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Apple Watch Ultra and Series 9 reviews: 👍👍👍

Apple Watch Ultra and Series 9 reviews: 👍👍👍

Reviewers really dig the new Apple Watches.

Leander Kahney
September 20, 2023

Apple’s MO is incremental improvement. Year after year, the company adds a few new features to its latest devices. That typically means slow, steady improvement rather than radical overhauls.

That means if you already own last year’s device, there’s often little reason to upgrade, unless you want the latest and greatest and have the cash to spare.

But this year seems different: There seems to be more excitement about the new iPhones and Apple Watches than normal.

Check out our review roundup of the new Apple Watch Series 9, for example. Some reviewers recommend that you upgrade, even if you have last year’s model. Now that’s unusual!

We also have a review roundup of the new Apple Watch Ultra: the best wearable ever, IMHO.

Also in today’s newsletter:

If you can’t decide between the new iPhone 15 or the iPhone 15 Pro, our buyer’s guide may help you decide.
We also have a roundup of the best cases available now for the new iPhone 15s — everything from the best tough case to the best leather one.
Need data for your next trip? This lifetime deal on an international eSIM seems unbeatable.
Best Buy’s amazing but head-scratching deal on the new AirPods Pro 2 is still on. The retailer is already offering $50 off new USB-C AirPods Pro 2 before they’ve even launched! (That makes them $199 instead of $249!) These are, of course, the absolute best earbuds money can buy (I love mine). Plus, they’re getting awesome new features thanks to iOS 17.
Today’s the day in Apple history that the first battery-powered Mac you could take on the road launched. Meet the proto-MacBook: the Macintosh Portable.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

Ultra 2 reviews: Small upgrades strengthen 'ultimate' Apple Watch

Modest upgrades -- brighter display, double-tap gesturing and a faster processor -- make the best rugged smartwatch even better.

Early Apple Watch Series 9 review roundup: New chip brings new tricks

The first reviews of Apple Watch Series 9 praise its new processor, which gives the wearable a nifty double tap gesture and other enhancements.

iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15: Which one should you buy?

There's a $200 difference between the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro. But does the Pro justify its higher price tag with its extra features?

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

This discount eSIM makes international data easy and affordable

Get rid of roaming charges for good. Grab the aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler Lifetime eSim Plan with $50 of data credits for just $21.97.

iPhone 15 displays how many times its battery has been charged

The new models reportedly will show the battery cycle count, helping users track the long-term "health" of the battery.

Best cases you can buy today for iPhone 15

Searching for the best iPhone 15 case to suit your needs and tastes? Our roundup showcases the finest iPhone 15 cases in many categories.

Making the endlessly inventive Snoopy watch face for Apple Watch

Designers behind the new watch face's 148 animations talk about all the work that went into getting the job done well.

^{A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team}

Incredible deal slashes 20% off AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C case before launch

The new AirPods Pro 2 version that comes with a USB-C case was only unveiled last week but you can already save $50 off the retail price.

Mac sits at the top of the chart for consumer satisfaction

Mac users are very satisfied with their computers. Even more satisfied than they were last year, according to a survey.

Conspiracy looms in first look at spy thriller ‘Slow Horses’ season 3

The thrilling and funny spy series returns on December 1, so catch up with seasons one and two now on Apple TV+.

Soundcore's new pint-size Bluetooth speakers pack a hi-res punch

If the new Motion 300 and 100 speakers are anything like the Motion X600, they'll be keepers if ultra-portable audio is your priority.

Today in Apple history: The first portable Macintosh arrives

On September 20, 1989, Apple released the Macintosh Portable, the first battery-powered Mac you could take on the road. It was really heavy.

Two powerhouse MacBooks drive dual Studio Displays [Setups]

An art director's Apple-all-the-way setup wins praise, but some commenters lose it over a backward-facing MacBook Pro.

Tweetz o’ the day

Skeuomorphism, but Apple pushed it too far..
— Ras✦Maus (@RasmusNielsen)
4:32 PM • Sep 19, 2023

A $749 iPhone XR from 2018 just received the latest iOS 17 update.
Meanwhile, a $1399 Samsung flagship from 2020 👏
— Shishir (@ShishirShelke1)
5:40 PM • Sep 19, 2023

Finally found the best wallpaper for my Samsung Flip5! 🔥
— Adan (@durreadan01)
9:50 AM • Sep 19, 2023

YouTuber Vincent Zhong plays Resident Evil on the iPhone 15 Pro using an external monitor and it looks shockingly good. Video is in Chinese but there are English subs.
— Snazzy Labs (@SnazzyLabs)
2:48 AM • Sep 20, 2023

One more thing ...

❝

[After dropping acid in a wheat field] I had been listening to a lot of Bach. All of a sudden the wheat field was playing Bach. It was the most wonderful feeling of my life up to that point. I felt like the conductor of this symphony with Bach coming through the wheat.

— Steve Jobs, 2011.

Today’s poll

Are you getting the new Apple Watch Ultra?

Results from yesterday’s poll: Do you like the changes in watchOS 10?

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