Highlights

• Luxury brand Hermès eradicates all Apple Watch references from their site amidst rumours of Apple’s shift from leather.
• Anticipated Apple Watch Series 9 to feature revolutionary heart rate sensor for unmatched accuracy.
• Introduction of the state-of-the-art U2 chip to refine location tracking capabilities.

In a surprising development last week, luxury design house Hermès expunged all references to Apple Watch and its corresponding bands from their digital storefront.

This unexpected move comes in the wake of speculation surrounding Apple’s pivot from leather accessories, a sentiment echoed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

With the longstanding collaboration between Apple and Hermès potentially reaching its finale, many are left wondering what the future holds for the opulent partnership.

Bloomberg had previously revealed Apple’s inclination to transition from its leather-centric designs. Reinforcing this shift, Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 15 lineup is rumoured to feature cases crafted from an innovative “FineWoven” material, replacing the conventional leather aesthetic.

Parker Ortolani was the first to highlight Hermès’ online overhaul, pinpointing the absence of the “Apple Watch Hermès” category within the “Jewellery and Watches” segment.

Intriguingly, while Apple’s own website continues to showcase a dedicated Hermès section, their inventory for the Hermès Apple Watch models is dwindling, as evidenced by the massive discounts being offered to Apple employees.

Apple Watch Series 9: Rumours and features

Diving into the technological front, Apple’s imminent Apple Watch Series 9 promises a blend of sophistication and performance.

Set to be available in the customary 41 mm and 45 mm dimensions, along with the Ultra 2 retaining its 49 mm form, these watches are eagerly anticipated. While retaining their iconic design language, whispers of a radical overhaul for the Apple Watch in 2024 have also begun to circulate.

In a report by Bloomberg, the forthcoming Apple Watches are pegged to feature a revamped processor, breaking away from the uniformity established since the Series 6. This enhancement is projected to amplify the watches’ responsiveness, ushering in a more fluid user experience.

Yet, the Series 9’s crowning jewels lie in its sensor upgrades. An advanced heart rate sensor is poised to make its debut, aiming for unparalleled precision in tracking users’ cardiovascular metrics.

This augmentation is pivotal in bolstering the watch’s health-monitoring faculties, ensuring that wearers receive the most accurate insights into their well-being.

Accompanying this is the integration of the cutting-edge U2 chip, which will grace both the Series 9 and Ultra 2. This ultra-wideband marvel is tailored to elevate the “Find My” feature’s capabilities, facilitating even more precise location pinpointing.

With speculations rife about this chip’s incorporation into the iPhone 15, it’s evident that Apple envisions a more interconnected ecosystem.

As the luxury sector and technological realm converge, one thing is clear: The horizons of wearable tech are ever-expanding, with Apple leading the charge.

FAQs

Why has Hermès removed all mentions of Apple Watches from their website?

While an official reason hasn’t been provided, the move aligns with reports of Apple transitioning away from leather accessories, potentially impacting their collaboration with Hermès.

What significant upgrades are expected in the Apple Watch Series 9?

The Series 9 is rumoured

to introduce a cutting-edge heart rate sensor for superior accuracy, along with an improved processor for enhanced performance. It will also feature the U2 chip to amplify location tracking precision.

How will the new U2 chip benefit Apple Watch users?

The U2 ultra-wideband chip is designed to optimize the “Find My” feature, promising more accurate location tracking. This is a part of Apple’s broader vision to enhance interconnectedness within its product range.

Is there a possibility of a complete design overhaul for future Apple Watches?

While the imminent models like Series 9 and Ultra 2 will retain the current design aesthetics, there are speculations of a significant Apple Watch redesign slated for 2024.