Convenient with Apple Watch Ultra and AirPods Pro

Enlarge / The Apple Watch 2022 lineup. Left to right: Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE. Samuel Axone

CUPERTINO, Calif.—Apple's watch lineup doesn't often see a big shake-up or significant new features, but that wasn't the case at Apple's product launch event. Apple in September today. Along with modest updates to Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE, the company introduced Apple Watch Ultra, a rugged and more comprehensive version of Series 8.

We had the opportunity to hold and briefly photograph all three Watch models at the Steve Jobs Theater. While there wasn't a chance to try out the major new features, even a visual experience with the Ultra reveals it's a new kind of Apple Watch.

It's not the first rugged smartwatch on the market, of course, and depending on your needs, it might not even be the best. But this is the first foray into this world from a company that has dominated the smartwatch market for years.

Here is the front of the Apple Watch Ultra. Samuel Axone

Here is the side with the crown... Samuel Axone

...and here's the side with the new action button and a prominent speaker. Samuel Axone

Finally, take a look at the inner part that touches your wrist. Samuel Axone

Next up: a quick look at the 8 Series. Samuel Axone

Finally, the SE. Samuel Axone

The Ultra is significantly bulkier than its siblings. We'd even go so far as to say it has a whole new aesthetic. The screen pops loudly out of the titanium casing rather than folding gently to the sides like in other models. And the new large action button is hard to miss.

The SE is slightly different from its predecessor, but it's subtle. Series 8, on the other hand, is indistinguishable from Series 7 at a glance.

AirPods Pro

We also enjoyed a quick demo of the new