Every year Apple presents a new Apple Watch at its big keynote in September. In 2023 we have now reached the 9th generation and thus the Apple Watch Series 9. TECHBOOK gives an overview of the new smartwatch.
A new iPhone including Pro models, iOS 17 – and of course the Apple Watch. These are the things for which Apple presented new devices and functions at the keynote in September this year, including a brief appearance by Octavia Spencer. In general, however, the innovations are rather limited – probably because Apple wants to make a bigger leap with the Watch X/10 next year. However, there is a practical new feature. TECHBOOK presents the new Apple Watch Series 9 and assesses the innovations.
You can also read all the innovations from the Apple Keynote 2023 in our live ticker.
Design and colors of the Apple Watch Series 9
This year the motto at the Apple keynote is: full focus on sustainability. This is also noticeable with the Apple Watch 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which was introduced shortly afterwards. Among other things, the devices are now manufactured in a carbon-neutral manner. Savings were also made in terms of energy efficiency and CO2 emissions during transport. Among other things, the Apple Watch Series 9 can anticipate the user’s energy consumption and thus save energy in certain moments.
In terms of design, everything else has remained the same. The sizes have also remained true to 41 and 45 millimeters. However, the display now offers 2000 nits of brightness, which is the same as the Apple Watch Ultra (2022). In the dark, the Apple Watch regulates down to 1 nit. And the Apple Watch 9 is available in a new color: pink. This is based on the color that you could already see on the iPad and iPhone last year.
In the interests of environmental friendliness, Apple is also abandoning the well-known leather bracelets from this year. The new model is called FineWoven, is also from Hermés and made from animal-free materials that are still sustainable.
New chip for new Apple Watch
The in-house S9 chip works inside the Apple Watch 9. This brings more performance and efficiency compared to its predecessor. That’s why the battery life should be 18 hours; In power saving mode even at 36 hours.
The new chip should also make it possible to use some voice commands offline and dictate to Siri much more quickly. This is also because the cloud route is avoided. In addition, Apple’s voice assistant with the Apple Watch Series 9 can better insert the tracked health data into the Apple Health app.
Thanks to a new ultra-wideband chip, the range of the Apple Watch also improves. This is useful, among other things, for ringing your misplaced iPhone or controlling the HomePod.
Completely new control via “Double Tap”
While the jumps in performance are otherwise limited, Apple is introducing a completely new type of control with the Watch 9. The feature is intended to be used primarily when you only have one hand free. To do this, all you have to do is bring two fingers – thumb and index finger – together twice on the hand on which you are wearing the Apple Watch.
This gesture can have various effects. Among other things, you can set your alarm to “snooze” or answer a call using your Apple Watch. Access to the widgets or the control of the camera and Apple TV is also partially possible via double tap.
What’s new with watchOS 10
Of course, the Apple Watch 9 also includes a comprehensive software update for watchOS 10. Here is an overview of the most important points
- new design for many apps
- customized interface with focus on widgets (Smart Stack)
- changed key assignment
- Better connection to other Bluetooth devices to better track training data
- optimized training views, especially for cyclists
- new view in the compass app and route information for hikers
- State of mind log
- Daylight tracking
- and last but not least: a Snoopy watch face
Detailed information about the new watchOS 10 features can be found in our large overview article.
Apple Watch 9 price and availability
The new Apple Watches will be available from September 22, 2023. The Apple Watch 9 is priced at 449 euros and is available in the aluminum version in the colors rose, midnight, polar star and silver. The stainless steel version, however, is available in gold, graphite and silver