Apple Watch Series 9 is the latest version of the world's most popular wearable device. Series 7 and 9 are separated by two years, and while there are a number of changes, much remains the same. Read about Apple Watch Series 7 and 9 to learn about everything new.
Table of Contents
- Apple Watch Series 7 and 9
- SiP – processor, GPU, Neural Engine</li>
- Case and display
- Apple Watch strap compatibility
- Battery life and charging
- Apple Watch Series 7 vs 9 – main characteristics
- Price
- Apple Watch Series 7 vs 9 and earlier versions -up
If you're interested in comparing the Apple Watch Series 8 and more to the Series 9, check out this comparison:
- Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8 and more early versions: what's the difference?
Below we will focus specifically on Series 7 and 9…
Apple Watch Series 7 and 9
SiP – CPU, GPU, Neural Engine
In 2022, Apple used a 64-bit dual-core S8 processor in the Series 8, which was not much different from the S7 in 2021 (or even the S6).
Now with the Series 9, Apple says. The S9 SiP delivers noticeable improvements to the CPU, GPU, and neural engine.
Apple didn't provide specific numbers on how much faster the S9 processor is compared to the S8, but it contains 5.6 billion transistors—60% more than the S8.
As for the S9's GPU, Apple says it's 30% faster than the S8, and the Neural Engine is twice as fast.
| Episode 9 | Series 7 | |
| SiP/processor | 64-bit dual-core S9 SiP | 64-bit dual-core S7 SiP |
| Ultra-wideband chip | ✅ – generation 2 | ✅ – generation 1 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Storage | 64 GB | 32 GB |
If you're upgrading from Series 7, additional benefits include increased storage to 64GB and a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip in Series 9. The new Ultra Wideband chip brings precision search to iPhone.
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Case and display
Apple Watch Series 9 retains the same display sizes as Apple Watch Series 7. These are cases with a diameter of 45 and 41 mm, and the larger displays are 20% larger than the Series 4-6/SE and 50% larger than the Series 3.
The main difference with the Apple Watch Series 9 display is that the brightness doubled from 1000 to 2000 nits.
| Series 9 | Series 7 | |
| Case size | 45/41 mm | 45/41 mm |
| Display size | 396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq. mm (45 mm model) | 396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq. mm (45 mm model) |
| Brightness | 2000 nits | 1000 nits |
| Display always enabled | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sapphire crystal front | Yes for steel models, no for aluminum | Yes for steel models, no for aluminum |
But Apple also says graphics on the Series 9 display will be smoother than ever thanks to the new GPU in the S9 SiP.
Apple Watch Band Compatibility
Laps, loops and bracelets designed for previous-generation Apple Watch sizes 38/40/41 and 42/44/45 mm work with Apple Watch Series 9.
Battery life and charging
First introduced in Apple Watch 7 and continued in Apple Watch Series 8 and 9 , it charges 33% faster than the Series 6 and earlier. This means going from 0-80% in 45 minutes instead of about 60 minutes.
| Series 9 | Series 7 | |
| Battery life – standard | 18 hours | 18 hours |
| Large battery in low power mode | 36 hours | 36 hours |
| Charging | 0-80% in 45 minutes | 0-80% in 45 minutes |
Another benefit of the Series 9 (and 8) for sleep tracking is you get 8 hours of use on an 8-minute charge (also Ultra and Ultra 2).
Apple Watch Series 7 and 9 – Key Features
New to Apple Watch Series 9 is on-device Siri processing for faster response times and improved security. There's also a new double-tap gesture that makes it easier to use the wearable with one hand (available in watchOS 10.1).
However, as it turns out, anyone with a Series 3 or later can use a double-tap similar to double tap . a gesture feature called Quick Actions:
- How to enable double-tap gesture controls on almost any Apple Watch
Another improvement that Apple says , made possible by the new S9 chip, is a 25% improvement in dictation accuracy.
Best comment from Mckillio
Definitely not worth it. These watches see so few changes year after year that articles should really focus on devices from three or four years ago.
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Finally, the new on-device Siri lets you get answers to your personal health metrics.
| Apple Watch Model/Features | Episode 9 | Series 7 |
| ECG Application | ✅ | ✅ |
| Blood oxygen app | ✅ | ✅ |
| High/low heart rate notifications | ✅ | ✅ |
| New Compass app with waypoints and backtracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| IP6X dustproof | ✅ | ✅ |
| Water resistant up to 50 m | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sleep tracking | ✅ | ✅ |
| Failure detection | ✅ | ❌ |
| Fall detection | ✅ | ✅ |
| Advancedcycle tracking with temperature measurement | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cycle tracking without temperature measurement | ✅ | ✅ |
| Emergency assistance | ✅ | ✅ |
| International emergency call | ✅ | ✅ |
| Siri on device | ✅ | ❌ |
| Double tap gesture control | ✅ | ❌ |
| Siri+Health | ✅ | ❌ |
| Exact search for iPhone | ✅ | ❌ |
Price
- Episode 9 starts at $399/$429and up (Apple, Amazon and others)
- Series 7, 8 and above are usually discounted (Amazon, Best Buy, etc. ) – Apple has stopped selling the 7 and 8 series.
- Apple Watch SE 2nd generation starts at$249. (Apple, Amazon, etc.)
Review of Apple Watch Series 7 vs 9 and earlier
The Apple Watch Series 9 doesn't include a ton of changes, but there are a number of updates such as Siri on the device, more bright screen, double-tap gesture control, 64 GB of internal memory and an improved SiP S9, which may interest some.
What do you think? Does the Apple Watch Series 9 feel like a worthy upgrade over the Series 7? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Thanks for reading our Apple Watch Series 7 and 9 guide!
