Apple Watch Series 9 is the latest version of the world's most popular wearable device. While much about the Series 9 and its predecessors remains the same, there are a number of updates. If you're thinking about upgrading your watch or looking for a gift, check out Apple Watch Series 9 and 8.
Table of Contents
- Apple Watch Series 9 vs 8 and earlier
- CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, storage
- Case and display
- Apple Watch band compatibility
- Battery life and charging
- Apple Watch Series 9 versus 8 and more – main characteristics
- Price
- Summary of Apple Watch Series 9 and 8 and earlier
Apple Watch Series 9 vs 8 and earlier
Processor, Graphics processor, Neural Engine, storage
Last year, Apple used a 64-bit dual-core S8 processor in the Series 8, which was not much different from the S7 or S6 in previous Apple Watches.
But Apple says the Series 9 S9 SiP brings noticeable improvements to the CPU, GPU and Neural Engine.
Apple hasn't provided specific numbers on how much faster the S9's processor is compared to the S8, but it has 5.6 billion transistors – 60% more than the S8.
As for the S9's GPU, Apple says what is it 30% faster than S8, and Neural Engine is twice as fast.
| Row 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | SE 2 | |
| SiP/processor | S9 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor | S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor | 64-bit dual-core processor S7 SiP | S6 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor | S8 SiP 64 -bit dual-core processor |
| Ultra-wideband chip | ✅ – generation 2 | ✅ – generation 1 | ✅ – generation 1 | ✅ – generation 1 | ❌ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Storage | 64 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB | 32 GB |
Two more benefits if you're using any of the older Apple Watch models are the increased storage to 64GB and the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip with Series 9.
Case and display
The Apple Watch Series 9 retains the same dimensions as the Apple Watch Series 7. It comes in 45mm and 41mm cases, with a larger 20mm display . % more than Series 4-6/SE and 50% more than Series 3.
The main (only?) difference in the Apple Watch Series 9 display is that the brightness is doubled – from 1000 to 2000 nits .
| Row 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | SE 2 | |
| Case size | 45/41 mm | 45/41 mm | 45/41 mm | 44/40 mm | 44/40 mm |
| Display size | 396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq. mm (45 mm model) | 396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq. mm (45 mm model) | 396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq. mm (45 mm model) | 368 x 448 pixels, 977 sq. mm (44 mm model) | 368 x 448 pixels, 977 sq. mm (44 mm model) |
| Brightness | 2000 nits | 1000 nits | 1000 nits | 1000 nits | 1000 nits |
| Always on display | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Sapphire crystal front panel | Yes for steel models, no for aluminum | Yes for steel models, no for aluminum | Yes for steel models, no with aluminum | Yes for steel models, no for aluminum | ❌ |
Apple also notes that graphics on the Series 9 display will be smoother than ever thanks to the new GPU in the S9 SiP.
Apple Watch Band Compatibility
For bands, loops and bracelets, bands are designed for previous generation Apple Watch sizes 38/40/41 and 42/44/45 mm will 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 Series 6 and earlier models. This means going from 0 to 80% will take 45 minutes instead of about 60 minutes.
| Row 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | SE 2 | |
| Battery life – standard | 18 hours | 18 hours | 18 hours | 18 hours | 18 hours |
| Long battery life on low charge Advanced mode | 36 hours | 36 hours | 36 hours | 36 hours | 36 hours |
| Charging | 0-80% in 45 minutes | 0-80% in 45 minutes | 0-80% in 45 minutes | 0-80% in 60 minutes | 0-80% in 90 minutes |
If you're interested in using the Apple Watch Series 9 or 8 for sleep tracking, you also get 8 hours of use after 8- minute charge (also Ultra and Ultra 2).
Apple Watch Series 9 vs 8 or more – 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. Although the latter won't arrive until the October software update is released.
However, as it turns out, anyone with a Series 3 or newer can use a gesture feature similar to double tap called quick actions:
- How to enable double-tap-like gesture controls on almost any Apple Watch
Another improvement that Apple says is made possible by new S9 chip, this increases dictation accuracy by 25%. And the new Siri on your device lets you get answers to your personal health metrics.
However, as of January 18, 2024, the Blood Oxygen feature no longer works for new Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches sold in the United States.
Here are the top features you get with Apple Watch Series 9 and up earlier versions:
| Apple Watch model/functions | Series 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | SE 2 |
| ECG application | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Blood Oxygen Application | ✅/❌ Not included on US models sold after 1/18/24 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| High/Low Heart Rate Alerts | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| New compass app with waypoints + return | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| IP6X dustproof | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Water resistant to 50 m | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sleep tracking | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Failure detection | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Fall detection | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Advancedcycle tracking with temperature measurement | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Cycle tracking without temperature measurement | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Emergency assistance | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Siri on device | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Double gesture control touch | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Siri+Health | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Price
- Series 9 starts from $399/$429and above (Apple, Amazon and others)
- Series 8 and above are usually sold at a discount (Amazon, Best Buy and others) – Apple has stopped selling Series 8
- Apple Watch SE 2- 1st generation costs from $249 (Apple, Amazon, etc.)
Review of Apple Watch Series 9 vs. 8 and earlier
Best comment from BelgianWaffle
They put off so many updates and design changes just for next year's anniversary, well I hope they did because the next Apple Watch years cannot be Apple Watch Series 4SSSSSS. This must be the correct update. I'd say the redesign is the bare minimum, and I hope the design isn't the same as the Ultra…
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The Apple Watch Series 9 won't bring huge changes, but they are there. a number of updates such as Siri on the device, a brighter screen, double-tap gesture controls, 64GB of internal storage and an improved S9 SiP that might tempt some.
For those who have a Series 3, 4 or SE, you'll get additional upgrades like a larger display, an always-on screen, faster charging, and all of Apple's health features.
What do you think? Does the Apple Watch Series 9 seem like a worthy upgrade? Or are you planning to pass? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Thanks for reading our Apple Watch Series 9 and 8 guide!
