Should You Buy an Apple Watch Series 9?
Released in September 2023, the Apple Watch Series 9 is more than halfway through its product cycle, and will be refreshed in September 2024. For that reason, if you like having the latest technology, you might want to wait to upgrade.
Apple's Series 9 is the middle-tier Apple Watch, and this year's model features a faster S9 chip, brighter display, and a new Double Tap feature, but no other new additions. The next-generation Apple Watch could have a larger display and some minor design changes, and there is a possibility we'll see new health features.
If you want something more affordable, it's best to check out the Apple Watch SE. If you can wear a larger watch, want the top-of-the-line features, or do a lot of outdoor activities, you will want to check out the Apple Watch Ultra.
If you're having trouble deciding which Apple Watch is for you, we have a series of Buyer's Guides that walk you through all of the differences. You'll also want to check out our Apple Watch deals page to make sure you get the best price.
Apple Watch Series 9
Contents
Introduced in September 2023, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the newest iteration of the Apple Watch that originally came out in 2015, and it replaces the prior-generation Apple Watch Series 8.
The Apple Watch Series 9 features no design changes compared to the prior-generation model, with all of the same features and sensors, though there are new internal updates. There continue to be 41mm and 45mm size options, and the casings feature the same rounded edges, slim-bordered display, sapphire crystal backing, and Digital Crown with haptic feedback.
There is an Always-On display that lets users see their watch face and complications at all times, and the display is now brighter than before. The maximum brightness is now 2000 nits, which is double the brightness of the Series 8 and makes the display easier to see in bright sunlight. For dark rooms and at night, the display can lower to one nit, keeping it dim but readable.
Series 9 features crack-resistant front glass, IP6X dust resistance, and a WR50 water resistance rating. Apple Pay purchases are available with credit and debit cards stored in the Wallet app, and it has the same fast charging speeds as the prior-generation model.
The biggest new feature in the Series 9 is the new S9 chip, which is much faster than the S8 in the prior model and enables functionality. The S9 chip has a 4-core Neural Engine that processes machine learning tasks up to twice as fast, and it is more efficient for the same all-day battery life despite new capabilities.
Double Tap is the major new feature enabled by the S9 chip. The gesture allows users to tap the index finger and thumb together in order to interact with the Apple Watch one-handed. Double Tap can be used to stop a timer, play/pause music, answer or end a call, snooze an alarm, and more.
With the S9, Siri commands that do not require information from the internet are processed on device for faster response times and more privacy, plus dictation is 25 percent more accurate. Users can also ask Siri questions about data from the Health app, getting information on Activity progress, heart rate, sleep, and medications.
Heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen detection, ECG readings, sleep tracking, fall detection, loud noise monitoring, and built-in temperature sensing continue to be available. These are all features that Apple introduced with prior-generation models.
A Crash Detection feature takes advantage of the watch's gyroscope and accelerometer along with an advanced sensor-fusion algorithm to detect severe car crashes and alert emergency services. When a crash occurs, the Apple Watch checks in with the user and if no response is received within a 10-second countdown, emergency responders are contacted.
Battery life remains the same at up to 18 hours, but it can be extended to 36 hours with Low Power Mode. Low Power Mode disables the Always-On display, turns off background heart rate measurements, limits Wi-Fi and cellular connections, and more.
Apple added a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip to the Series 9. The UWB chip enables Precision Finding for locating a misplaced iPhone with visual, haptic, and audio guidance. There's also improved integration with HomePod and when an Apple Watch gets within four meters of a HomePod playing audio, the Series 9 can show the Now Playing interface for controlling media.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is available in aluminum and stainless steel. Aluminum colors include Pink, Starlight, Midnight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED, while the stainless steel models come in Silver, Graphite, and Gold with the luxury Hermès-branded model also available in Space Black. Apple has introduced new band colors and materials to go along with the Series 9, eliminating all leather band options.
The Series 9 is being sold alongside the higher-end, larger, and more feature rich Apple Watch Ultra 2, plus the lower-cost second-generation Apple Watch SE.
Note: See an error in this roundup or want to offer feedback? Send us an email here.
How to Buy
The Apple Watch Series 9 models are available to purchase from the online Apple Store, Apple retail stores, and third-party stores like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target.
To avoid a U.S. sales ban, Apple is now selling the Apple Watch Series 9 with the blood oxygen sensor disabled. If you purchase an Apple Watch Series 9 from Apple in the U.S. right now, it will not have a functional blood oxygen sensor.
Pricing on the Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 for the 41mm GPS-only aluminum models, with price increases for larger sizing, LTE connectivity, and the stainless steel material.
Design
The Apple Watch Series 9 has received no design updates. It continues to use the same rounded, square look the previous generation Series 8, and it is available in 41mm and 45mm size options, which were introduced in 2021.
There are soft, rounded edges around the Apple Watch's display, and weights range from 32 grams to 51.5 grams depending on casing size and material. The stainless steel Apple Watch Series 9 models are the heaviest.
All Apple Watch Series 9 models feature a black ceramic and crystal back that houses four LED clusters and four photodiodes to facilitate health-monitoring features such as heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring, and ECGs.
There is a Digital Crown on the side of the Apple Watch for scrolling and navigation, and there is a side button for bringing up frequently used apps, accessing emergency services, confirming Apple Pay purchases, and more.
The Digital Crown is equipped with haptic feedback that offers a precise, mechanical feel when scrolling through lists and controlling various aspects of the Apple Watch, and it is key for the ECG app because it has a built-in electrode that works in tandem with the rear sensors.
Note that the Digital Crown looks different depending on the Apple Watch model you purchase. LTE models have a red ring around the Digital Crown so you know that they have cellular functionality, while GPS-only models lack the red ring.
Colors and Materials
The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in aluminum and stainless steel. The aluminum Apple Watch models are the most affordable, while the stainless steel models are pricier.
Aluminum colors include Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Pink, and (PRODUCT)RED. Stainless steel colors include Silver, Gold, Graphite, and Space Black.
The aluminum Apple Watch models are made from 100 percent recycled 7000 series aluminum, are lightweight, inexpensive, and designed for an active lifestyle, while the stainless steel models are heavier, more expensive, and designed for everyday wear rather than focused on activity.
41mm
- Aluminum: 31.9 grams
- Stainless Steel: 42.3 grams
45mm
- Aluminum: 38.7 grams
- Stainless Steel: 51.5 grams
Durability
The Apple Watch Series 9 models feature the same stronger front crystal component first introduced with the Series 7, which is more resistant to cracking than prior Apple Watch models.
The aluminum Apple Watch models feature Ion-X glass to protect the display, while the stainless steel models use sapphire crystal glass. Sapphire crystal glass offers better scratch resistance than Ion-X glass because it is a harder material, which means the sapphire crystal models are more resistant to scratching and everyday wear.
All Apple Watch Series 9 models feature IP6X dust resistance for use in environments like the beach or the desert, and they offer WR50 water resistance, rated for immersion in water as deep as 50 meters thanks to seals and adhesives. The speaker, which needs air to produce sound, is the only point of ingress and has been designed to expel water using sound vibrations after exposure to moisture.
Because it is rated for 50m immersion, the Apple Watch can be used when swimming in the ocean or in a pool. It is only suited to shallow water activities, and can't be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, showering, or other activities that involve high-velocity water or deep submersion. For these water activities, the Apple Watch Ultra is recommended.
Apple's Apple Watch warranty does not cover water damage, so it is best to exercise caution when exposing the device to water.
S9 Chip
Apple designed a new S9 System-in-Package (SiP) for the Apple Watch Series 9, and it is the most powerful watch chip yet. The dual-core CPU has 5.6 billion transistors, 60 percent more than the S8 chip, plus it includes a four-core Neural Engine that is able to process machine learning tasks up to twice as fast.
Double Tap Gesture
The S9 chip enables a Double Tap gesture that you can use to control the Apple Watch. When you double tap your index finger and thumb, the sensors in the Apple Watch detect the motion and can activate what's on the display, allowing you to do things like answer a call, end a call, open a notification, play or pause music, start or stop a timer, check your Smart Stack, and more.
- Everything You Can Do With the Double Tap Gesture on Apple Watch
- Apple Watch Double Tap Feature: What It Does and How to Get It
Double Tap was added to the Apple Watch Series 9 in watchOS 10.1.
On-Device Siri
Siri requests processed on-device are faster and more secure with the S9 chip, and Siri dictation is up to 25 percent more accurate.
Later this year, Siri will be able to answer questions about health data, such as how well you slept or what your heart rate was during a workout. Siri will also be able to log information such as weight, water consumed, and other metrics you might want to track.
Storage
The Apple Watch Series 9 has 64GB of storage, up from 32GB in the prior-generation model.
Always-On Display
The Apple Watch Series 9 features largely the same display as the Series 8, with 1.7mm borders and a contour that causes it to bend slightly around the top edges of the glass. The maximum display brightness has been improved, however, and it now goes up to 2000 nits so it's easier to see the screen in the sun. The display is also able to dim to 1 nit, which is ideal for dark rooms like movie theaters.
The watch uses an OLED ultra low power temperature poly-silicon and oxide display (LTPO) to enable Always-On functionality, which allows the watch face, complications, and other information to be continually visible.
The display dims when the wrist is down in order to preserve battery life, but key features like watch hands remain illuminated all the time. Touching the watch face or raising the wrist brings the display back to full brightness, and to minimize battery drain, Apple has optimized watch faces for the feature. The Apple Watch's display also has a variable refresh rate that drops from 60Hz to as low as 1Hz when the watch is inactive.
Health Features
The Apple Watch Series 9 has a third-generation optical heart rate sensor that calculates metrics like calorie burn, resting heart rate, and a heart rate that's too high, and the electrical heart rate sensor can be used for taking electrocardiograms, while LEDs and infrared light enable blood oxygen monitoring. A built-in accelerometer and gyroscope enable other important health-related features such as fall detection.
The Apple Watch can detect a low heart rate, a high heart rate, and an abnormal heart rate, monitoring for health problems like atrial fibrillation and sending notifications when anomalies are detected.
Blood Oxygen Monitoring
Sensors on the back of the Apple Watch enable the blood oxygen monitoring feature available in the Apple Watch Series 9. Blood oxygen saturation in a healthy individual is around 95 to 100 percent, and when the percentage of oxygen in the blood drops below that, it can be indicative of a serious health issue that needs immediate attention.
Green, red, and infrared LEDs shine light onto the blood vessels in the wrist, with photodiodes measuring the amount of light reflected back. Apple's algorithms then calculate the color of the blood, which is an indication of how much oxygen is present. The Series 9 can measure blood oxygen between 70 and 100 percent.
The Apple Watch Series 9 was facing a U.S. import ban due to the blood oxygen sensor, which the International Trade Commission claims violates patents owned by medical device company Masimo. To avoid a sales ban, Apple is selling a version of the the Apple Watch Series 9 that has a disabled blood oxygen sensor.
The blood oxygen app is still present on these models, but tapping into it confirms that it is not functional at this time. If Apple does ever reach a settlement with Masimo, or wins a future appeal, the blood oxygen functionality could be reenabled through a software update.
ECGs
Electrodes in the back of the Apple Watch and the Digital Crown work together to allow users to take single-lead electrocardiograms. An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart and can be used to diagnose health conditions by a doctor.
ECGs are captured by holding a finger on the Digital Crown of the Apple Watch and can detect a sinus rhythm (normal), an abnormal result, or, sometimes, an inconclusive result that should be shared with a doctor. The ECG is able to detect atrial fibrillation at heart rates above 100 beats per minute.
A single-lead ECG like the Apple Watch means there are two points of contact measuring the electrical sensations of your heart. Clinical electrocardiograms done by your doctor can have six to 12 leads for greater accuracy, but the Apple Watch offers the convenience of being able to take an ECG anytime anywhere in approximately 30 seconds.
Sleep Tracking
The Apple Watch Series 9 models can be worn at night to keep track of your sleep. It monitors when you're awake and when you're asleep, letting you know how much time you spent in the REM, Core, and Deep sleep stages. Sleep tracking also lets you know how often you've woken up in the night and for how long.
Crash Detection
Updated motion sensors and an advanced sensor-fusion algorithm allow the Apple Watch Series 9 to detect a severe car crash and alert emergency services. After a crash is detected, the Apple Watch checks in with the user and then dial emergency services after a 10-second period with no response. It also alerts emergency contacts.
Temperature Measurements
There are two temperature sensors in the Series 9, including one that measures the temperature at the wrist and one that measures the ambient temperature in the air to cut down on outside bias.
The temperature sensor is primarily designed for women's health. It is able to take temperature readings every five seconds when the wearer is asleep, aggregating the data in the Health app. Temperature fluctuations can provide data on overall health, but it is also useful for fertility planning.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is able to deliver retrospective ovulation estimates, letting users know when they might have ovulated for better cycle tracking. Apple says temperature sensing also improves period predictions for those who menstruate.
Battery Life
Apple advertises "all-day" 18-hour battery life for the Apple Watch Series 9 models, which can be increased to up to 36 hours with Low Power Mode.
Apple bases "all-day" battery life estimates on 90 time checks, 90 notifications, 45 minutes of app use, and a 60-minute workout with music playback via Bluetooth. For LTE models, Apple assumes four hours of LTE connection and 14 hours of connection to an iPhone. In some situations, the Apple Watch drains faster, such as during calls or workouts.
The Apple Watch Series 9 can fast charge with Apple's Magnetic Fast Charger USB-C Cable and an 18W or higher power adapter. Just eight minutes of charging can provide up to eight hours of sleep tracking.
Connectivity
Apple Watch Series 9 models are equipped with an Apple-designed W3 chip, and there are two variants available: GPS and GPS + Cellular. GPS + Cellular models have a built-in LTE chip and can connect to LTE without an iPhone, while GPS models are Wi-Fi only.
LTE connectivity has been available since the Apple Watch Series 3, and with an LTE connection, the Apple Watch is untethered from the iPhone and does not require an iPhone or known Wi-Fi network for an internet connection.
The Apple Watch is still not entirely independent from the iPhone, because LTE connectivity through a carrier requires an Apple Watch and an iPhone 6s or later to share a cellular plan with the same carrier. The Apple Watch also does not have the battery capacity to be used constantly without an iPhone nearby.
Ultra Wideband Chip
The Apple Watch Series 9 has a new second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, which is also in the iPhone 15 models. Like the original U1, the second-generation chip enables highly accurate short-range wireless that Apple says supports new experiences like car keys, the feature that allows an Apple Watch (or iPhone) to be used in lieu of a physical car key.
The UWB chip also allows the Apple Watch to track AirTags, and it allows an Apple Watch to use Precision Finding to track down a misplaced iPhone, even if it is in the same room. With the HomePod, when an Apple Watch gets within four meters of a HomePod that is playing audio, the Apple Watch Series 9 will show a Now Playing interface for media control. If nothing is playing on the HomePod, the Apple Watch will show media suggestions at the top of the Smart Stack.
Emergency SOS
LTE connectivity enables an international Emergency SOS feature that was first released with the Series 5. With Emergency SOS, the Apple Watch can make international calls to emergency services regardless of where the device was originally purchased or if there's an active cellular plan.
That means if you're traveling to another country and are injured or in a situation where you need help, you can activate the SOS feature on the Apple Watch by holding down the side button to automatically get in touch with that country's emergency services. International emergency calling works with the Apple Watch's fall detection feature, so if that's enabled, it automatically places an emergency call if the watch senses the user has taken a hard fall and remains motionless afterward.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS
Apple Watch Series 9 supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.3, which offers longer range, faster speeds, larger broadcast message capacity, and better interoperability with other wireless technologies.
GPS has been included in the Apple Watch since the Series 2, and all Series 9 models, LTE and non-LTE, feature a GPS chip that allows the Apple Watch to determine its position without needing to be near an iPhone.
With GPS, the Apple Watch is able to keep tabs on speed, distance, and route when you're walking, running, hiking, or biking, providing more insight into your fitness activities. GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS systems are supported for positioning technology across multiple countries.
Nike and Hermès Models
The Nike Apple Watch was created in partnership with Nike and is designed specifically for runners. Nike Apple Watch models are all made from aluminum and are the same price as the standard aluminum Apple Watches.
Nike Apple Watches come with Nike watch faces (though the watch faces are available on all iPhone models) and unique Nike-themed bands.
The Hermès Apple Watch collection was created in partnership with French fashion house Hermès and features some of the most expensive Apple Watches Apple offers because of the high price of the bands.
All Hermès models feature a silver or space black stainless steel Apple Watch body paired with one of the Hermès signature hand-crafted bands and an additional orange Hermès-branded Apple Watch Sport band. Hermès Apple Watches include unique watch faces based on Hermès watch designs.
Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch Series 9 is being sold alongside the more expensive Apple Watch Ultra 2, priced at $799, and the more affordable Apple Watch SE, priced starting at $249.
The Apple Watch SE uses an older design and it does not feature a blood oxygen sensor or ECG capabilities, while the high-end Apple Watch Ultra is aimed at adventurers and explorers with a larger 49mm case size, longer battery life, and a more rugged build.
What's Next for the Apple Watch
Apple is planning for a thinner version of the Apple Watch in 2024, but it is "unlikely" that it will look much different than the current models, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Larger display sizes are expected, and Apple is still planning for two models.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also said that the 2024 Apple Watch Series 10 will have a thinner body with larger screen sizes. Kuo expects the Series 10 to be available in 45mm and 49mm sizes, up from the current 41mm and 45mm size options.
CAD renders of what might be the next-generation Apple Watch surfaced in June, allegedly depicting a larger model with a two inch display, which is a bit bigger than the 1.93-inch Apple Watch Ultra.
The dimensions are said to measure roughly 46 x 39.7 x 11.6mm, so that would be a bit larger than the Series 9 but smaller than the Apple Watch Ultra. The design seems to have the same Digital Crown and Side Button, and it is overall similar to the Apple Watch Series 9.There is no evidence of a notably slimmed down case or a magnetic band attachment system, both of which have been rumored for the device.
The next-generation Apple Watch is expected to feature resin-coated copper, allowing for a thinner logic board and supporting improved durability and water resistance. Thinning down the logic board would allow for additional internal space for other components.
Gurman previously said that Apple was considering a magnetic band attachment system that would free up space in the Apple Watch, but his most recent report did not mention this functionality. The magnetic band system would perhaps mean that existing bands would not be compatible with the new models.
Apple has also been working on hypertension and sleep apnea detection for the Series 10, but Gurman says these features may not be ready to launch. Apple is reportedly having issues with reliability for the hypertension feature, which could lead to delays, and the sleep apnea detection relies on blood oxygen monitoring that Apple has had to temporarily remove from the Apple Watch due to patent issues.
If included in the Apple Watch, blood pressure monitoring will be able to tell users if hypertension is detected, but it won't provide specific systolic and diastolic measurements.
With the slimmed down design, the 2024 Apple Watch could be labeled the "Apple Watch X" to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, but Apple could also save that naming for 2025.
More on the rumors for the Apple Watch X can be found in our guide.
Apple Watch Series 9 Changelog
- July 19 - Updated Buyer's Guide information.
- July 9 - Updated next-generation Apple Watch rumors.
- June 28 - Added CAD renders of alleged next-generation Apple Watch.
- April 29 - Updated with info about next-generation Apple Watch.
- January 18 - Added info on the Series 9 without blood oxygen sensor.
- December 28 - Updated with latest info on the Apple Watch import ban.
- December 22 - Added new information about rumored health features for 2024 Apple Watch and the sales ban.
- October 25 - Updated with watchOS 10.1 launch info.
- October 11 - Updated with 2024 Apple Watch rumors.
- October 4 - Added info about Double Tap in watchOS 10.1.
- September 22 - Apple Watch launch info added.
- September 14 - Roundup overhauled for Series 9 launch.
