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'Swimproof' Apple Watch Series 2 Adds Built-In GPS

With Series 2, Apple is focusing on athletes, promising a 'swimproof' device that is water-resistant up to 50 meters.

 & Chloe Albanesius Executive Editor, News

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Apple Watch is getting an upgrade with Series 2, an updated version of Cupertino's wearable that arrives later this month.

Apple Watch Series 2 and a special Nike version start at $369, while the existing Apple Watch (now known as Series 1) will get a processor boost and a price drop to $269. You can pre-order Series 1 and 2 on Sept. 9 ahead of a Sept. 16 launch date. Apple Watch Nike+ will arrive next month.

With Series 2, Apple is focusing on athletes, promising a "swimproof" device that is water-resistant up to 50 meters. This required Cupertino to redesign the watch's speaker system, the company said at a Wednesday press event, and develop new seals and adhesives to keep water out.

Apple Series 2 Nike+

There's also built-in GPS, so you can leave your phone at home while you're on a run. Just hit the start button and begin a workout. Developers can also take advantage of the built-in GPS for their apps.

Inside, there's a second-gen S2 dual-core processor that's up to 50 percent faster than its predecessor. A new GPU also delivers two times the graphics performance, according to Apple, which pointed to an updated version of the Night Sky app that will provide five times the level of detail on Apple Watch Series 2.

The display, meanwhile, is two times brighter than before. It's the brightest display Apple has ever shipped at 1,000 nits, the company said, which will make for easier reading in the sunlight.

Apple watch Series 2 Ceramic

With Apple Watch Series 2, Cupertino is adding a new ceramic white case, which Apple said is four times harder than stainless steel. An Hermes version will also be available for those with deep pockets, while the Nike+ version sports a stretchy, breathable band.

If you're on a budget, Apple Watch Series 1 is a bit more affordable, but will still run the S2 chip.

About Our Expert

Chloe Albanesius

Chloe Albanesius

Executive Editor, News

My Experience

I started out covering tech policy in DC for The National Journal, where my beat included state-level tech news and all the congressional hearings and FCC meetings I could handle. I later covered Wall Street trading tech before switching gears to consumer tech. I now lead PCMag's news coverage.

My Areas of Expertise

Getting my start in DC means I still have a soft spot for tech policy; Congressional hearings can sometimes be as entertaining as a Bravo reality show, for better or worse. But PCMag is all about the technology we use every day, as well as keeping an eye out for the trends that will shape the industry in the years ahead (or flop on arrival). I've covered the rise of social media, the iOS vs. Android wars, the cord-cutting revolution that's now left us with hefty streaming bills, and the effort to stuff artificial intelligence into every product you could imagine. This job has taken me to CES in Vegas (one too many times), IFA in Berlin, and MWC in Barcelona. I also drove a Tesla 1,000 miles out west as part of our Best Mobile Networks project. Of late, my focus is on our hard-working team of reporters at PCMag, guiding and editing their robust coverage.

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