The Apple Watch Series 9, announced on September 12, starts at $399/£399/AU$649 for the 41mm aluminum model with GPS only, while LTE-enabled models and larger sizes come at higher prices. For instance, the 45mm aluminum case with GPS costs $429, while adding LTE connectivity brings the cost up to $529. The stainless steel models also come with premium pricing, available in elegant finishes like gold, silver, and graphite.
Design and Build
The Series 9 keeps Apple’s signature design, featuring two sizes (41mm and 45mm) and a durable aluminum or stainless steel case. New to this series is the eco-friendly approach, with recycled materials like cobalt in the battery and aluminum in the casing. The band choices also reflect this ethos, including a sport loop made from 82% recycled yarn. There’s also a fresh pink aluminum option among the returning color lineup of Midnight, Silver, Starlight, and Product Red.
Features
One standout addition is the Double Tap feature, allowing users to perform actions by pinching their fingers—a helpful hands-free function that’s perfect for accepting calls, snoozing alarms, and more. It also comes with Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, enabling precise device tracking with other UWB-compatible Apple devices like the iPhone 15, while on-device Siri allows health data access without needing to connect to the cloud.
Performance and Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 9 performs reliably, with up to 2,000 nits brightness for outdoor visibility. Despite the high brightness setting, battery life holds steady around 20 hours on a single charge, though daily charging is generally needed. With watchOS 10, users also benefit from Smart Stack, which provides convenient access to apps and information through a widget system. However, some may find the lack of a battery life increase disappointing, especially compared to the Apple Watch Ultra’s 36-hour capacity.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 9 balances modest updates with a focus on enhanced usability and eco-conscious materials. Features like Double Tap and on-device Siri add convenience, while UWB technology opens new possibilities for device tracking. However, its design remains largely unchanged, and daily charging is still necessary. Overall, it’s an excellent option for those upgrading from older models, but users of recent generations may find the Series 9’s new features less compelling unless eco-friendly materials or the Double Tap functionality are major priorities.
