Apple Watch 8 Unveiled: Smarter with Body Temperature Measurement and Traffic Accident Detection...

Apple Watch Ultra in the 1 Million KRW Range Endures Desert... Targeting Sports Enthusiasts

Apple Watch Series 8. Photo by Apple

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] A smarter Apple Watch equipped with functions such as traffic accident detection and body temperature sensing has arrived.

On the 8th (Korean time), Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 8 and the 2nd generation Apple Watch SE.

The Apple Watch Series 8 features a design similar to its predecessor but with reduced bezels and a larger screen. It improves maximum screen brightness and adds health management and safety functions by incorporating a temperature sensor, a 3-axis gyroscope, and an accelerometer.

Equipped with Body Temperature and Crash Detection Functions... A Smarter Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Series 8 offers body temperature sensing through a dual-sensor design. One sensor is located on the back of the watch closest to the skin, and the other is installed just beneath the display. It samples wrist temperature every 5 seconds during sleep, detecting changes as precise as 0.1°C.

The new body temperature sensing function enhances the accuracy of the menstrual cycle tracking feature added to the Apple Watch in 2019. It also includes a retrospective ovulation estimation feature that automatically detects temperature and predicts ovulation days. Notifications are available on iPhones running iOS 16 and Apple Watch Series 8 or later models running watchOS 9.

The crash detection function is also provided. Using an advanced sensor fusion algorithm that leverages the gyroscope and accelerometer, it detects impacts during car accidents and automatically makes an emergency call after 10 seconds. It collected new motion sensor data by simulating real accidents such as frontal, rear, side collisions, and rollovers targeting regular passenger cars.

The battery life remains the same as the previous model at 18 hours. In low power mode, it can operate for up to 36 hours.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is available in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The aluminum case comes in four colors: Starlight, Midnight, Silver, and Red, while the stainless steel case is available in Silver, Graphite, and Gold.

The price for the 41mm aluminum GPS model is 599,000 KRW, which is 100,000 KRW higher than the previous generation.

The Apple Watch SE has been upgraded to the 2nd generation after two years. It adds the new crash detection feature to core Apple Watch functions such as activity tracking, high and low heart rate notifications, and emergency SOS.

The price remains the same at 359,000 KRW.

Jeff Williams, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, stated, "Apple listens to customers who say the Apple Watch helps them stay connected with loved ones and live a more active and healthy life," adding, "The Apple Watch Series 8 strengthens Apple’s focus on the smartwatch sector through pioneering technology, while the Apple Watch SE offers advanced core features at a new entry price. The best smartwatch lineup powered by watchOS 9 provides more diverse functions than ever before."

Apple Watch Ultra. Photo by Apple

Apple Watch Ultra Endures Even in the Desert, Targeting Extreme Sports Enthusiasts

Apple launched the 'Apple Watch Ultra' priced in the 1 million KRW range, targeting extreme sports enthusiasts such as divers and triathletes.

The Apple Watch Ultra is characterized by its durability and advanced features. It features a 49mm titanium case and a sapphire front crystal. With a maximum brightness of 2000 nits, it has the largest and brightest display among all Apple Watch series to date.

It is the first Apple Watch to support precise dual-frequency GPS, providing accurate distance, speed, and route data.

It also includes features for marine and water sports enthusiasts, allowing users to check time, current depth, water temperature, underwater duration, and maximum depth reached at a glance in the 'Depth' app.

The operating temperature range is designed to withstand extreme environments, from the freezing cold of mountainous areas (-20° C) to the scorching heat of deserts (55° C).

It boasts the longest battery life among Apple Watch models. Battery life lasts up to 36 hours and can be extended up to 60 hours using low power mode.

It is offered with three band options: Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band, priced at 1,149,000 KRW.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.