Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 were banned in the US due to a patent infringement lawsuit, effective October 26th, 2023. However, an appeals court temporarily paused the ban on December 27th, 2023, allowing Apple to resume selling these models. Apple is still appealing the initial ban, making the future of these models uncertain.
Great Alternative to Banned Apple Watch
Apple got an injunction to prevent the sale of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US. Indeed, we are unable to purchase those watches until they resolve their patent dispute. Forget it! On my birthday the following month, I was going to get that gorgeous new Ultra 2! Since I have no idea when this problem will be resolved, I need to find anything else right now. Maybe several months! Apple itself is clueless.
Garmin Forerunner 265
With its sophisticated training capabilities, GPS tracking, and workout recommendations specifically tailored for runners, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is a wristwatch made for runners. It has a ClimbPro Ascent Planner, PacePro Pacing Strategies, a wrist-based heart rate monitor, and a race predictor. With multi-band GNSS and SATIQTM technology, the watch also offers navigation and connection, enabling precise tracking in difficult circumstances. Along with music downloads, preloaded terrain maps, integrated incident detection and support capabilities, and free adaptive training plans, Garmin Coach is also included. The watch has a 14-day battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 20 hours in GPS mode. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Comparatively speaking to other all-purpose smartwatches, it is more costly and has less smart functions. The Garmin Forerunner 265 is a useful tool for dedicated runners who want to train more intelligently and accomplish their objectives, despite these shortcomings.
Garmin Vivo active 5
Advanced sports measurements are not necessary with the multifunctional Garmin Vivoactive 5, which provides fitness tracking, daily activity tracking, and smart functions. It has an eye-catching 1.2″ AMOLED display, a long-lasting battery that may last up to 11 days, more than 30 preloaded GPS and indoor sports applications, improved health and wellness insights, compatibility for music and Garmin PayTM, Garmin ConnectTM app compatibility, and a robust and fashionable design. Its attractive appearance, extended battery life, and user-friendly interface are among its advantages. Nevertheless, it could be less sensitive in cold conditions and missing some training measures seen in specialized sports watches. Starting at $299.99 is the pricing.
Withings ScanWatch 2
A hybrid smartwatch with fitness and health tracking capabilities is the Withings ScanWatch 2. It includes activity tracking, stress and recuperation, enhanced sleep monitoring, skin temperature, ECG, and health data insights. The watch is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, with a long battery life, and an elegant analog design. Notifications for calls, messages, and applications are also displayed on the watch screen. At $249, the watch’s pricing is competitive given its health tracking features but still marginally more than comparable entry-level smartwatches. It does not, however, have several sophisticated features like music storage, GPS, or a sophisticated app environment. For those who value both the traditional appearance of an analog watch and the advantages of contemporary health monitoring, this watch is perfect.
Apple Watch SE 2
The beautiful and reasonably priced Apple Watch SE 2 is an entry-level wristwatch featuring a Retina LTPO OLED display and a powerful S8 CPU. In GPS and GPS + Cellular versions, it provides connectivity choices, health monitoring, and fitness tracking. In addition, the SE 2 boasts an integrated speaker and microphone, compatibility with GymKit, Siri speech assistant, and App Store access. Affordability, excellent performance, thorough fitness tracking, and a fashionable design are among its advantages. It does, however, have a smaller display, fewer customizability choices, and neither an ECG nor a blood oxygen sensor. For those seeking basic health monitoring and exercise tracking, the SE 2 is a solid option.
Fitbit Charge 6
With Google connectivity, the Fitbit Charge 6 fitness tracker provides on-the-go access to well-known applications like YouTube Music, Maps, and Google Wallet. Additionally, it has sophisticated health monitoring capabilities for stress management, heart rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, and skin temperature fluctuation monitoring, such as ECG and EDA Scan. With over 40 activity modes, built-in GPS, Active Zone Minutes for measuring intensity, interval training, and automated workout identification, the Charge 6 has it all.
This device has a color touchscreen display, replaceable bands, notifications, NFC, water resistance up to 50 meters, and a battery life of up to 7 days. It also comes with 6 months of Fitbit Premium. But it costs a little more ($149.95) and has a smaller touchscreen display instead of an integrated speaker and microphone.
FAQ
Will the Apple Watch ban impact the smartwatch market as a whole?
if the ban is limited to specific countries or regions, its long-term impact might be negligible. Additionally, uncertainties about the future of the smartwatch market remain, as new players and technologies might emerge to fill the void left by Apple.
How is Apple Watch different from other watches?
Apple Watches are unique wristwatches with a range of smart features, including notifications, messaging, calls, music playback, fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, and app support. They prioritize health and fitness, with advanced sensors for heart rate monitoring, ECG capabilities, blood oxygen monitoring, and fall detection.
Can we use Apple Watch with Android?
The Apple Watch cannot be used with an Android phone due to its closed ecosystem, incompatible operating systems, and technical limitations. The Apple Watch operates on watchOS, an Apple-specific operating system, while Android phones use Wear OS, which is incompatible with Apple Watch hardware and software.
