Apple Watch Series 9 Becomes Apple's First-Ever Carbon Neutral Product
Apple on Tuesday revealed that the Apple Watch Series 9 has achieved carbon neutrality. This means it's the very first Apple product to be carbon neutral.
During the Apple Event 2023, Apple launched its latest Series 9 watch which runs on a custom-made Apple chip called the S9 SiP, which is the most powerful chip ever used in an Apple Watch. This chip brings significant improvements and some new features. For example, it introduces a handy double-tap gesture and on-device Siri with the ability to keep your health data private and secure.
Apple Watch Series 9 starts at Rs 41,900 and Apple Watch SE starts at Rs 29,900
Additionally, the Series 9 boasts a new 4-core Neural Engine, which is fantastic for handling machine learning tasks. Apple said it is twice as fast as the one in the Apple Watch Series 8. Even with all this power, the S9 SiP is impressively energy-efficient, allowing the Apple Watch Series 9 to keep going for a full 18 hours on a single charge.
But its carbon neutrality makes it stand out. Apple said this is the result of a concerted effort to address three primary sources of carbon emissions in the product's lifecycle: materials, electricity and transportation.
Materials
Apple has prioritised the use of recycled materials in the Series 9, including 100 per cent recycled aluminum, as well as recycled gold, tin, copper, tungsten and cobalt in the battery. The company has also redesigned watch bands to incorporate recycled materials, such as the Sport Loop made with 82 per cent recycled yarn.
Electricity
The Cupertino, California-headquartered company said it has made substantial investments in renewable energy, powering all Apple Watch manufacturing with 100 per cent clean electricity. Additionally, Apple has committed to matching 100 per cent of the expected electricity use of Apple Watch wearers by investing in renewable energy projects worldwide.
Starting today, customers in India have the option to place their orders for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE. These products will be available in stores starting on Friday, September 22, 2023
Transportation
To reduce emissions related to transportation, Apple has revamped the packaging of the Series 9, making it 100 per cent fiber-based and more compact. This allows for more efficient shipping with a focus on low-carbon modes like ocean freight.
The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in two size options: 41mm and 45mm. You can choose from a variety of colors, including starlight, midnight, silver, "(PRODUCT)RED" and an exciting new pink aluminum case. Additionally, it's available in stainless steel with options in gold, silver, and graphite cases.
Net Carbon Neutrality
These efforts have resulted in a remarkable 78 per cent reduction in the carbon footprint of the Apple Watch Series 9. Any combination of aluminum Series 9 and the new Sport Loop band is now certified as carbon neutral by an independent third party. Apple's commitment to offsetting the remaining emissions with high-quality carbon removal projects ensures that the product achieves net carbon neutrality.
Any aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 with a new Sport Loop band is carbon neutral: Apple
Future Environmental Initiatives
During the Apple Event 2023, the company said its dedication to environmental responsibility extends beyond just the Series 9. Apple has announced plans to phase out the use of leather in all new Apple products, including watchbands, opting for more sustainable materials. Collaborations with partners like Hermes and Nike have yielded innovative environmentally friendly bands made from recycled and repurposed materials, Apple said.
With these initiatives and innovations, Apple said it remains on track to meet its ambitious goal of being carbon neutral across its entire business by 2030.
