Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 Banned in the US!
In a surprising turn of events, Apple has faced a setback as their latest Apple Watch models, Series 9 and Ultra 2, have been banned from sale in the US due to an ongoing patent dispute. This means eager customers, like myself, looking forward to upgrading to the Ultra 2 for their birthday or any occasion will have to reconsider their choices.
It’s a real bummer, considering the uncertainty around how long this ban will last. With the patent dispute still unresolved, there’s no telling when these sought-after Apple Watches will be available again. Looks like we’ll have to explore alternative options for the time being. Fingers crossed for a quick resolution! 🤞🏽
WE STILL HAVE OPTIONS THOUGH
Absolutely no need to despair! Although the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are temporarily unavailable, there’s a wealth of excellent smartwatches from other brands like Garmin and Fitbit. Guess what? Apple still has you covered with their older Apple Watch SE 2 model. While it might not be as flashy as the Ultra 2, it can still handle the essentials.
Let me simplify the choices for you, outlining some of the finest Apple Watch alternatives, catering to various budgets and preferences. You’re sure to find one that suits your needs!
Apple Watch SE 2
If you’re sticking with Apple, the Watch SE 2 is a solid choice. It’s more affordable than the Series 9, starting at just $249, and comes packed with health features like GPS, heart rate tracking, and workout detection. The new crash detection feature, which calls for help if you take a tumble, is a particularly handy addition. Plus, the screen is impressively bright at 1000 nits.
While it may lack some features of the Series 9, such as the ECG app, and comes with a slower charger and an older chip, it’s a reliable option for those who prioritize the basics. You can choose between 40mm and 44mm sizes – I’d lean towards the 44mm for that extra screen space, but it’s ultimately up to your preference!
Withings ScanWatch 2
The Withings ScanWatch 2 is not just sleek in design but also offers robust health monitoring features. With its stylish metal and glass design, it resembles something straight out of a James Bond movie.
This watch goes beyond the basics, checking heart rate, oxygen levels, and even performing ECG scans to detect potential issues. It also includes sleep tracking features to ensure a comprehensive overview of your health.
All the data it gathers is sent to the Withings health app on your phone, which provides detailed statistics and tips for improvement. Priced at $350 for the 38mm model, it’s a bit more expensive than the SE 2, but if you’re looking for both style and in-depth health insights, it could be well worth the investment!
Fitbit Charge 6
The Fitbit Charge 6 is a solid fitness tracker from a reputable brand known for quality health and activity devices. This device, like its predecessors, efficiently tracks steps, calories, and heart rate 24/7. It also features automatic workout detection for activities like running, biking, and even swimming.
The sleep tracking functionality provides detailed insights into your sleep cycles, helping you identify and improve your sleep patterns. An added bonus is the six months of free Fitbit Premium that comes with the Charge 6, offering additional statistics and health tips.
Priced at under $160, it’s a budget-friendly option, and the variety of color combinations, such as the stylish steel blue, allows for a personalized touch to match your style!
Garmin Vivoactive 5
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a top-tier sporty smartwatch designed to elevate your fitness tracking experience. Boasting a large, vibrant touchscreen that remains visible even in bright sunlight, this device is packed with features to cater to a wide range of workouts, including running, cycling, weightlifting, and more.
Offering detailed insights such as distance, pace, calories, and even form metrics like ground contact time, the Vivoactive 5 goes above and beyond in tracking your activities. In addition to its advanced fitness capabilities, it also functions as a basic smartwatch, providing notifications, music control, and payment options.
Notably, the battery life is impressive, lasting almost two weeks as a watch or 15 hours with GPS running. While the $300 price tag may seem steep, the comprehensive set of features and the stylish color options make it a compelling choice for those willing to invest in a premium fitness companion.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 stands out as an attractive and feature-packed smartwatch, offering a winning combination of style and health-focused capabilities. The device features a large and vibrant AMOLED display, overshadowing Apple’s screen in terms of aesthetics. What sets the Sense 2 apart is its comprehensive health tracking features, covering heart rate, stress levels, sleep quality, and even utilizing EDA to measure nerve signals. The Fitbit app provides a detailed overview of your health and fitness metrics.
For fitness enthusiasts, the built-in GPS allows you to track runs and rides without the need for your phone, providing in-depth data on pace and heart rate zones. Beyond its health-centric functionalities, the Sense 2 handles regular smartwatch tasks, including notifications, voice commands for smart home devices, and contactless payments.
With a reasonable price tag of $250 and a variety of appealing color options, such as the Shadow Grey variant, the Fitbit Sense 2 presents an enticing option for those seeking a well-rounded smartwatch with a focus on health and fitness.
Garmin Forerunner 265
The Garmin Forerunner 265 emerges as the ultimate companion for running enthusiasts, tailored specifically for those deeply passionate about their running endeavors. This watch caters to the running junkies who live and breathe the sport, providing a comprehensive set of stats and tools to fuel their addiction.
Equipped with standard GPS functionality, the Forerunner 265 goes above and beyond by delving into detailed analyses of your runs, including cadence, stride length, and ground contact time. These metrics assist in optimizing running form for achieving personal records.
The built-in wrist heart rate monitor allows for targeted training within specific heart rate zones, offering three customizable zones for a personalized training experience. For long-distance runners concerned about battery life, the Forerunner 265 impressively lasts up to two months in regular mode and up to 10 hours of continuous GPS running.
While priced at $450, the Forerunner 265 may be considered a significant investment. However, for dedicated runners aiming to conquer new milestones and achieve performance gains, this watch is poised to pay dividends by helping break personal
FINAL WORDS
Alright, folks, we covered a lot of ground! In summary, even with the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 facing a temporary ban, there’s a wide range of fantastic smartwatches available to suit every budget. Whether you prioritize fitness and health tracking or desire a stylish accessory, brands like Fitbit, Garmin, and Withings offer diverse options.
For those committed to Apple, the reliable Watch SE 2 is still available for purchase, but act quickly before stocks dwindle!
I hope breaking down these options provided some clarity. Feel free to drop any additional questions, and your buddy is here to help! Take care, stay healthy, and catch you later! Peace!
