Source: Apple. The Apple Watch.

Apple has launched new Apple Watch cases and bands, updated its watch operating system, and introduced new gold and rose gold aluminum models for the Apple Watch Sport.

Available as a free update on September 16, the watchOS 2 operating system delivers new features and native third-party apps to Apple Watches. With watchOS 2, apps run faster. Users will also find new watch faces, third-party app information viewable on the watch face, and a “Time Travel” feature that provides chronological context. WatchOS 2 also boasts enhanced communication features. Users can quickly respond to emails using dictation, Smart Replies, or emoji. Additionally, a new feature called Digital Touch aims to boost creativity.

Apple Watch comes in two sizes, 38 mm and 42 mm, and three collections: Apple Watch Sport, starting at US$349; Apple Watch, starting at US$549; and Apple Watch Edition, crafted from custom rose or yellow 18-karat gold alloys, with prices starting at US$10,000.

The various collections include more color options for cases and bands. For instance:

• The Apple Watch Edition now offers an 18-karat rose gold case with a midnight blue Classic Buckle.
• The lightweight anodized aluminum case of the Apple Watch Sport is now available in gold aluminum and rose gold aluminum and comes with fluoroelastomer Sport Bands in lavender, antique white, stone, and midnight blue. 
• Purchasers can now buy the Apple Watch Sport silver aluminum case with new orange or blue Sport Bands.
• The stainless steel Apple Watch collection now includes a new two-toned Classic Buckle in black or saddle brown. 
• The Apple Watch space black stainless steel case can now be purchased with a black Sport Band.
• Apple Watch is joining Apple’s commitment to (PRODUCT)RED with a stainless steel case and (PRODUCT)RED Sport Band. A portion of each sale will be donated to the Global Fund to fight AIDS.

Separately, Apple and Hermès have unveiled the Apple Watch Hermès, a new collection featuring stainless steel Apple Watches with leather bands from Hermès. Available styles include the Single Tour, Double Tour, and Cuff.

Source: Apple. An Apple Watch Hermès

“Apple and Hermès may make very different products, but both share a deep appreciation for quality design,” said Jonathan Ive, Apple’s Chief Design Officer. “A sincere pursuit of excellence and the desire to create something exceptional are driving forces for both companies. Apple Watch Hermès truly embodies this shared belief.”

“At Hermès, we strive to provide our clients with elegant, creative, and functional objects for their everyday lives,” said Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Hermès’ Executive VP in charge of artistic direction. “This collaboration with Apple is a perfect expression of this principle. We are strongly united by shared values and principles. I view it as an alliance rooted in excellence; the pairing is as perfect as a horse and carriage.”

Apple Watch Hermès pricing starts at US$1,100 for the 38 mm stainless steel case with the Single Tour, US$1,150 for the 42 mm stainless steel case with the Single Tour, US$1,250 for the 38 mm stainless steel case with the Double Tour, and US$1,500 for the 42 mm stainless steel case with the Cuff.

The 38 mm stainless steel case with the Single Tour is available in fauve Barenia leather, noir box leather, and capucine Swift leather, while the 42 mm stainless steel case with the Single Tour comes in fauve Barenia leather and noir box leather. The Double Tour can be purchased with the 38 mm stainless steel case and is offered in fauve Barenia leather and bleu jean, capucine, and etain Swift leather. The Cuff is paired with the 42 mm stainless steel case and is available only in fauve Barenia leather. Each stainless steel case across the collection features an etched Hermès signature and comes with a customizable face offering three exclusive dial designs inspired by Clipper, Cape Cod, and Espace Hermès watches.

View the full line-up in the Apple Watch gallery.

Interested?

Apple Watch is available on Apple.com and will be available in Apple’s retail stores and select Apple Authorized Resellers, specialty stores and department stores over the next few days. For local availability, visit locate.apple.com.

In Asia Pacific, the Apple Watch Hermès collection will be available at select Apple retail stores, select Hermès stores, specialty stores and department stores beginning October 5 in Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore.

*Apple Watch requires iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus running iOS 8.2 or later.

**WatchOS 2 and iOS 9 will be available beginning Wednesday, September 16 as a free software update. To use all watchOS 2 features, download iOS 9.

***Prices for the US; local pricing may vary.