With the Apple Watch Series 9, the Apple brand continues to perfect its smartwatch formula without taking big risks. While waiting for big changes for the Apple Watch Series X, it is above all at the software level that the Apple Watch Series 9 stands out, through the watchOS 10 update.
Apple launches its ninth generation of connected watches. If we do not expect major upheavals with these models, the Apple Watchs Series 9 will still bring a number of new features and improvements compared to their predecessors, the Apple Watch Series 8. This is in particular at the software level that innovations will appear, with a watchOS 10 update which promises to be ambitious. Design, interface, features, performance, find out everything you need to know about the new Apple brand smartwatches.
? When is Apple Watch Series 9 released?
The Apple Watches are presented during the Cupertino company’s traditional back-to-school keynote. This year, the Apple Watch Series 9 accompanies the iPhone 15 and its variations. The event takes place on September 12, 2023 and if the American brand sticks to its usual schedule, the connected watch will be marketed from the Friday of the following week, i.e. September 22, 2023. In the meantime, Apple is expected to open pre-orders to allow consumers to secure delivery of their product.
The Apple Watch Series 9 is accompanied by a second generation Apple Watch Ultra premium, while a replacement for the second generation Apple Watch SE is not expected before 2024 on the entry level.
? What is the price of Apple Watch Series 9?
You have to wait for the launch conference to know the exact prices charged by Apple for its new smartwatch models. However, we can anticipate prices based on previous generations. Considering that there are few innovations this year, we can expect Apple not to inflate its already high prices this year, despite inflation. In addition, the euro has stabilized against the dollar and the exchange rate should not work to the disadvantage of European customers this time.
Here is the price list that we can expect (aluminum finish, stainless steel versions are more expensive):
- Apple Watch Series 9 41mm: 499 euros
- Apple Watch Series 9 45mm: 539 euros
- Apple Watch Series 9 41mm eSIM: 619 euros
- Apple Watch Series 9 45mm eSIM: 659 euros
As for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it could see its price increase. Manufacturing costs for this model would increase to offer a lighter, but just as durable, titanium body. If this is confirmed, its floor price would then exceed the symbolic threshold of 1000 euros.
⌚️ What is the design of the Apple Watch Series 9?
The changes are timid in terms of design. Apple has remained conservative with this generation and intends to pull out all the stops for the Apple Watch X which will follow, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the connected watch. The square case with rounded corners is back, with the same navigation crown. Users have the choice of aluminum or stainless steel materials. It is rumored that the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 9 would be partly manufactured using 3D printing techniques.
The size of the screen remains at 41 or 45 mm as desired and the display is entrusted to OLED LTPO technology. We know that Apple is working on developing microLED displays, but they are still far from ready. If they ever arrive, the Apple Watch Ultra will logically take priority.
The four colors Midnight, Stellar Light, Silver and Red are joined this year by a fifth dress: Pink. It is available on the aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 only. The stainless steel versions remain available in Gold, Silver and Graphite. Finally, we know that Apple has been looking to sell off its inventory of leather straps, Solo Loop straps and MagSafe charging station, which may mean that these accessories will be renewed.
⚙️ What is the technical sheet of the Apple Watch Series 9?
The Apple Watch Series 9 spec sheet will be very similar to the Apple Watch Series 8, albeit with a platform update. Indeed, the Apple Watch Series 9 would benefit from a new heart. The latest SiPs integrated into Apple Watches have not allowed a spectacular leap in performance. It must be said that although they are entitled to a different name every year, the Apple S6, S7 and S8 chips are not very different.
But this changes with the SiP Apple S9 from the Watch Series 9. Derived from the Apple A15 Bionic fitted to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro, this chip finally promises truly superior performance, for a smoother experience. Based on finer engraving of 5 nm, compared to 7 nm on later models, it also ensures better energy efficiency, better controlled consumption, and therefore greater autonomy for the smartwatch.
With the Apple Watch Series 8, we were treated to new sensors to measure body temperature, useful for diagnosing fever or for monitoring women’s menstruation. The Apple Watch Series 9 does not bring new sensors. We have been talking about a potential blood glucose sensor for a long time, but we will have to wait several more years to see this technology land, if it ends up being integrated.
? What’s new in watchOS 10?
We announced the color in the introduction to this article: Apple has worked more on the software aspect than on the hardware aspect of the Watch Series 9. Presented during WWDC 2023, watchOS 10 is considered one of the most important wearable operating system software updates since 2015, when the first Apple Watch was released.
Apple has overhauled the interface here inspired by iOS and integrated new features that take advantage of the new Apple S9 chip. Native applications benefit from a more modern aesthetic, with colorful visuals and an increased presence of animations. watchOS 10 also introduces a card system, SmartStack, which will offer users personalized actions based on their habits and the time of day. To determine the probability that an action is of interest to the user, this function is based on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
As with iOS, Apple chooses widgets to improve the ergonomics of its connected watches. Present on the first versions, they were removed from watchOS 3 to highlight native applications. By navigating with the digital crown, users can access an interface dedicated to widgets. These display thematic information (weather, calendar, music, etc.) and offer quick actions without having to enter the application concerned first.
The new developments are meager in terms of health. We are satisfied with the function Time in Daylight, which calculates the time you spend outdoors from the ambient light sensor. We can also cite the application Mindfulnesswhich now allows you to enter your emotions and mood to follow the evolution of your state of mind and well-being on the iPhone Health application.
For athletes, Apple focused on cyclists. watchOS 10 detects falls while cycling, adapts calorimetry calculation for e-bike owners, provides workout reminders, and reports data such as speed, cadence, and power zones of workouts. The system also becomes capable of calculating the highest intensity level a cyclist can maintain during an hour of cycling. Your Apple Watch can also connect to other Bluetooth-compatible measuring devices: power meters, cadence sensors, speed sensors, etc. For greater convenience, you can also choose to display your training sessions on your iPhone , which can be hung on the bicycle dial.
The Compass application will remember the last known position where you had a cellular connection. In the event of network loss, you will be able to come to this location to regain mobile connectivity. The Elevation View option allows you to view the places you have visited in 3D. Finally, watchOS 10 becomes compatible with the Name Drop function of iPhones, which aims to kill business cards. It is possible both to share a contact from your watch, and to receive one from another device that supports this option.