Apple Watch series 9

Watch review

RRP	£399
Size	41mm, 45mm
Processor	Apple S9
Connectivity	Cellular (optional,) Wi-Fi
Colours	Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Product

The Apple Watch Series 9 once again shows Apple’s commitment to continuous innovation of smartwatches. One of the standout features of this latest model is its significantly brighter screen, which is good news for the outdoorsy type. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, the Series 9 ensures that checking the time, alerts, and exercise metrics becomes effortlessly legible even under direct sunlight.

A key driver of performance in the Series 9 is the new S9 chip, the first significant speed increase since 2020’s S6. This enhancement results in a 30% boost in performance, which is very noticiable in Siri interactions. Everyday tasks such as setting timers, making calls, and other routine interactions are now processed on the watch itself, eliminating the need for constant tethering to an iPhone or a data connection. Additionally, dictation for messages and notes sees a 25% improvement in accuracy, streamlining the process of firing off quick replies without the reliance of your smartphone.

The design the Series 9 remains familiar, maintaining the aesthetics of their predecessors. The only slight change is the Series 9 adopts a more “pillow-shaped” profile, offering size options of 41mm or 45mm. While the external appearance doesn’t undergo a radical transformation,the nuts and bolts of the improvements lie within, with enhancements that contribute to an overall more efficient and capable device.

However, for current owners of the Series 7, the decision to upgrade might not be as straightforward. Considering the Series 7 is still receiving system updates and holds up well in terms of performance, the Series 9’s incremental improvements might not justify an immediate shift. Personally, as a Series 7 owner, I find the existing model to be more than adequate for my needs, and with the system updates, it continues to offer an impressive experience. Nonetheless, I havnt written this to dissuade potential buyers; rather, I’m trying to highlight to the longevity and reliability of Apple’s smartwatch lineup. 

The Series 9’s battery life remains consistent, providing around 36 hours of usage, While these figures are respectable, they don’t represent significant improvements. This aspect might be a consideration for users who place a premium on extended battery life, particularly in comparison to some competing smartwatches in the market.

Key specification;

• Sizes: 41mm, 45mm
• Colors: Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Product Red, Pink
• Processor: Apple S9
• Connectivity: Cellular (optional,) Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, U2, NFC, GPS
• Dust-resistance: IPX6

The Apple Watch Series 9 introduces noteworthy improvements, particularly in screen brightness and chip performance. The decision to upgrade ultimately hinges on individual needs and priorities. For those seeking cutting-edge technology and a competitive smartwatch experience, the Series 9 is a worthy investment. As always, Apple’s commitment to quality and innovation continues to position its smartwatches as the go-to choice for iPhone users looking for the best in wearable technology.