The Evolution of Apple Watch Series 2: A Comprehensive Review

As we take a closer look at the Apple Watch Series 2, it's clear that beneath its familiar exterior lies a wealth of new features and improvements. Gone are the days of simply choosing between Sport and non-Sport designs; now, the focus is on the materials used to build each watch. The space-gray Apple Watch Series 2 boasts no such distinctions, while the steel Apple Watch Series 2 offers a sleek and durable alternative.

One of the most striking differences between the Series 2 and its predecessor is the revamped design under the hood. The new S2 processor plays a significant role in this transformation, delivering smoother performance and faster app launches. The dock introduced in watchOS 3 to aid in launching apps has been optimized even further on the Series 2, making it possible for users to access their favorite apps with ease. Even third-party apps have taken notice of these improvements, resulting in a faster overall user experience.

The Apple Watch Series 2 is also more than just a speed demon; it's also been re-engineered for longevity and usability. One notable example of this is the camera app, which has seen significant updates to improve performance and functionality. While portrait mode and video recording are not yet available on the Series 2, the enhanced camera capabilities make up for it in other ways.

Starting workouts has never been easier or faster on the Apple Watch Series 2. Pinging your iPhone is quicker than ever before, and the response time for Siri has improved significantly while connected to WiFi. However, performance on cellular connections still lags behind that of its predecessors. Battery life, another area where the Series 2 excels, allows users to make the most of their watch without frequent recharging. The ability to turn on Raise to Wake and use screen brightness was previously impossible for many users; with the Series 2, these features are now accessible.

The Apple Watch Series 2 has also been designed with swimmers and runners in mind. The swimproofing capabilities have improved significantly, making it possible to test the watch's water resistance without concern. Users can take their iPhones on open-water swims, knowing that their devices will be protected by the watch's advanced water-repellent technology.

However, not all users may be able to fully appreciate these features. Swimming in cold waters like those found in September is not ideal for everyone, and there are still limitations to the watch's performance in such environments. Nevertheless, the Apple Watch Series 2 offers a range of other workout options that cater to different preferences and activities.

One notable feature of the Series 2 is its built-in GPS and mapping capabilities for runners and walkers alike. Even without an iPhone nearby, users can access detailed maps and track their progress with ease. However, there are some limitations to this feature, particularly in areas without clear markings or when navigating through dense environments like corn mazes.

For those who prefer skating over running, the Apple Watch Series 2 offers a unique set of features that make it an ideal choice. The watch's GPS capabilities allow users to track their outdoor skates with precision, even if they don't have their iPhone nearby. This feature is particularly useful for long-distance skating sessions or navigating unfamiliar terrain.

Last but not least, the screen on the Apple Watch Series 2 boasts a significant upgrade in brightness and quality. With its thousand-nit display, users can finally take full advantage of the top brightness setting without worrying about draining their watch's battery. This feature is particularly welcome for those who previously struggled with visibility in outdoor settings.

The Series 1 Watch, on the other hand, shares many similarities with its predecessor but lacks some of the key features that make the Series 2 so compelling. Its processor and GPU are identical to those found in the Series 2, but without GPS or swimproofing capabilities. Battery life is still respectable, however, and the speaker has a slightly different design.

Ultimately, the choice between the Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 2 comes down to individual needs and priorities. While the Series 1 offers a more affordable option for those who don't require all of the features found on the Series 2, it's clear that the latter represents a significant upgrade in terms of battery life alone. With its enhanced screen, GPS capabilities, and swimproofing technology, the Apple Watch Series 2 is a step forward for the brand and a welcome addition to their lineup.

As someone who has worn the original 38-millimeter Apple Watch, it's clear that the Series 2 represents a giant leap in terms of performance and features. While there are still limitations to the watch's capabilities, particularly when compared to its iPhone counterparts, the overall experience is undeniably improved. The Apple Watch Series 2 is a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, offering something for everyone within the world of smartwatches.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: en- This is the Apple Watch Series 2.Although it might not look very differentfrom the Apple watches that weknow and love from last yeara lot has changed under the hoodincluding new GPS features, swimproofing,a faster processor, and more.Let's take a look, shall we?(digital tones and techno music)So let's take a look atthe Apple Watch Series 2in a little bit more detail.On the left there is the spacegray Apple Watch Series 2.You'll notice that there areno more Sport distinctions,it's just the material.In the middle, that's thesteel Apple Watch Series 2,which I have been usingfor most of my review.And on the right therethat's not actually aSeries 2 watch at all.That is a Series 1 Apple Watch,which I got to do some comparison testingand we'll see a little bitmore of that a little later on.From the outside the Apple watchreally doesn't look all thatdifferent from prior models.I'd be hard pressed topick one out of a lineup.It's a little bit thicker buthonestly not too noticeableon the wrist.The only real differencesare a couple of extra holesto help with swimproofing andthat new Series 2 engravingon the back of the casing.But appearances can be deceiving.The Apple Watch has beenre-engineered for speed,longevity, usability, andmost importantly fitness.We'll start with speed.Everything is smoother.A big part of that is thanks to watchOS 3,Apple's latest operatingsystem for its smart watch.But honestly, that S2processor helps a great deal.The dock introduced in watchOS 3to help you launch your appsfaster works even betteron Apple Watch Series 2.Apps launch instantaneously,even from a restart.Picking a third party appthat's not in your dockwill still give you thatannoying, annoying spinbut it is faster, especiallyon apps that have optimizedfor watchOS 3.A great example of this is the camera.It used to take forever forthe camera app to start upand connect to your phoneand all of that jazz.It's immeasurably faster on Series 2,especially if it's in your dockand there are new featuresin that little camera app.Although, no way forportrait mode or videowhich is kind of a bummer.Starting workouts is a lot faster,pinging your iPhone is a lot faster,and the response timefor Siri is much betterwhile you're on WiFi.Although, it's not perfect on cellularbut it's an improvement from Series 0.If your watch ever diesstarting it up is stillexcruciatingly slow.Not as slow as Series 0but it'll still take a couple minutes.That said, battery lifegains are so good in Series 2that you may never haveto restart your watchin the middle of the day, fingers crossed.Battery life, the Apple Watch, and Ihave always had a bit of afrustration with each other.A 38-millimeter smart watchcan only spare so muchfor batter space andwhen you make a Series 0of said smart watch record four hoursof roller derby practiceit doesn't end well.But with the Series 2 38-millimeter watchin can go out, I can doworkouts, I can use Siri,I can get directions.I can actually turn on Raise to Wakeand use the screen brightnesswhich I was never able to do priorand still have batterylife at the end of the day.I have yet to kill eitherof my review unit watchor the steel Apple Watchand I have been puttingthese things throughsome pretty heavy testing.Obviously I've been doing a lot of skatingbut the Series 2 alsooffers great featuresfor swimmers and runners so Ithought I'd give that a try.The watch is indeed swimproof.I tested it in the shower.Definitely waterproof,and the spitting animation is hilarious.This is my new favorite droid.But you can't really testswim strokes in the tubso I went into the Atlantic Oceanin September, I know.So even though your iPhone7 is water resistantyou don't necessarily wannatake it on an open water swim.Jet black iPhone, jet blackwater, goodbye iPhone.The good news is Apple Watch uses GPSwhen your arm is abovewater to grab the distanceand give you a general swim map.In my tests it's pretty good.Though, I'd saythat as somebody who spent lessthan 10 minutes in the waterbecause cold I'd love to see pro swimmersgive it a test though.Apple, give Katie Ledecky a call.Even though you can swim inthe water with the Apple watchI don't know if I'd recommendthe ocean in September.Lucky for me Apple'sother new workout optionis very fall friendly,built in GPS and GPS mapsfor runners and walkers.I generally prefer skating over runningbut I did do a ton ofwalking to test the watch,pretty much everywhere, even with my dogs.When you start an outdoorrun or walk in watchOS 3and on the Series 2even if you don't haveyour iPhone with youyou'll get a nice little GPS mapthat shows you exactly whereyou've been walking or running.It's pretty cool; although,it does have its problems,especially if you're in anunmarked place in a small arealike a corn maze, which Idiscovered this weekend.Good news though, GPS is intelligent.It only turns on whenyour iPhone is not around,which means it doesn'tkill your battery life.Yet another plus for38-millimeter watch owners.And though I may never use it for runningI hear a couple of outdoorskating workouts calling my name.Last but not least, the screen.It's brighter, a thousand nits bright.For me this is a huge improvementupon my original Apple Watchbecause I never actually usedthe top brightness setting.I was always worried aboutrunning out of battery.On the Series 2 I can use thatthousand nits of brightnessand have no fear that mywatch is gonna die midday.A quick note on the Series 1 Watch.It has the same processorand GPU as Series 2without the GPS or the swimproofing.Battery life is still greatand the speaker is a little bit different.Testing, testing, one, two, three.Testing one, two, three.Whether you choose to geta Series 1 or Series 2comes down to your price range,whether you need the brighterscreen, GPS, swimproofing,or you wanna upgrade to asteel or ceramic casing.My bottom line.as someone who wore the original38-millimeter Apple Watchthe Series 2 is a gigantic upgradein terms of battery life alonebut that great screen, theGPS, and the swimproofingmake it even better.The Apple Watch isn't perfectand the iPhone tetheringlimits what it can dobut it's a great iteration,a welcomed step forward,and I'm having a blast using it.\n"