Equipped with a noticeably faster dual-core S2 processor, its own standalone GPS radio, and now with a waterproof design, the Apple Watch Series 2 is a worthwhile and fantastic upgrade from the first-generation model. It's also a great jumping on point for new buyers. But the biggest changes come with a software overhaul in watchOS 3, meaning early adopters will probably be happy with their existing Apple Watch for another year.
Apple Watch Series 2: What's new?
Though it looks largely identical to its predecessor, the new Apple Watch Series 2 has a number of noteworthy hardware improvements.
For anyone who has used the Apple Watch before, the most noticeable change will be the new dual-core S2 processor. As expected, everything is simply faster, from launching apps to using Siri to just navigating around.
The first Apple Watch was slow — painfully so, at times. Apple, however, has addressed this through software updates, and watchOS 3 is such a significant improvement in virtually every single way that Apple's claims of making it feel like a "whole new watch" are actually true.
Beyond the S2 chip, the Apple Watch Series 2 also boasts a new GPS radio, allowing pace and distance tracking without a connected iPhone. This means you can leave your iPhone at home when running or biking, and you will still get accurate data from your exercise.
The screen is also more than twice as brightthan the first-generation model. It's noticeable, though we will note that we never had major problems reading our original Apple Watch, even in bright daylight.
For the entry-level aluminum model, Apple has upgraded the device with a more durable ceramic back, and a second mic hole cutout for better performance and voice recognition with services such as Siri.