For quite some time now, the Apple Watch has held its position as the top pick for Best Overall smartwatch, owing to its polished user interface, sleek design, and exceptional fitness tracking features. Although it doesn’t work with Android smartphones, the Apple Watch Series 9, found at Apple stores, stands out for its versatility, vast selection of apps, and seamless integration with iOS, making it the ideal choice for iPhone users.
Historically, Apple Watch updates have followed an incremental path, taking gradual steps toward perfection. However, with the Series 9, Apple’s renowned wearable has evolved to rely less on internet connectivity while becoming more powerful, all without sacrificing even a tiny bit of battery life.
Apple Watch Series 9 Specs
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the latest and greatest smartwatch from Apple. It was released on September 12, 2023, and features a number of new features and improvements over the previous generation.
See top Feature of Apple Watch Series here:
- Price: Starts at $399
- Display: LTPO OLED Retina display (41mm is 352 x 430 pixels; 45mm is 396×484 pixels)
- Processor: Apple S9 processor
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, LTE (cellular models), UMTS (cellular models), 802.11b/g/n, NFC for Apple Pay
- Navigation: L1 GPS, BeiDou, Galileo, GLOSNASS, QZSS, compass
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Altimeter, Ambient light sensor, Barometer, Blood oxygen, Gyroscope, Optical heart sensor, Temperature sensors
- Water/Dust Resistance: Up to 50 meters (WR50), IP6X dust resistance
- Audio: Microphone and speaker
- Battery: Up to 18 hours of normal use
- Storage:32 GB
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty; AppleCare+ for $79 for two years or $3.99 per month in perpetuity + $69 accidental damage fee
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers a variety of colors and build materials to choose from. Opting for the more affordable aluminum model gives you color choices including Pink, Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (Product)RED. If you prefer the higher-end stainless steel model, you can select from Gold, Silver, or Graphite finishes.
Apple Watch Series 9 Display
The display of the Apple Watch Series 9 remains identical to that of the Series 8 in almost every aspect, except for one crucial improvement: its maximum display brightness. The Apple Watch Series 9 elevates its illumination capability to a remarkable 2,000 nits, significantly enhancing visibility in bright conditions. In contrast, the Apple Watch Series 8 had a peak brightness of 1,000 nits.
New SP SiP
The S9 SiP (System in Package) introduces several exciting new capabilities. Apple’s upcoming Double Tap gesture, set to be available later this fall, will enable one-handed operation of the Series 9 for many common tasks. Furthermore, the more efficient processor empowers the device to handle a range of Siri commands without needing to transmit data to the cloud. These commands encompass actions like setting timers and sending messages.
However, not every command can be executed by Siri without an Internet connection. For instance, the Series 9 relies on an Internet connection to provide timely information such as current weather conditions or sports scores. By keeping as much functionality on the device and minimizing cloud reliance, it enhances data security. Additionally, thanks to the S9 SiP, the voice commands and dictation sent to the watch stand a better chance of being accurately understood.
Find your iPhone faster
The Apple Watch Series 9 comes equipped with an enhanced Ultra Wide Band (UWB) chip. This UWB chip utilizes radio waves to facilitate communication between compatible devices. Notably, the latest iPhones also feature this same type of chip. Consequently, the remarkable precision previously used to locate an AirTag on your keychain can now be harnessed to locate your smartphone as well.
Similar to the process with the Apple Watch Series 8 and previous models, you can access the Control Center and select the ‘Find’ button to trigger your phone’s ring. However, with the Series 9, this action not only activates an audible alarm on your iPhone but also displays the estimated distance and direction of your smartphone relative to your current location. When you are within approximately six feet of your phone, its alarm will sound once more.
A great fitness tracker
Apple has consistently emphasized that its wearable device extends beyond being merely a smartwatch; it also serves as a comprehensive fitness tracker. It offers features such as heart rate and step tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, an ECG sensor, and exercise guidance through a Fitness+ subscription. While the Series 9 may not introduce any new fitness tracking hardware not present in the Series 8, Apple has introduced several valuable enhancements.
This includes support for third-party cycling computers, which enhances the accuracy of health metrics for dedicated athletes and cycling enthusiasts. Additionally, the Series 9 offers improved map support for hikers, transforming this wrist-worn computer into a more dependable navigation tool for weekend adventurers seeking their way back to camp.