Apple Watch Series 9 Review – Where Elegance Meets Unprecedented Innovation!

Apple Watch Series 9 Review – The Apple Watch Series 9 has entered the smartwatch arena with incremental upgrades, building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Series 8. In this review, we delve into the design, display, performance, software, and battery life of the Series 9, aiming to help users determine if it’s a worthy upgrade for existing Apple Watch users or an enticing option for first-time buyers.

Design and Display

At first glance, the Apple Watch Series 9 appears virtually indistinguishable from the Series 8 and even its predecessor, the Series 7. The design maintains the square-shaped aluminum or stainless steel frame, available in 41mm and 45mm sizes. The addition of the new Pink colorway in aluminum is the sole identifier of the Series 9, standing out among other color options like Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and Product (Red). The stainless steel version offers Gold, Silver, and Graphite color choices.

The familiar crown and pill-shaped button on the right side, coupled with a speaker cutout on the left, maintain the Series’ signature look. Notably, the aluminum model is crafted from 100% recycled aluminum, aligning with Apple’s commitment to sustainability. The Sport Loop straps also contribute to this eco-friendly initiative, being carbon neutral and containing 45% recycled content.

The Series 9’s display mirrors its predecessor’s, featuring a good-looking LTPO OLED display with vivid colors and inky blacks. The 45mm variant provides a substantial screen size with slight bezels, though not completely edge-to-edge. The standout improvement, however, is the enhanced brightness, now reaching 2000 nits from the previous 1000 nits. This boost ensures optimal visibility under harsh sunlight, enhancing the overall user experience.

Double-Tap Gesture

A notable addition to the Series 9 is the Double-tap gesture, introduced with watchOS 10.1. Designed as an accessibility feature, Double-tap allows users to perform actions with one hand, catering to situations where the use of the other hand is impractical. This feature, powered by the S9 chip’s Neural Engine, enables users to execute actions by tapping their thumb and index finger twice.

While a version of Double-tap existed in watchOS 8 under Accessibility settings, the newer iteration is more streamlined. It currently offers a single action – double tap – for functions like playing or pausing music, accessing the Smart Stack, answering or hanging up calls, and more. Although not customizable at this stage, Double-tap proves to be a handy feature, especially in situations where a single-handed operation is necessary.

Performance and Software

The Series 9 introduces the S9 SiP (System in Package), promising a 30% performance boost over the preceding S8 chip. Accompanied by a four-core Neural Engine, this chipset facilitates on-device Siri processing and powers the Double-tap gesture. Users upgrading from Series 7 or older models will notice a significant speed improvement in regular usage, with fluid animations and minimal lag in applications.

WatchOS 10 brings subtle tweaks for improved readability, rearranging how users access the control panel and widgets. The introduction of new watch faces, such as Solar Analog and the whimsical Snoopy watch face, adds a touch of customization to the Series 9 experience.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Apple Watch Series 9 remains consistent with its predecessors, offering a two-day span on a single charge for moderate usage. Engaging in workout modes for extended periods may reduce this to a day and a half, while enabling the always-on display further shortens it to a day. Users transitioning from Series 7 or older models will appreciate the slight improvement in battery life.

Charging the Series 9 takes approximately an hour with a 30W Apple charging brick or around 1 hour and 20 minutes with a 20W adapter. While not groundbreaking, the charging time remains efficient for users on the go.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Apple Watch Series 9 maintains the established design language of its predecessors, offering incremental improvements in performance, display brightness, and the introduction of the Double-tap gesture. The snappy performance and convenience of Double-tap make it an appealing choice for first-time Apple Watch owners seeking the latest features. However, for current Series 8 or Series 7 users, the upgrade may not justify the investment.

While the Series 9 competes favorably in the smartwatch market, those yearning for a revamped design and more substantial upgrades might find solace in awaiting the next iteration. In comparison to last year’s budget-friendly Apple Watch SE, the Series 9 provides a comprehensive smartwatch experience with a larger display and a faster chipset, catering to users who want the latest features without delving into the Ultra range.