The Apple Watch has become a benchmark in the smartwatch market, and with each new release, the anticipation grows. The Apple Watch Series 9 continues this legacy, introducing refinements that enhance an already polished experience. It’s not a revolutionary leap, but a significant evolutionary step forward. This review dives deep into what makes the Series 9 a compelling choice, from its powerful new chip to its subtle yet impactful new features. We will explore its performance, health tracking capabilities, display quality, and how it stacks up against its predecessor and key competitors.
Under the Hood: What’s New with the Apple Watch Series 9?
The Series 9 brings several key upgrades to the table. While the external design remains familiar, the internal enhancements deliver a faster, brighter, and more intuitive user experience.
The Power of the S9 SiP
The most significant upgrade is the all-new S9 SiP (System in Package). This is the first major processor update in several generations, and it brings a noticeable boost in performance. The dual-core CPU has 60% more transistors than the S8 chip, making apps launch faster and animations feel smoother.
More importantly, the S9 chip includes a new 4-core Neural Engine that powers advanced machine learning tasks directly on the device. This enables features like on-device Siri processing. You can now ask Siri to start a workout or set a timer without needing an internet connection, making the watch more independent and responsive. This on-device capability also enhances privacy, as your requests are processed locally.
A Brighter, More Brilliant Display
The Always-On Retina display on the Series 9 gets a major brightness boost. It can now reach a peak brightness of 2000 nits, double that of the Series 8. This makes the screen exceptionally easy to read in direct sunlight. Conversely, it can also dim down to just 1 nit in dark environments, like a movie theater, preventing it from being a distraction. This dynamic range makes the display more versatile and comfortable to view in any lighting condition.
The Magic of Double Tap
Another headline feature, enabled by the S9 chip, is the Double Tap gesture. By simply tapping your index finger and thumb together twice, you can answer calls, stop timers, play or pause music, and scroll through widgets. This one-handed control is incredibly convenient for moments when your other hand is occupied, whether you’re carrying groceries, holding a coffee, or walking your dog. The watch detects the unique signature of blood flow and motion when you perform the gesture, making it a reliable and almost magical way to interact with your device.
A Comprehensive Health and Fitness Companion
Apple continues to position its watch as a powerful tool for health and wellness, and the Series 9 builds on this foundation with a robust suite of sensors and tracking features.
Advanced Health Monitoring
The Series 9 retains the impressive health-tracking hardware from its predecessor, including:
- ECG App: Generate an electrocardiogram similar to a single-lead ECG to check for signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib).
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Receive notifications for high, low, or irregular heart rhythms.
- Temperature Sensing: Provides retrospective ovulation estimates for cycle tracking and detects temperature changes overnight.
- Crash Detection and Fall Detection: These critical safety features can automatically contact emergency services if you’re in a severe car crash or take a hard fall.
While the blood oxygen sensor is no longer available on new models sold in the U.S. due to a patent dispute, the existing suite of health features remains comprehensive for most users.
Fitness for Everyone
Whether you’re a serious athlete or just trying to stay active, the Series 9 has you covered. The Workout app supports dozens of activities, from running and cycling to HIIT and Pilates. The advanced metrics for runners, like Stride Length and Ground Contact Time, provide deep insights into your performance. For hikers, the Compass app and Backtrack feature use GPS to help you retrace your steps if you get lost. With watchOS 10, cyclists can now connect to Bluetooth-enabled sensors for cadence and power data, turning the watch into a serious cycling computer.
Design, Battery, and Day-to-Day Use
The Series 9 maintains the iconic and comfortable design of previous models, available in 41mm and 45mm case sizes. You can choose between a lightweight aluminum case or a premium stainless steel one. In a significant move toward its environmental goals, Apple has also introduced carbon-neutral case and band combinations for the Series 9.
All-Day Battery Life
Apple promises up to 18 hours of battery life with normal use, which aligns with real-world testing. This will comfortably get you through a full day of notifications, app use, and a workout. For extended use, the Low Power Mode can stretch the battery life up to 36 hours by limiting some background functions. The watch also supports fast charging, allowing you to go from 0 to 80% in about 45 minutes, so a quick charge before bed is enough to track your sleep.
Series 9 vs. Series 8 and Competitors
How does the Apple Watch Series 9 compare to what came before and what else is on the market?
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8
If you have a Series 8, the decision to upgrade is nuanced. The core experience is similar, but the S9 chip, brighter display, and Double Tap gesture are meaningful quality-of-life improvements. The on-device Siri is a tangible benefit for anyone who frequently uses the voice assistant away from their phone. If you have an older model, like a Series 6 or earlier, the Series 9 will feel like a massive upgrade in speed, display quality, and features.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a top contender. It runs Wear OS with Samsung’s One UI skin, offering deep integration with Samsung phones and the broader Android ecosystem. Both watches offer excellent health tracking, beautiful displays, and robust app support. The choice largely comes down to your smartphone. The Apple Watch only works with iPhones, and the Galaxy Watch is best paired with an Android phone (with some features exclusive to Samsung devices). In terms of user experience, Apple’s watchOS is often considered slightly more polished and intuitive, but Samsung has made significant strides in closing that gap.
The Final Verdict: Is the Apple Watch Series 9 for You?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch for the vast majority of iPhone users. It strikes the perfect balance of performance, features, and price. While it may not be a radical redesign, the internal upgrades create a faster, smarter, and more convenient experience. The S9 chip isn’t just about speed; it unlocks new interaction methods like Double Tap and makes the device more independent with on-device Siri.
If you are new to the Apple Watch or upgrading from a model that is several years old, the Series 9 is an easy recommendation. It refines a winning formula, making one of the best smartwatches on the market even better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the biggest difference between the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 8?
The biggest differences are the new S9 chip, which provides faster performance and enables on-device Siri and the Double Tap gesture, and the display, which is twice as bright at 2000 nits.
Does the Apple Watch Series 9 work with Android phones?
No, the Apple Watch Series 9 is only compatible with iPhones. It requires an iPhone Xs or later running iOS 17 or later.
How long does the battery last on the Apple Watch Series 9?
Apple claims up to 18 hours of normal use and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. This is generally enough to last a full day, including sleep tracking, with a quick charge.
Is the Apple Watch Series 9 waterproof?
The Apple Watch Series 9 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters. It is considered “swimproof” and is suitable for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. It is not recommended for scuba diving or waterskiing.
Do I need the cellular model?
The GPS-only model relies on a nearby iPhone for internet connectivity, calls, and texts. The GPS + Cellular model can perform these functions independently, which is useful if you want to leave your phone at home while running or running errands. This requires a separate cellular plan for the watch.
