the S2. This dual-core powerhouse gave the watch a significant performance boost over its predecessor.
Display:
The Series 2 kept the stunning Retina display that we all know and love, Crisp, clear, and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. I guess the display was already ahead of its time.
Screen Material:
Apple offered two options here:
- Strengthened Ion-X glass for the aluminum models.
- Sapphire crystal for the stainless steel and ceramic models.
Water Resistance:
Here’s where things got exciting. The Series 2 could withstand water depths of up to 50 meters! That’s right, you could take this bad boy swimming and it would keep on ticking. However, I will not recommend you dive in the sea with the watch because it is an emergency feature.
GPS:
For the first time, Apple included a built-in GPS module, so no more need to lug your phone around on runs or bike rides!
Compatibility:
To get the most out of your Series 2, you needed an iPhone 5 or newer, running iOS 10 or later.
Internal Designations:
For the tech nerds out there:
- 38mm model: N74AP (Watch2,3)
- 42mm model: N75AP (Watch2,4) Interestingly, there were also two unreleased models with cellular capabilities:
- 38mm: N64AP (Watch2,1)
- 42mm: N65AP (Watch2,2)
Design and Materials:
The Apple Watch Series 2 maintained the sleek, square design of its predecessors, but with some notable changes in materials:
- Aluminum: The standard model, perfect for everyday use and workouts.
- Stainless Steel: For those who want a more premium look.
- Ceramic: Replacing the ultra-luxury gold Edition model of the first generation.
As Jony Ive, Apple’s former Chief Design Officer, said, “We’re constantly challenging ourselves, looking for materials that are beautiful, durable, but also have the essential properties to make an amazing product.”
Let me know your thoughts on the replacement of the ultra-luxury gold edition in the comments.
Here’s a quick comparison of the different models:
| Model | Case Material | Screen Material | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | Aluminum | Ion-X Glass | Fitness enthusiasts |
| Standard | Stainless Steel | Sapphire Crystal | Fashion-conscious users |
| Edition | Ceramic | Sapphire Crystal | Luxury seekers |
Waterproofing and Swim Tracking:
The standout feature of the Series 2 was undoubtedly its improved water resistance. Apple didn’t just make it splash-proof; they made it swim-proof! The watch can withstand depths of up to 50 meters, making it perfect for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
But Apple didn’t stop at just waterproofing, they also introduced dedicated swim-tracking features, including:
- Lap counting
- Pace tracking
- Calorie burn estimation for swimming
Built-in GPS:
Another major addition to the Series 2 was the built-in GPS. This was a game-changer for runners, cyclists, and hikers who wanted to track their routes without carrying their phones, which we have discussed already above.
The GPS allowed for:
- Accurate distance tracking
- Pace calculations
- Route mapping
Fitness and Health Features:
Building on the fitness tracking capabilities of the original Apple Watch, the Series 2 introduced:
- Improved heart rate monitoring
- Better workout tracking algorithms
- New workout types, including swimming
- Integration with Apple’s Health app for comprehensive health tracking
Performance and Battery Life:
The S2 processor gave the Series 2 a significant performance boost, Apps launched faster, animations were smoother, and the overall experience felt snappier. Despite the addition of GPS and improved water resistance, Apple managed to maintain the all-day battery life we’d come to expect from the Apple Watch.
watchOS 3:
The Series 2 came with watchOS 3, which brought several new features and improvements:
- Faster app launching
- New watch faces
- Activity sharing
- Breathe app for mindfulness
- SOS feature for emergencies
Impact and Legacy:
The Apple Watch Series 2 marked a significant milestone in Apple’s wearable journey. By focusing on fitness features like waterproofing and GPS, this time Apple positioned the Watch as not just a smartwatch, but a comprehensive health and fitness device.
Statement by tech analyst Ben Bajarin noted, “The Apple Watch Series 2 was when Apple really found its footing in the wearable market. By focusing on health and fitness, they differentiated themselves from traditional smartwatches and carved out a unique niche.”
People might forget the contribution of Apple Watch Series 1 due to these new advancements but I know there are some tech nerds out there who know what I am talking about, so to get more insights on the Series 1 check out this article: Apple Watch Series 1: The Refined Evolution by Apple
Conclusion:
The Apple Watch Series 2 was more than just an upgrade, it was a statement. With its waterproofing, GPS, and improved performance, Apple showed the world that smartwatches could be serious fitness devices without sacrificing style or smart features.
As we look at the latest Apple Watch models today, with their ECG capabilities, blood oxygen monitoring, and cellular connectivity, it’s clear that the Series 2 laid the groundwork for much of what was to come. It pushed the boundaries of what a smartwatch could do and became a foundation for the future.
So, the next time you take your Apple Watch for a swim or check your route after a run, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of the Series 2. It might not have been the first Apple Watch, but it was the one that truly made a splash in the world of wearable tech.