The Apple Watch Series 9 offers a familiar design and a handful of new features, including a faster processor, a brighter display, and a double-tap gesture for controlling certain functions. However, with no significant design changes from its predecessors, the Apple Watch Series 9 might feel like a minor upgrade for those already owning the Series 7 or 8. While the double-tap feature adds a new element of control, its limited functionality and less-than-stellar performance in its current beta state might leave some users wanting more. This article delves into the specifics of the Apple Watch Series 9’s features, performance, and overall value proposition, exploring whether it warrants an upgrade for existing users and what the device offers for those considering their first smartwatch.
Apple Watch Series 9 Price in India
The Apple Watch Series 9, like its predecessors, is available in two case sizes: 41mm and 45mm. These models are offered in two variations: GPS or GPS and Cellular. Apple also provides the option of choosing between an aluminum or steel case, each featuring a distinct aesthetic. The starting price for the 41mm aluminum case model is Rs. 41,900, while the 45mm variant begins at Rs. 44,900.
The 41mm stainless steel version starts from Rs. 70,900, and the 45mm variant costs Rs. 75,900. Apple also allows for customization with a choice of straps; the aluminum case models come with the new Sport Band or Sport Loop, while the stainless steel models offer the Sport Band or Milanese Loop.
Apple Watch Series 9 Design and Specifications
Unless you’re upgrading from an Apple Watch Series 6 or earlier, the cosmetic design remains unchanged from the Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9. The bezels around the display haven’t been slimmed down, so the overall aesthetic remains familiar.
You can differentiate a Midnight black Apple Watch Series 9 from its predecessor solely through the fine inscription on the ceramic back case. This year, it features the number "9" instead of "8." Samsung, on the other hand, implemented subtle improvements on their Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic models, enhancing their visual appeal. While the visual design might not be groundbreaking, Apple proudly claims to have utilized only recycled materials in the construction of the Series 9 aluminum case.
The ion-X strengthened cover glass remained scratch-free throughout the review period. The case retains its IP6X dust resistance rating and water resistance up to 50 meters as per Apple. The device comes bundled with a magnetic fast-charging adapter, now sporting a braided cable like the latest iPhone models.
Apple maintains a similar 1.9-inch Retina LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 484 x 396 pixels. However, Apple asserts that this year’s display boasts enhanced brightness. The smartwatch is equipped with a new S9 SiP, which Apple claims houses a faster neural engine, enabling prompter response to Siri commands and handling of tasks like setting timers without internet connectivity or reliance on the phone.
The watch encompasses the same sensors as before, including the blood oxygen sensor, electrical heart sensor, and a third-generation heart rate sensor, in addition to the standard array of sensors. It also includes a second-generation ultra wideband chip (UWB), proving useful for locating a lost iPhone. Holding the watch close to a Homepod reveals music suggestions thanks to this chip. The sensors for temperature monitoring and crash detection features, which debuted with last year’s model, remain available in the Series 9.
The watch supports global positioning systems, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.3. It now boasts 64GB of internal storage, double the capacity of last year’s model. This enhanced storage benefits those who prefer storing music locally on the watch.
Apple Watch Series 9 Performance
The new Apple S9 SiP delivers a tangible increase in speed when opening and closing apps, as well as navigating the watchOS interface. However, the improvement isn’t drastic compared to the already snappy Series 8.
The brighter display, which Apple claims can reach 2,000 nits (comparable with last year’s Watch Ultra 2), doesn’t present a compelling reason to upgrade from a recent model. While the Series 8 showcased adequate outdoor brightness, the incremental improvement in the Series 9 might not justify an upgrade.
The latest version of watchOS introduces substantial changes and showcases four new watch faces. These include the charming and entertaining Snoopy watch face with various animations, along with the highly customizable Solar Analogue and Palette faces. The new Nike Globe watch face proves beneficial for Nike Run app users.
watchOS 10 reduces reliance on gestures, utilizing the physical buttons more effectively while introducing a virtual, on-screen back button during native app browsing. Smart Stack, a collection of widgets, appears when scrolling through the digital crown after activating the default watch face. Accessing the Control Center now requires pressing the side button, enhancing its functionality. All native apps have undergone a much-needed design overhaul, incorporating the new on-screen back button, creating a refreshed visual experience. watchOS 10 feels like a significant step forward, presenting a modern look, particularly given the unchanged physical design of the watch itself.
Double Tap: A Promising Feature with Limitations
During the review, I had access to watchOS 10.1 beta 2, offering a glimpse into the double-tap feature’s potential. While the feature seems intriguing in demonstrations, showcasing control over the watch, its functionality is limited to accepting or dismissing single button actions. These actions include accepting calls, starting and stopping stopwatches, and playing and pausing music, but it doesn’t function as a comprehensive navigation tool.
To activate the double-tap gesture, users must first raise their wrist and then make a glancing gesture at the watch (or flick their wrist towards themselves). The absence of either action renders the double-tap gesture unusable. Despite Apple’s explanation of the intensive onboard processing required for the double-tap feature to function, requiring two distinct actions before performing a single gesture can feel somewhat cumbersome.
Additionally, performing the double-tap gesture in crowded situations involving actions like lifting your arm and tapping your fingers while staring at your watch can feel awkward and unnatural. Despite the beta status during my testing, I perceived a slight sluggishness in response and activation. Moreover, I often forgot about the double-tap feature’s existence and required repeated reminders due to its limited functionality and applicability.
Health and Fitness Tracking: Familiar Territory
The health and fitness tracking features on the Apple Watch Series 9 deliver consistent and accurate results overall. Sleep tracking with sleep stages, introduced last year, offers data comparable to the Series 8. I found the reports reliable and accurate, and I’m pleased to observe improvements in SpO2 readings, although they still lack the consistency of a dedicated pulse oximeter. Heart rate readings remain accurate, and GPS tracking during walks (without the iPhone) proved to be precise.
Beyond Physical Well-being: Mood Tracking and Journal App
Alongside physical health tracking, iOS 17 and watchOS 10 introduce a mood tracking feature, with the goal of providing mental health insights. Accessing the mood tracker can be achieved directly on the iPhone (Health > Browse > Mental Wellbeing > State of Mind) and the Watch Series 9 (within the Mindfulness app). After answering a set of simple questions, users can log their moods throughout the day or once daily. The new State of Mind section within the Health app presents a comprehensive view, highlighting potential causes of poor mental health (like lack of sleep or work) and mood elevators (exercise, etc.). However, the Journal app, which Apple initially intended to release alongside iOS 17, remains absent and is expected later this year.
Battery Life and Charging: Incremental Improvements
Despite a lack of battery size increase, Apple claims to have achieved battery life improvements, attributed to the more energy-efficient S9 SiP. However, I didn’t notice a significant difference compared to the Series 8. Sleep tracking remained the most battery-intensive activity, followed by GPS-connected walks, which consumed around three percent of battery charge per kilometer.
Given the availability of the always-on feature, I opted to keep it enabled, finding it useful for quick glances at the watch face. With all notifications turned on, all automated health tracking features active, and no exercise tracking, the Watch Series 9 lasted approximately 1.5 days on a single charge. However, disabling sleep tracking and workouts extended the battery life to around two days. Charging times remained consistent with previous models. The magnetic charger reached 65 percent charge in 30 minutes and fully charged the watch in one hour and seven minutes.
Verdict: A Solid Upgrade for Series 6 Owners, But Uncertain for Others
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers minimal changes and new features. This might disappoint fans expecting a significant upgrade, particularly since the design hasn’t changed in two years. You can purchase the fancy new FineWoven bands and attach them to your existing Series 7 or Series 8 without compromising functionality.
My personal experience with the double-tap feature suggests it isn’t as practical as portrayed. Despite Apple’s confidence regarding its usefulness, it’s not available on older models, making a Series 9 upgrade necessary for those who want to try it.
Last year, I felt hesitant about recommending the Series 8. This year, my feeling remains unchanged. I find it challenging to recommend the Series 9 to owners of the Series 7 or Series 8 unless the double-tap feature is a must-have. However, if you’re stuck with a Series 6, the Series 9 offers a solid upgrade, equipping you with the newer S9 SiP and expanded onboard storage, making it future-proof in terms of software updates.
To conclude, the Apple Watch Series 9 is a minor upgrade with a familiar design and a few noteworthy features. While the double-tap gesture could potentially revolutionize user interaction, its current state leaves much to be desired, and the performance improvements are incremental. For users with recent Apple Watch models, the Series 9 might not warrant an upgrade unless you’re particularly drawn to the double-tap feature. However, for those transitioning from older models, the Series 9 stands as a solid choice with improved performance and enhanced storage capacity.
