Exploring the Evolution: Apple Series 9 Review
APPLE WATCH SERIES 9: DESIGN
One would find it difficult to distinguish between the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Series 8 when placed side by side. The notable difference is that the Apple Watch Series 9 offers a pink color option. While the pink might not be suitable for everyday wear for some, it does possess an elegant charm rather than an overly vibrant appearance.
There are additional design variances, although they may not catch one's immediate attention. Previously, all aluminum Apple Watch models were crafted from 100% recycled aluminum. Now, they contain more recycled components internally, including a battery made entirely from recycled cobalt.
Apple is phasing out leather bands, including the Hermes ones, in favor of a new recycled textile named Fine Woven. This material complements the Stainless Steel models, although the Stainless Steel version lacks the carbon-neutral certification. Nevertheless, all top Apple Watch bands are compatible with the Series 9, allowing users to personalize their style.
Furthermore, the Apple Watch packaging is now smaller, utilizing less paper.
APPLE WATCH SERIES 9: PERFORMANCE
Apple boasts significant improvements in its smartwatch technology. The Series 9 chip brings a 25% boost in efficiency, thanks to its 5.6 billion transistors and 4-core neural engines, making machine learning twice as fast as before. The GPU is also 30% faster, resulting in smoother visual effects.
When comparing the Series 9 to the Series 8, users notice a more responsive experience when switching between apps or navigating menus. The new Smart Stack UI in watchOS 10 feels effortless to use. Siri operates much faster now, with support for on-device computing, ensuring user privacy by avoiding cloud data transmission. This means Siri can still function even without Wi-Fi or a smartphone connection. Additionally, dictation accuracy has improved by 25%.
Despite the display brightness reaching 2,000 nits, maintaining the Apple Watch's 18-hour battery life is possible with the Series 9. The U2 ultra-wideband (UWB) chip adds new capabilities, such as directing users to their iPhone's location. However, this feature requires an iPhone 15 with the newer U2 chip, limiting its functionality to those with the latest iPhone model.
APPLE WATCH SERIES 9: DOUBLE TAP
The standout feature of the Apple Watch Series 9 is a hand gesture called double-tap. This feature aims to make controlling the Apple Watch with just one hand more convenient for everyone, not just those who need accessibility options.
Double-tap has various uses, like scrolling through the Smart Stack or using certain apps like the timer and Apple Music. It also makes using the Apple Watch Camera Remote app easier.
You can even reply to texts quickly with a double-tap, speaking your response and then tapping again to send it.
However, double-tap is only available on Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 with watchOS 10.1. While the heart rate sensor remains the same as in previous models, the S9 processor enables the detection of intentional double-tap gestures. If you're not interested in this feature or worry about activating it accidentally, you can turn it off.
It's important to note that double-tap only works when your wrist is raised intentionally, and it automatically disables in sleep mode, so you won’t accidentally trigger it while asleep.
APPLE WATCH SERIES 9: WATCHOS 10 AND FEATURES
Up to this point, the focus has been on other aspects rather than the typical features associated with the Apple Watch, such as workout tracking, step counting, heart health alerts, sleep monitoring, phone calls, and app usage. While the Apple Watch Series 9 includes all these features, there isn't much new in these areas compared to the Series 8.
However, it does come with watchOS 10. Along with the Smart Stack UI, the software update brings several new tools, including features for cyclists, mental health tracking through the Mindfulness app, monitoring vision health with the ambient light sensor, and introducing a couple of new watch faces.
Apple Fitness Plus also receives significant updates, allowing users to stack classes and create custom workout plans. Upon purchasing a new Apple Watch, users receive a free trial of the virtual workout platform, which is worth considering. There's a guide available for the best Apple Fitness Plus features for your next workout.
Users can further customize their Apple Watch experience by downloading various apps. For instance, there's SwingVision for tennis, the ESPN app for sports scores, Water Llama for tracking water intake, and more. Additionally, devices like the Oura Ring Gen 3 have dedicated Apple Watch apps and complications, enabling users to monitor their health data across multiple platforms.
APPLE WATCH SERIES 9: BATTERY LIFE
Despite the introduction of Apple Watch low power mode last year, the device still needs daily charging for regular use, rated for 18 hours.
For those prioritizing battery life, we will suggest looking into Apple's second-gen Ultra. It can last approximately 36 hours with normal use and up to 70 hours with low power mode activated.
However, there's no difference in the charging process. Although Apple's charging cord is braided as a standard, which is a nice touch, it still takes about an hour for the watch to fully charge from dead. We noted that it's possible to top off the charge for a few minutes before bedtime to ensure it lasts throughout the night while tracking sleep, which they find helpful.