The Apple Watch Series 9 is here, and it’s a leap forward in the evolution of Apple’s iconic smartwatch. While the design may feel familiar, Apple has packed in some impressive upgrades under the hood. From the lightning-fast new S9 chip to a groundbreaking gesture control feature, this hands-on review will explore what sets the Series 9 apart and whether it’s worth your investment.
Design and Display: Familiar, Yet Refined
At first glance, the Apple Watch Series 9 doesn’t stray far from the classic design that fans have grown to love. Available in two sizes (41mm and 45mm), the sleek, rounded edges, digital crown, and vibrant Retina display are all still there. However, the brightness of the display has been significantly boosted, reaching an incredible 2000 nits, making it easier than ever to use in bright sunlight. Whether you’re on an outdoor run or reading notifications on a sunny day, the display remains crystal clear.
Despite no radical design overhaul, the Series 9 feels more polished. Apple also continues to offer a wide variety of case materials and band styles, allowing users to truly customize their smartwatch experience.
S9 Chip: Unmatched Performance
One of the most exciting updates in the Apple Watch Series 9 is the introduction of the S9 chip, the most powerful processor Apple has ever put in a watch. This chip significantly enhances the speed and responsiveness of the watch, making apps open faster, transitions smoother, and animations more fluid. From fitness tracking to navigating through apps, everything just feels snappier.
The S9 chip also improves energy efficiency, which is crucial for extending battery life. Although Apple promises up to 18 hours of battery life on a single charge, with light-to-moderate usage, you might even stretch it further.
New Features: Double Tap Gesture and On-Device Siri
Apple has always been about convenience, and the Series 9 introduces a game-changing feature: the Double Tap Gesture. By simply tapping your thumb and forefinger together twice, you can control various functions on the watch, such as answering calls, stopping a timer, or controlling music playback. This is incredibly useful when your other hand is busy or you don’t want to touch the screen directly. It works seamlessly, thanks to the watch’s advanced motion sensors and machine learning.
Another welcome addition is on-device Siri. Siri now processes commands locally on the watch itself, making interactions faster and more private. This also means that many Siri tasks can be done even without an internet connection, such as starting a workout or setting a reminder.
Health and Fitness: A Comprehensive Tracking Suite
The Apple Watch Series 9 continues to excel in health and fitness tracking. It retains all the features that make the Apple Watch an excellent fitness companion: ECG monitoring, blood oxygen measurement, sleep tracking, and fall detection. The watch also supports Precision Finding for iPhone using ultra-wideband technology, allowing users to locate their iPhone more easily.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Series 9 provides detailed workout metrics, including heart rate, calories burned, and activity rings. It integrates smoothly with Apple Fitness+, Apple’s subscription fitness service, offering personalized workout plans and a wide variety of exercise routines. Whether you’re tracking a simple walk or an intense HIIT workout, the watch delivers reliable data to help you meet your fitness goals.
Battery Life: Still Solid
Despite the introduction of more powerful internals, Apple has managed to maintain the same 18-hour battery life from previous models. While it’s not the longest-lasting battery in the smartwatch world, it’s adequate for most users who charge their devices overnight. Additionally, the low-power mode, which debuted with watchOS 9, can extend usage time significantly, allowing you to squeeze out more hours when needed.
Carbon Neutral Options: A Step Towards Sustainability
Apple is taking significant steps to reduce its environmental impact, and the Apple Watch Series 9 is a part of that mission. Select models of the Series 9 are carbon neutral, made with recycled materials and sustainable manufacturing processes. Apple has also eliminated plastics from the packaging, making this the most eco-friendly watch in the lineup to date. If sustainability is important to you, this is a great step forward.
Should You Buy the Apple Watch Series 9?
So, is the Apple Watch Series 9 worth buying? If you’re coming from a Series 7 or earlier, the jump in performance and new features like Double Tap Gesture and on-device Siri make it a compelling upgrade. The improved display brightness, faster S9 chip, and advanced health tracking features also make it a top choice for those seeking a premium smartwatch.
However, if you already own a Series 8, the upgrades may not feel as transformative. The core experience remains largely the same, though the new performance enhancements and gesture control might still be worth the investment if you’re a power user or a fitness enthusiast.
Here are some of the Apple Watch Series 9 product options available
1. Apple Watch Series 9 (Aluminum Case)
- Sizes: 41mm and 45mm
- Colors: Midnight, Starlight, Silver, (PRODUCT)RED, Pink
- Features:
- S9 chip for faster performance
- Always-on Retina display with 2000 nits brightness
- Blood oxygen sensor, ECG, and heart rate monitoring
- 18-hour battery life
- Water resistance up to 50 meters
- Price Range: Starting at $399
2. Apple Watch Series 9 (Stainless Steel Case)
- Sizes: 41mm and 45mm
- Colors: Graphite, Silver, Gold
- Features:
- Premium stainless steel build for durability and luxury feel
- Same health tracking features (ECG, Blood Oxygen, Heart Rate)
- Cellular option available for standalone connectivity
- Supports all Series 9 features like Double Tap Gesture and On-Device Siri
- 18-hour battery life with fast charging
- Price Range: Starting at $699
3. Apple Watch Series 9 (Hermès Edition)
- Sizes: 41mm and 45mm
- Colors: Exclusive Hermès bands and faces
- Features:
- Stylish Hermès leather bands with unique design options
- Premium stainless steel case in exclusive colors
- All advanced health and fitness features of Series 9
- Cellular connectivity as standard
- Custom Hermès watch faces
- Price Range: Starting at $1,249
4. Apple Watch Series 9 (Nike Edition)
- Sizes: 41mm and 45mm
- Colors: Midnight, Starlight, Silver
- Features:
- Sporty design with breathable Nike sport bands
- Exclusive Nike watch faces
- Advanced workout metrics and integration with the Nike Run Club app
- S9 chip, brighter display, and health tracking features
- Water resistance up to 50 meters
- Price Range: Starting at $399
5. Apple Watch Series 9 (Cellular Models)
- Sizes: 41mm and 45mm
- Available in: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Hermès Editions
- Features:
- Built-in cellular connectivity allows calls, texts, and data usage without an iPhone
- Supports all Series 9 features (S9 chip, Double Tap Gesture, On-Device Siri)
- Ideal for fitness enthusiasts or those who want to stay connected on the go without carrying a phone
- Health and fitness tracking features including ECG, Blood Oxygen, and more
- Price Range: Starting at $499
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple Watch Series 9 is a strong refinement of its predecessors, offering enhanced performance, improved Siri integration, and a brighter display. Its new double-tap gesture is a convenient addition, making it easier to navigate the watch hands-free.
While it doesn’t introduce groundbreaking new features, the Series 9 excels at what it does best—providing a seamless, powerful experience for fitness tracking, health monitoring, and everyday convenience. For those upgrading from older models, the Series 9 offers enough upgrades to justify the switch, but it may not be a must-buy for Series 8 users.
Accessories for Apple Watch Series 9:
- Apple Watch Sport Band – Durable and lightweight silicone bands available in various colors.
- Apple Watch Solo Loop – A stretchable band for a snug fit without buckles or clasps.
- Apple Watch Leather Link – Stylish leather bands that snap magnetically for a secure fit.
- Apple Watch Milanese Loop – A stainless steel mesh band for a more elegant, premium look.
- Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger – Supports fast charging for the Series 9, getting you up to 80% charge in just 45 minutes.
