Are you thinking about buying the new Apple Watch 9? But is the upgrade really worth it? What does the Watch 9 really offer, and are the new features relevant to you? In this quick analysis, we'll look at what the Watch 9 can do and whether an older model might be just as good - or even better - for you. Let's find out if the latest model is worth the extra cost.
The most important features at a glance
display and design
The Apple Watch Series 9 retains the familiar, sleek design of its predecessors, but brings subtle improvements. The Always-On Retina display is brighter than ever, making it even easier to read, even in direct sunlight. The bezels are still thin, giving the display a modern, edge-to-edge look. In terms of color, the Watch 9 offers some new options that complement the sleek appearance and offer something for every taste.
performance and battery life
Powered by a new S9 chip, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers a noticeable increase in performance compared to previous models. This new generation of processors not only ensures smoother use of apps and functions, but also enables longer battery life during intensive use. The battery life remains at around 18 hours, but the increased energy efficiency of the S9 chip means you can get more out of each charge. The quick charge function also remains and enables quick charging in everyday life.
Connectivity and other features
The Apple Watch Series 9 brings some notable new features. The improved Siri integration allows faster and more precise voice commands directly on the watch without the need for a connection to the iPhone. Another new feature is the "Double Tap" gesture, which allows you to intuitively control certain actions, such as answering calls or pausing music, by tapping the back of your hand twice. In addition, the Watch 9 offers advanced health functions such as optimized heart rate zones and improved fall detection, which ensure greater safety in everyday life.
Who would benefit from an Apple Watch 9?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is particularly worthwhile for users who value the latest technology and are willing to invest in the most advanced functions. The new features such as the S9 chip, the brighter display and the "Double Tap" gesture control make it an attractive choice for technology enthusiasts and users who want to use their smartwatch intensively for fitness tracking and health monitoring.
For beginners who want to get the most out of their smartwatch right from the start and are willing to invest in a device that offers the most and latest features, the Watch 9 can also be a sensible choice. It offers a modern, future-proof platform that covers all needs in the long term.
On the other hand, the Watch 9 is less worthwhile for users who already own an Apple Watch Series 7 or 8 and are happy with the features of those models. The improvements in the Watch 9, while there, may not be enough reason for many users to consider an upgrade. Also, for those who only use the basic functions of a smartwatch and are not particularly interested in the latest features, an older model or keeping the current Watch could be a better and more cost-effective decision.
Review: What the Tech YouTubers say
The two tech YouTubers DC Rainmaker and 6 Months Later have tested the Apple Watch 9 in their videos and investigated whether it is worth buying an Apple Watch 9 and for whom. We have summarized their results:
Advantages
- Brighter display: The display of the Apple Watch Series 9 reaches a brightness of up to 2000 nits, which is twice as bright as that of the Series 8. This makes it particularly easy to read the display even in direct sunlight or when wearing sunglasses.
- Improved battery life and fast charging: The battery life remains at around 18 hours, but thanks to the quick charging function, the watch can be easily charged in everyday life, often during short breaks such as showering. Users report reliable battery performance that is sufficient even for intensive use.
- Faster and improved Siri: Thanks to the new S9 chip, Siri is significantly faster on the Watch 9 and can process many tasks directly on the watch without having to rely on an internet connection. This makes interacting with Siri more efficient and useful in everyday life.
- Precision search with UWB Gen 2: The new ultra-wideband chip enables more precise location tracking of devices like iPhones or AirTags, which is especially helpful when you need to find your devices quickly.
- Reliable fitness and sleep tracking: The Watch 9 continues to offer comprehensive fitness tracking features and seamless integration with Apple Fitness+. Sleep tracking provides useful insights into your sleep quality, even if it is not completely accurate.
Disadvantages
- Small difference to the Series 8: Many of the new features, like the brighter display and improved Siri, are nice, but not necessarily a reason for Series 8 users to upgrade. The difference overall is quite small.
- Double tap gesture not always reliable: Although the new double tap gesture sounds convenient, users report that it does not always work reliably and sometimes requires multiple attempts to respond correctly.
- Limited offline functionality of Siri: Siri's offline use is very limited and can only perform basic tasks such as setting timers. An internet connection is still required for more complex requests.
- Limited repair options: The Apple Watch Series 9, like its predecessors, is difficult to repair, especially when it comes to replacing the battery. This remains a disadvantage for users who want to keep their devices for the long term.
- Need for an iPhone: The Apple Watch Series 9 remains heavily tied to the use of an iPhone, making it unusable for Android users.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers some solid improvements that will be particularly interesting for users looking to upgrade from older models. However, for Series 8 users, the upgrade may be less attractive, as the changes are not significant enough to justify the switch.
Conclusion: Who is the Apple Watch 9 worth it for?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is worth it for you if you have an older model and want the latest features like the brighter display, faster S9 chip and more accurate Siri. It's ideal if you're often outdoors and benefit from the improved brightness. If you already own the Series 8, the differences are minor and an upgrade is less worthwhile. Ultimately, however, the Apple Watch Series 9 is not a huge leap, but rather a fine update. It offers some useful improvements, but nothing revolutionary new. For users of older models, however, it's a solid choice. Innovative? No. Overpriced? For many, yes. A refurbished Apple Watch 9 could be a good alternative to a new watch if you don't want to miss out on the latest features but aren't willing to pay the high price.
FAQ - your questions about the Apple Watch 9
1. What are the main differences between the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 8?
Apple Watch Series 9 features a brighter display up to 2000 nits, a faster S9 chip for improved performance, and a more accurate Siri that can handle many tasks offline. It also features a new Double Tap gesture and a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for more precise location tracking.
2. Is it worth upgrading from Series 8 to Series 9?
Upgrading from the Series 8 to the Series 9 is only partially worthwhile, as the differences are rather minor. However, if you value the brighter display, the improved Siri and the new gestures, the upgrade could be interesting for you. Otherwise, you could stick with the Series 8.
3. How long does the battery of the Apple Watch Series 9 last?
Like its predecessors, the Apple Watch Series 9's battery life is around 18 hours with normal use. Thanks to the fast charging function, you can easily charge it during short breaks, which is especially beneficial for users who also wear their watch at night for sleep tracking.
4. What new features does the Apple Watch Series 9 offer?
New features in the Series 9 include the Double Tap gesture, an improved Siri that can work offline, a brighter display, and the new second-generation ultra-wideband chip that enables more precise device location tracking.
5. Who will benefit most from the Apple Watch Series 9?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is particularly worthwhile for users who want to upgrade from an older model (Series 6 or earlier) or who want to take advantage of the latest features like the brighter display and improved Siri. For budget-conscious buyers who already own the Series 8, the upgrade is less necessary unless the new features are particularly important to you.
