I’ve been using the Apple Watch 9 daily since it arrived in late September. My appreciation for the Apple Watch began when my husband purchased the Series 7 in 2021, and we started incorporating daily walks into our routine.
Having my own Apple Watch Series 9 has been a delightful experience. With its impressive battery life, standout features, and comfortable fit, it’s undoubtedly a worthwhile investment.
While I haven’t extensively tried various smartwatches, I distinctly remember a time when a smartwatch struggled to last through the day.
Fortunately, that’s not the case with the Series 9; it has yet to run out of battery on me, except for the time when I unintentionally disconnected its charger right before bedtime.
Beyond just “nice-to-haves,” the Series 9 offers practical conveniences. One standout is the ability to use Apple Pay at the register, eliminating the need to fumble around for my phone or wallet.
Additionally, the luxury of swiping onto the subway with the watch enhances the overall experience.
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Pricing and New Features:
The Apple Watch Series 9 is priced at $399 for the Wi-Fi-only version, identical to the Series 8 & 7. For Cellular capabilities, the pricing starts at $499.
While the previous models shared the same processor, the Series 9 introduces the S9 chip, promising a 30% speed boost and all-day battery life.
The display is twice as bright as the Series 8 and now comes in a new pink color.
A noteworthy addition is the Double Tap gesture, introduced in the Series 9 and Ultra 2, allowing control of the primary button in an app without touching the watch.
Though a cool feature, I admit to occasionally forgetting it’s an option.
Finally, a feature I’ve yet to use but find intriguing is the ability to ping your iPhone from the watch if it’s lost. It provides directional guidance and emits haptic feedback when you’re close.
Theater Mode:
One of my favorite features is Theater Mode, preventing the screen from lighting up during glances or notifications. Ideal for movies and theaters, it proved invaluable during jury duty, minimizing distractions.
Fitness Tracking: I extensively use the watch for fitness tracking, aiming to “close my rings” daily. The introduction of automatic pausing (auto-pause) for biking and running has been a game-changer.
The watch quickly pauses during breaks and resumes when I’m back in motion.
Who Should Consider Buying?
If you own a Series 6 or older, upgrading to the Series 9 is advisable due to potential performance decline and battery issues. Priced the same as the Series 7 and 8, there’s little reason to opt for the older models.
However, if you have a well-functioning Apple Watch Series 7 or later with a good battery, upgrading may not be necessary. The Series 4 and newer watches are compatible with watchOS 10 if you have an iPhone XS or a more recent model.
It’s crucial to note that an Apple Watch pairs seamlessly with an iPhone but may not be compatible with Android smartphones. Ensure you have an iPhone for optimal functionality.
Specifications:
- Product Name: Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellular 45mm
- Product Brand: Apple
- Case Options: 45mm and 41mm aluminum or stainless steel
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours (36 in Low Power Mode)
- Processor: Apple S9
- BETA: [Not specified]
