On Tuesday, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) launched its Watch Series 9 at its "Wonderlust" event, prompting a direct comparison with its predecessor.
Here are all the updates that make the Apple Watch Series 9 similar and different from the Apple Watch 8 in terms of price, power, and performance.
Design: Minimal Changes, New Color Options
In terms of design, the Apple Watch Series 9 maintains a striking resemblance to the Series 8. The most notable difference lies in the color options available.
While the Series 8 came in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Product Red, the Series 9 offers additional choices.
The aluminum models of the Series 9 come in pink, starlight, silver, midnight, and product red. For those opting for stainless steel, it's available in gold, silver, and graphite.
On a more environmentally friendly note, Apple has also introduced FineWoven, a microtwill fabric made from 68% recycled materials. From now on, the tech giant won't use leather in any new Apple products, including watch bands.
Performance: Brighter Display And 30% Faster GPU
One of the most significant changes lies under the hood with introducing the S9 System in Package or SiP. With 5.6 billion transistors, a GPU that's 30% faster, and a four-core neural engine, the Series 9 boasts substantial performance improvements.
The Watch Series 9 is also equipped with a new 4-core Neural Engine that demonstrates the capability to process machine learning tasks at double the speed of its predecessor.
Additionally, a second-generation ultra-wideband chip enhances precision in location tracking. For the unversed, Precision Finding does more than just tell users where their lost iPhone is. It gives clear directions and even guides them with pictures, vibrations, and sounds.
The Series 9 also flaunts a brighter display, reaching up to 2000 nits, doubling the maximum brightness of the Series 8.
Features: Checkout The New "Double-Tap" Action
When it comes to features, Apple often introduces innovations with each new iteration of its smartwatch. The Series 8 introduced a skin temperature sensor, aiding in cycle tracking and crash detection. Meanwhile, the Series 7 showcased a QWERTY keyboard.
The Series 9, however, brings some exciting additions to the table. A standout feature is the "double-tap" function, allowing users to perform actions like answering phone calls by tapping their index finger and thumb together.
Additionally, Siri requests are now processed on the device, enhancing responsiveness. "For requests that do not require information from the internet, such as starting a workout or setting a timer, Siri does not rely on Wi-Fi or cellular networks, resulting in quicker and more reliable responses."
Battery Life: A Familiar Story
In the realm of battery life, the Series 8 was rated for 18 hours of usage under typical conditions, including fitness tracking, sleep tracking, and an always-on display. However, the Apple Watch's low power mode extended this lifespan to up to 36 hours.
While some users had hoped for a substantial battery life improvement in the Series 9, Apple has not delivered a significant boost.
The Series 9's battery life remains in line with its predecessor, falling short of the impressive endurance in Fitbit or Garmin watches.
Price: No Surprises
Apple has maintained a consistent pricing strategy for its smartwatches, and the Series 9 is no exception. The starting price for the Apple Watch Series 8 mirrored that of the Series 7 and most preceding models, commencing at $399 for the 41mm variant.
Unsurprisingly, the Series 9 also begins at $399, aligning with its predecessor's pricing structure.
Interested users can now start ordering the device, which will be available in the U.S. beginning Sept. 22.