A new report says that Apple is investigating a display issue affecting both of its top Apple Watch models that could cause the screen to “jump erratically” without user input. 

According to MacRumors, an internal memo sent to Apple Authorized Service Providers this week confirms that Apple is aware of and investigating a “touch-related issue affecting some Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 displays.”

Apple states that “Some customers may report their Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 is experiencing false touches on their display.” These “ghost touches” could cause your screen to “jump erratically” or move around even if you’re not touching it. At worst, Apple says this could lead to your device “starting a phone call unintentionally” or stopping you from entering your passcode. Unintentional phone calls aside, if your Apple Watch happened to accidentally enter the wrong passcode enough times, you could find your device locked or even erased.

Apple Watch ghost touches — Is your screen not working? 

If you’ve experienced any such issues with your Apple Watch recently, there’s good and bad news. The good news is that Apple is aware of this issue and is currently working on a fix. The bad news is that it doesn’t have one yet, and Apple “has instructed technicians not to repair affected Apple Watch models while it investigates.” The only recourse offered, according to the report, is to force restart your Apple Watch, but it’s unclear if this actually fixes the issue. 

Both of the company's best Apple Watch models continue to give it a headache. More pressing than “ghost touches” remains a patent dispute with Masimo over the Blood Oxygen feature on its Apple Watch models. Currently, an ITC ruling prohibits Cupertino from selling or importing the Series 9 and Ultra 2 with this disputed technology. As such, Apple has removed the feature in new devices currently on sale, and cannot offer hardware repairs on out-of-warranty models sold since 2020. 

As the report notes, it’s also recommended that customers keep their software up to date, meaning it’s possible a watchOS 10 update could fix the issue, hopefully, sooner rather than later. 

More from iMore

• Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are back on sale
• Apple Watch Cellular vs. GPS: What's the difference?
• Don't break your new Apple Watch — replacement Series 9 and Ultra 2 models could lack Blood Oxygen features if you do

A new analyst estimate has revealed that Apple’s decision to suspend the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 sales as part of a patent dispute with health company Masimo could cost the company up to $400 million in sales. 

The report follows news this week that Apple will suspend online sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 starting December 21, pulling them from store shelves on December 24. The company is awaiting the deadline of a presidential review into an ITC ruling that could ban imports of both devices into the country after Apple was ruled to have infringed on patents held by Masimo in relation to the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen technology. 

Apple is pre-emptively pulling sales of its best Apple Watch models in anticipation that President Biden will not veto the ban, although there’s still time for a White House intervention. 

 An expensive mistake 

Clearly, Apple has messed up in its application of the Blood Oxygen feature in the Apple Watch, and while it says it strongly disagrees with the order and plans to fight it legally, the impending sales suspension looks set to cost Apple big. Business Insider reports that Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives estimates the move “will likely cost Apple about $300-400 million in holiday-season sales” and “couldn’t have come at a worse possible time.” 

Apple is reportedly exploring technical fixes behind the scenes that could change the way Blood Oxygen data is delivered to customers in a bid to get around the ruling. It follows reports that Masimo CEO Joe Kiani would be happy to sit down with Apple to agree on a settlement, but that Apple doesn’t seem interested. Kiani wants royalties for Masimo and an Apple apology for stealing its intellectual property, as well as poaching some team members. 

With the holidays just days away, here are all the places you can still buy an Apple Watch in the US.

More from iMore

• As Biden upholds a ruling, an Apple Watch ban is a step closer
• The Apple Watch ban is just days away — here's where you can still buy one
• Apple Watch ban could see blood oxygen tech adjusted in potential workaround

Following the news that Apple will suspend sales of its best Apple Watch models, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, from December 21, a new report says Apple is scrambling to develop a potential software fix or another workaround to get its wearable back onto shelves. 

It follows the news Monday that Apple will suspend online sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 from December 21 and in-store sales from Christmas Eve, December 24. It follows a patent dispute between Apple and Masimo Corp over the blood oxygen monitoring feature in the Apple Watch. 

Apple is currently facing an import ban on the device by the International Trade Commission, which will take effect from December 25 unless President Biden vetoes it, hence the pre-emptive suspension of sales.

Drastic measures 

Now, Bloomberg reports that “Engineers at the company are racing to make changes to algorithms on the device that measure a user’s blood oxygen level” in order to get around the patent infringement. The report claims Apple is “adjusting how the technology determines oxygen saturation and presents the data to customers” with a view to getting around the ban. 

A software fix aside, the report notes other avenues Apple could pursue, including a settlement with Masimo, although Mark Gurman writes that “the two companies don’t appear to have engaged on that front.” 

Apple is also reportedly “working on a range of legal and technical options” and already has store promotional material for its brick-and-mortar stores that promote the Apple Watch SE without depicting its other two offending models. 

According to the report, “Work within Apple suggests that the company believes software changes — rather than a more complicated hardware overhaul — will be enough to bring the device back to store shelves.” In the meantime, both models are still available to buy for the next couple of days and will remain available at third-party outlets like Best Buy. However, because the ITC ruling is an import ban, this will also eventually cause stock at these vendors to dry up. 

More from iMore

• Apple's watchOS 10.2 update is here with six big new features
• I never loved my Apple Watch until I used it at the beach
• BREAKING: Apple to suspend Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 sales in US

Apple will stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US from this week. The company says sales will cease from later this week following an ITC ruling amidst a patent dispute between Apple and Masimo, regarding its blood oxygen monitoring feature. 

9to5Mac reports the following statement from Apple:

A Presidential Review Period is in progress regarding an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission on a technical intellectual property dispute pertaining to Apple Watch devices containing the Blood Oxygen feature. While the review period will not end until December 25, Apple is preemptively taking steps to comply should the ruling stand. This includes pausing sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from Apple.com starting December 21, and from Apple retail locations after December 24.

Apple’s teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features. Apple strongly disagrees with the order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that Apple Watch is available to customers.

Should the order stand, Apple will continue to take all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.

Imminent Apple Watch ban

As the statement notes, Apple is suspending sales pre-emptively from December 21 online, and December 24 in stores. However, the company clearly anticipates a legal challenge to the order which could see any potential ban overturned. Apple also clearly states that if the ban is upheld, it will, endeavor to create an Apple Watch that can be bought and sold in the U.S., possibly without the offending Blood Oxygen Feature. 

This is an unprecedented situation, with Apple pulling a flagship product from sale because of a legal challenge. Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are the company's two best Apple Watch models for mainstream users and adventurers respectively. They were only released in September and both were exciting upgrades on the previous models. 

As 9to5 notes this ban does not impact outlets outside of Apple, so you'll still be able to buy an Apple Watch from the likes of Amazon or Best Buy for now, however, the ITC ruling would constitute a ban on imports which would eventually see supplies to third-party retailers dry up. 

Apple plans to appeal the ITC's final decision on December 26, once the Presidential Review Period is up. 

More from iMore

• Apple Watch Series 9 review: It's about time
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 review: The adventure continues
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: Upgrades, release date, and more

Despite only launching a few months ago, the Apple Watch Series 9 is almost the same price as the inferior Apple Watch Series 8 on Best Buy. I bought my first Apple Watch only a few years ago, yet the value of it has been immeasurable in my life thanks to its great health trackers, built-in timers and calendar, and the ability to see messages easily. 

With the holidays on the way and a great deal now live, it is the perfect time to pick up a new Apple Watch for yourself or as a very extravagant gift for a (very) loved one. 

Keeping time

• Apple Watch deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy | Walmart 

For the small difference between the two Apple Watches, there is little reason to choose the Series 8 just for a $15 discount. If only for the battery alone, your Watch Series 9 will last a little longer thanks to a newer battery. However, you also get an improved Neural Engine, better display, and a faster chip from the best Apple Watch the company has produced in years!

I’ve loved using my Apple Watch Series 5 since I bought it way back in 2019. Its bigger size, always-on-display, faster chip, and better battery were great upgrades from the Series 0 I owned before. I’m still happy with it, but at this point, I’d love to have the features of a blood oxygen sensor, double-tap in watchOS 10, and more. After seeing how low in price the Series 9 models are now thanks to Amazon’s Black Friday deals, I’m more tempted than ever.

For a Series 9 in a Silver Aluminum Case, I could buy one for $449 instead of $499, and use my existing Watch Bands as before. Or, if I wanted to go one step further for a Graphite Stainless Steel model, I could upgrade to that for $664, down from $699. So the dilemma isn’t whether I should upgrade — it’s deciding on which model I should go with.

Find the best Apple Watch deals

• Amazon — some of the lowest prices on Apple Watch
• Target — big Apple Watch savings
• Best Buy — great deals on Apple Watches so far

Black Friday has already started over on Amazon, seeing it lower the prices on loads of different items — including the line of Apple Watches below. Before Black Friday begins elsewhere, we're already seeing some fantastic discounts on these wearables. The dilemma you face, though, is which model suits you best?

Save on the best Apple Watches

As I look at my Series 5, it feels like we’ve had a good run, literally. At this moment in time, I’m swaying towards the Graphite Stainless Steel model. Yes, it’s a smaller discount compared to the Aluminum model, but I do love that darker metallic shade on the Watch.

Also, my wife will be upgrading from a Series 4 to my Series 5 once I buy this Watch, much like when I upgraded to the iPhone 15 Pro Max in September, and she got my iPhone 13. So at the end of all this, everyone will have had a great deal in this household — even our dog for when I attempt to use Double Tap so I can respond to a message as I walk him.

I currently have an Apple Watch Series 7 and I still love its slightly aging tech. With decent battery life, a nice screen, and a fast chip, I didn’t quite see the need to upgrade when the Watch Series 9 was announced, but a recent deal has me tempted. Over on Amazon, you can pick up a Watch Series 9 at a discounted price of $349, a nice reduction on a very new device. This is one of the best Apple Watch Black Friday deals available right now. 

This is $50 or 13% off the listing price of the watch and enough to pick up a case and band alongside it for the original price if you shop smart. With Black Friday just over a week away, you could hold out for a better deal but, considering this is the lowest price we’ve seen the watch at, we can’t imagine it going any lower. If you’ve been holding out for a new Apple Watch like I have, now might be the perfect time to pick one up. 

$50 off

Apple Watch deals: Amazon | B&H Photo | Best Buy | Walmart 

I’m extra tempted by this deal as I really like the (PRODUCT)RED line. They look fantastic and support a great cause but I haven’t had one since my iPhone 12 as the Pro and Pro Max iPhone line don’t have those color options. The brand-new pink looks very pretty but the red is probably my favorite. If you aren’t hugely into that, the same deal applies to the Midnight version of the Watch Series 9 –  a much more toned-down look. 

Advancements in the devices Neural Engine means that on-device Siri is now available and health features like Bloody Oxygen sensors and an ECG mean you can keep track of your health in just a few quick taps. Being very durable, customizable, and capable of powering through an entire day, the new Watch Series 9 may just make a perfect walking companion for me on these cold days. 

The Apple Watch Series 9 has landed, and it’s an exceptional smartwatch for those after the latest technology on their wrists, with on-device Siri and double-tap functionality to ensure you can interact with your device in a number of useful ways.

But for those of us who don’t need every feature under the sun, there’s a clear market for a simplified Apple Watch, one that does without a huge medley of apps, notifications, and tracking found on other models, and focuses on the very basics of what a sleek smartwatch can offer.

My partner recently purchased an Apple Watch Series 9, as a celebration for a new job they started last month. But within days, it was packed back in its original box, being returned to the big Apple store in the sky – my partner citing the overwhelming amount of menus, apps, and interfaces to grapple with when they mainly wanted a way to receive hands-free calls on a lunchtime walk. (Also, notifications that tell you to stand up every hour – we get it, but have you heard of an office job?)

The Apple Watch does a huge amount. It can make audio calls from your wrist, track your heart rate, count your daily steps, and send you regular reminders to stand every now and again. It has fall detection for more elderly users and comes with a huge range of WatchOS apps from Strava to Citymapper. It syncs with your iPhone and can let you make contactless payments with a flick of the wrist.

Lots of this is useful, and every feature will be useful to some portion of users. But there isn’t a single Apple Watch model out there designed for a truly streamlined experience – offering a few key smart features for those after a slight upgrade from their regular wristwatch, and nothing more.

That’s the reason I’ve been wearing the hybrid Withings Steel HR smartwatch for the past year. It has an analog clock face that auto-syncs the time to my phone (no resetting for me!), alongside an analog step-counter and a compact LED screen that can digitally tell me the time and date, my step count, distance walked, heart rate, calories burnt, remaining battery life, and nothing else. 

It looks like a regular watch, just jazzed up for the 21st century with no added fuss; I get compliments on it regularly, and am constantly in the position of explaining what it does and doesn’t do.

Crucially, this Withings watch only has one button. One! It can cycle through a few features on that micro-screen, but it’s stubbornly minimalist, and while there is a companion app, it’s not necessary to use after setup. The battery life is so long that I’m actively surprised every time I need to charge it.

Compare that to any current best Apple Watch model, with its sprawling settings menus and an App Store interface that needs to be crammed into a 40mm-diameter screen. Yes, it packs in a huge amount of functionality, but for those of us who want a feature-light experience, buying a fully-fledged Apple Watch and then not using 90% of its capabilities feels like a huge waste – even if it’s the lower-cost Apple Watch SE.

I would love to see an Apple smartwatch that ditched complexity for a streamlined software design, narrowing down to a few core features for casual users, with gentle enough power needs that it can outdo the 18-hour battery life of the current fleet of Apple Watch models. An Apple Watch that, like the sleek AirPods, ditches needless interfacing options, and doesn’t burden the user with too many options or busywork.

The problem is that the Apple Watch is designed for continual back-and-forth interactivity, requiring it to message you regularly for a host of different metrics – effectively functioning as a second phone, with all the admin that entails. It recreates a form of the iPhone’s operating system, alerts, and app selection to do this

This is brilliant for those looking for a surrogate iPhone they can keep tethered in view, using most of the phone’s features while keeping their hands free for other things. But it limits the Apple Watch to a mini-phone, with all its complications, ignoring the use cases for a simplified accessory at a reduced price. (Knowing Apple, still $199, but I like to think it could be lower.)

There must be a few core features that most Apple Watch users, well, use – things like the pedometer, heart rate, audio calls, and maybe even contactless payments, which could be crammed into an Apple Watch Mini with a more limited interface. You’d lose the host of other WatchOS apps and services, and likely the ability to type text messages (badly) on its tiny screen, but it would offer some basic functionality for users that don’t need extra complications or busywork from their devices.

A smartwatch is inherently a limited device – it’s a fraction the size of a smartphone, and can’t necessarily do everything a smartphone can, at least not nearly as well. Focusing an Apple Watch model on its core feature set, and getting rid of software bloat, would be a good start towards making an Apple Watch that even more of us would use.

It’s clear that the Apple Watch is selling enough already, with over 50m units shipped in 2022 and iMore itself admitting back in 2018 that the Apple Watch had won a firm place in the smartwatch market. But when higher-end models like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 retail for £799, it’s clear that not everyone is being catered to, and a sub-£200 simplified Apple Watch could do a lot to get more models onto people’s wrists.

Owners of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 can now take advantage of the Double Tap feature that was shown off during both of their unveilings back in September. That's after Apple released watchOS 10.1 to the public, adding that feature and more to the mix.

The new update is now available for download by everyone who has a compatible Apple Watch, but you'll need to be using the latest models to take advantage of double tap. The feature allows users to double-tap their fingers to interact with apps on their Apple Watch which makes it perfect for use when you only have one hand free.

The new update has been in beta for weeks now, but everyone who wants it can install the update via the Watch app on their iPhone right now.

Convenient and delightful

Apple confirmed the arrival of the double tap in an announcement press release, saying that it is a "convenient, delightful experience" to use. It goes on to say that the double tap gesture " is helpful in common situations when the user’s other hand is occupied, such as when walking the dog, cooking, or holding a cup of coffee."

In terms of when the double tap gesture can be used, Apple outlined a handful of options that will be available to users right out of the gate. Those options include answering and ending calls, stopping and resuming a stopwatch, snoozing an alarm, and more. You are even able to use a double-tap gesture to take a photo on your iPhone, too.

It's of course a shame that this feature isn't officially supported by older Apple Watches, but Apple says that's down to the new S9 SIP used in the latest models and its ability to perform machine learning tasks twice as fast as older generations.

Has your brand-new Apple Watch been plagued with a flickering display? If so, Apple is searching for a fix, but there’s an easy solution to your problem just now.

According to an internal memo shared with Apple Authorized Service Providers, Apple Watches on watchOS 10 can be affected by a flickering display. This issue affects owners of the brand-new Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 more than most and is likely to be fixed in a future watchOS update (watchOS 10.1 with Double Tap is expected next week).

Until then, there’s a quick fix to stop your Apple Watch from flickering, as shared by Apple itself.

How to fix a flickering display on your Apple Watch

Until Apple provides a software fix for the flickering display issue on the Apple Watch, the company has advised customers to turn off their Always On Display. While not ideal, it solves the issue in the meantime until an actual fix is out in the wild. Here’s how to turn off the Always On Display on an Apple Watch:

1. Open Settings 
2. Tap Display & Brightness
3. Toggle off Always On

Unfortunately, this is the only way to stop your Apple Watch display from flickering at the moment. Apple has advised Authorized Service Providers to not perform hardware repairs on these affected Apple Watches and instead remain patient for upcoming software updates.

iMore has reached out to Apple for comment.

Time for disappointment — iMore’s take

Telling people who have purchased expensive tech products to avoid using the product in the way it was advertised until a fix appears is incredibly disappointing. While we don’t know how many users are affected by this issue, and personally, my Ultra 2 has had no problems at all, it’s worth considering before you purchase one of the new Apple Watch models.

Apple is usually fantastic at finding software solutions to bugs, and with the imminent release of watchOS 10.1, we fully expect this flickering issue to be fixed. Until then, you can either turn off one of the Apple Watch’s best features in the Always On Display or opt for an intermittent disco party every time you check your wrist.

more from iMore

• Apple Watch Series 9 review: It's about time
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: Hands-on and first impressions
• Top 3 reasons I'd buy an Apple Watch Ultra 2 ahead of the Series 9 ...

The Apple Watch Series 9 (and Ultra 2) are finally here, and it'd be fair to say they're not quite the expansive revisions many were hoping for (although the rumored Apple Watch X coming next year may offer more surprises). Still, in true Apple fashion, they represent the pinnacle of the lineup so far.

When it comes to the Series 9, big, wholesale new features may not be the order of the day, but there's still plenty to enjoy. Is it worth upgrading from a Series 8, or even a Series 7? Possibly not, but we've rounded up our favorite Series 9 features so far, as well as one elephant in the room that Apple hasn't addressed yet.

New colors

The Apple Watch Series 9 isn’t a big change from the Series 8, design-wise, but one of the more obvious ways to spot the latest model is the new Pink version, available on the aluminum models.

While the shade itself no doubt draws from a certain blockbuster movie that arrived this year (no, not Oppenheimer), it’s a great color that provides a bit more ‘fun’ for Apple Watch users that aren’t interested in the very serious tones we usually get year in, year out.

Here’s hoping it leads to some more color options in the future - give us an Orange Apple Watch, Apple, iMac style.

The Double Tap (Coming Soon)

Okay, so it’s not actually a feature that’s here yet (coming in watchOS 10.1), but while Double Tap isn’t necessarily a new feature (we covered its accessibility-focused prior iteration back in April), it makes the list because it’s a tantalising glimpse at what’s to come.

In many ways, the Double Tap gesture offered on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will be the first taste of the tech giant’s promised future of ‘Spatial Computing’, and it has a lot of convincing to do.

Vision Pro is so unlike anything that we’re used to, at least judging by Apple’s demos, that it feels like the Double Tap is a very small way to anchor the upcoming platform in something familiar.

Pausing a workout, playing a song, or any other action it triggers is essentially a baby step of sorts into a new world, one that doesn’t come around often - and it’s exciting.

More storage

I love my Apple Watch Ultra, but I’ve not got a data plan because the 4G connectivity in my area is poor enough when using a phone, let alone a watch. But, as someone that loves to run without needing to take my phone with me, that means I’m constantly shuttling songs from Spotify, or podcasts from Pocket Casts, to and from my Watch.

For that reason, I’m glad I have 32GB of space to play with, but add a few playlists and apps and that soon shrinks. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 both double that, making it a much more useful replacement music player for those instances when your phone is at home.

Also, it’s crazy to me that the Apple Watch now has the same storage as a base iPhone, especially since they began life in the Series 0 with just 8GB.

Brighter Display

If you’ve been keeping up with Apple Watch models in the last few years (we have a guide to catch you up if not), you’ll know the Apple Watch Ultra marked the brightest display of any Apple Watch when it launched in 2022.

That’s no longer the case, and while the Ultra 2 will now burn your retinas with 3,000 nits, the Series 9 has now matched the first generation’s 2,000 nits of brightness.

Unless you’re in particularly challenging lightning conditions, you’re unlikely to notice, but you’ll be thankful for it in direct sunlight, or if you regularly go somewhere, like my gym, where iPhone auto brightness constantly gets confused and you just need to glance at your watch.

Battery Life

It’s not all good news, sadly, and I feel a little like I’m bemoaning the same thing I have been for years at this point.

I’d hoped the new S9 SiP would allow for the Apple Watch to be more power efficient, but it’s not quite moved past the nebulous ‘all-day battery life’ claims Apple has long held its Watch models close to.

As a result, expect to charge it before bed each night, particularly if you’re interested in sleep tracking - although we will concede charging in recent models is faster, and you’ll get more from a charge by turning the Always-On display off.

Still, with the Ultra hitting multiple days, and drastically cheaper alternatives lasting a week or more, it’s a shame Apple hasn’t seen fit to squeeze extra power out of the battery.

Have you picked up the Apple Watch Series 9? How are you finding it? Let us know!

Over the past few years, many of the flagship Apple Watches have gone for small but positive changes rather than a big move that changes up the future of the device. Apple Watch Updates instead tend to be more incremental, building on the device each year.

However, the Watch Series 9 does have a few upgrades worth talking about, from a better chip to a smart temperature sensor. You will notice the difference if you put down the extra cash for it. 

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: Specs

On paper, there are some pretty impressive spec improvements for the Apple Watch Series 9.

Though many of the specs remain the same, you will notice the new S9 SiP 9 (System in Package), essentially the central chip responsible for the watch. This helps with the brand-new watch control mode, double tap, allowing you to execute certain actions with just your finger and thumb. It also allows it to measure temperature and, when in direct sunlight, the display will shine much brighter. 

One thing that a spec sheet can’t fully track is how devices age. With the Series 7 being two years old now, its battery will perform worse than it did at launch (unless you buy it new)). Batteries degrade with time so this is to be expected of older watches. The Series 9 will have a better battery regardless of specs. 

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: Features

Here are some new features on the Series 9 that aren’t built into the Series 7:

Temperature sensor

Coming with the ability to measure your temperature, the Apple Watch Series 9 will automatically take a measurement every night to get a baseline, where it will then indicate if your temperature is higher or lower than usual. This is a great way to track illness and menstrual cycles, as well as get a better read on your overall health. 

On-device Siri

Where the Series 7 cannot use Siri without access to your phone, the Apple Watch Series 9 can answer basic commands on-device without the need for an iPhone or data. This is good for shortcuts and ease of use, and it's all thanks to that impressive new chip and its neural upgrades.

Improved Find My

The Gen 2 Ultrawide band chip comes with the added advantage of much better Find My capabilities, with specific directions and sounds to point you to the precise location of your Apple devices.

Crash Detection

If you ever find yourself unlucky enough to be in a crash, the Series 9 can detect it and immediately call emergency services — a potentially life-saving extra.

Double Tap control

One of the central selling points in the Apple Event, Double Tap control allows you to use some Apple Watch functions without ever actually touching it. Though there is a similar function in the accessibility options in the Series 7, it isn’t quite this powerful or intuitive. This can be super useful when your hands are full and for accessibility purposes. 

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: Sensors

As well as the temperature sensor and high-g accelerometer, the Apple Watch Series 9 has a more accurate heart rate sensor. All previous sensors have also been improved. 

This is partially because the suite of sensors in the Apple Watch line is already very impressive, making it the perfect fitness companion for those who like to run, swim, or cycle. You can pick up Apple Fitness Plus to get even more out of it. 

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: Processor

The brand new S9 SiP powers the Apple Watch Series 9 and it’s an impressive bit of tech. SiP technology uses many integrated circuits inside a single chip package, allowing it to more efficiently stack its internals. The SiP is essentially a processor, storage, and RAM all in one. The way they are stacked together allows for a smaller watch with a better chip. 

Like the S7 featured in the Watch Series 7, it is still a 64-bit dual-core processor but it has double the storage at 64GB and benefits from the power of the Ultrawide band gen 2 chip. 

The S9 chip has 60% more transistors than the S7 and is reported to be 30% faster - a much bigger speed bump than the Series 7 to Series 8. It also has a 4 core neural engine, allowing it to use machine learning and AI functions on the go. This improves everything from the heart rate detection algorithms to the use of Siri. This is a noticeable upgrade that will affect almost every action you take with faster responses and more accurate data. It will also ensure your watch is futureproofed for watchOS updates beyond watchOS 10. 

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: Display

Both Apple watches have an OLED display and are available in both 41mm and 45mm. Though the size has not had a refresh of any kind, one of the biggest differences this year is in the potential brightness of the display. 

The brand new Series 9 display can go all the way up to 2000 nits on a particularly sunny day. This means it is much easier to read when it's bright and allows the flashlight function to work much better. As well as this, it can go all the way down to 1 nit at night, allowing you to better conserve battery. 

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: colors

One of the most notable color changes this year is the introduction of a Pink Series 9 in Aluminium. As well as this, it is available in Starlight, Midnight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED. The Series 7 has all of these colors except for the Pink and also offers a Blue and Green model. 

As far as the Stainless Steel option is concerned, the Watch Series 9 comes in Gold, Silver, and Graphite. The stainless steel Series 7 offered the same colors as well.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: Strap options

With the Apple Watch Series 9, you can use all previous watch straps given they are the right size. Bands designed for 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm cases are all compatible with each other, and all bands that are 42mm, 44mm, or 45mm work together.

There are a handful of brand-new styles to accompany the launch of the Series 9. The recent Apple Event had a focus on environmentally friendly design and the new watch strap choices are part of this. The Apple Watch Series 9 is the company's first carbon-neutral device. In service of this, all leather straps are gone, with textile, rubber, and FineWoven straps taking the spotlight. This is a brand-new material made from 68% recycled materials, essentially made to replace leather.

You can still pick up second-hand leather straps and leather straps from third-party sellers but there’s no official way of doing so from the Apple website.

For the Apple Watch Series 7, you could get the traditional Sport Loop, as well as the Braided Solo, Solo Loop, and Alpine Loop. These come in medium and large sizes, depending on your wrist size and watch choice.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch Series 7: should you upgrade?

If you have the cash and find yourself asking this question, the answer is likely yes, you should upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 9. You are getting two years' worth of upgrades in one swoop and this means you have a faster chip, better brightness settings, and a handful of great new sensors. 

You’re also likely finding that your Apple Watch Series 7 is starting to show its age as it comes to the end of its two-year contract if you bought it from a carrier. The battery will have suffered two years' worth of nightly charging cycles, and its internals likely won’t feel quite as spritely as you might like. Upgrading to Series 9 is going to feel like a big jump to you — while it may look very similar, the changes under the hood make it a very different watch to use.  

If you are looking to finally pick up your first Apple Watch, the Series 9 is a pretty great place to start. It has plenty of fancy features and the new Pink color looks very nice. In an effort to be a little more future-proofed with the great chip and Neural engine, it may be worth the investment. You might, however, want to think about looking for a reduced Series 8 — That is a slightly newer watch than the Series 7, and if you want to replace your aging watch then it's a great way to save money. You’d best be quick with this option, however, as new examples are running out as the Series 9 replaces them on shelves.

If you can get a Series 7 refurbished or second-hand, it may be worth considering but buying the Series 9 new comes with the added benefit of Apple care and support. Buying second-hand also comes with the worry of your device not lasting quite as long. The Series 9 is a better watch and that price tag shows it. 

Take a quick glance at your Apple Watch — what does the weather complication say? It’s supposed to give you a quick idea of what’s going on in the great outside, with a temperature and a small indication as to the relative precipitation.

At the moment, however, forum users on Apple’s Support Community, MacRumors, and 9to5 Mac are reporting that the complication isn’t working. Instead of the expected temperature readout and weather indicator, the complication appears completely blank, of no use to anyone.

If you tap on the complication it will still take you through to the very much functional weather app itself, leaving the complication as more of a glorified app icon. Not a useful, glanceable indicator as to what the weather is doing.

A temporary fix

Apple has suggested two ways around the issue. Firstly, by resetting your iPhone's Location Settings for the Weather app:

1. On your iPhone, open the Settings app, then tap Privacy & Security > Location Services.
2. Scroll down and tap Weather.
3. Under Allow Location Access, tap Never, then tap your original setting.
4. Check whether the issue is resolved.

If that doesn't work, try this:

1. On your iPhone, open the Settings app, then tap General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Reset > Reset Location & Privacy.
3. If prompted, enter your passcode and reset.
4. Check whether the issue is resolved.

Not a great launch

For those who have just bought and slipped their brand new Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models out of the boxes, this is a disappointing issue to run up against at launch. There’s no doubt that Apple will fix the issue, but how long it will take is anyone's best guess.

WatchOS 10 has brought with it some cool updates to take your mind off the non-working weather complication, however, such as NameDrop. It’s where most of the upgrades in Apple Watch have come this year — so let's hope this issue is fixed soon so that users can get back to using their hardware properly.

Apple Watch Series 9 is now available to buy. If you’re after the latest Apple Watch, then it’s also likely that you’ll be looking for the best Apple Watch Series 9 deals: And we know just the right places to find them.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is more an under-the-skin update rather than a full overhaul, but there are still some impressive new features and specs for the watch. The chip is the biggest update, with a shift to the S9 SiP, or System in Package. That’s the bit that contains the CPU, RAM, and storage, and Apple says that it’s 30% quicker than the previous version. There’s more storage too, with a boost to 64GB — double the Apple Watch Series 8. The screen is brighter as well, with a peak brightness of 2000 nits so that you can see it more easily in direct sunlight.

This isn’t the most expensive Apple Watch that you can buy at the moment — that crown goes to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 — but it’s still not cheap. We’ve made sure that you can save some money and found the best Apple Watch Series 9 deals around.

Best Apple Watch Series 9 retail deals

Best Apple Watch Series 9 carrier deals

Best Apple Watch Series 9 deals: What you need to know

Out Now

Colors: Aluminum: Starlight, Midnight, Silver, PRODUCT(RED), Pink
             Stainless steel: Gold, Silver, Graphite

Price: GPS: From $379
           Cellular: From $499

Before taking the plunge on the Series 9, there are a couple of things you should think about before splashing the cash. For one, you need to make up your mind about whether you want the Cellular or the GPS version. The GPS is the one you should get if you want to save money, and if you won’t be leaving your phone at home. The one for runners and cyclists is the Cellular version, which means you can leave your iPhone on the kitchen table while you go out to do some exercise, and still be contactable and access data. That is more expensive, but you can spread that cost with a contract from a carrier like Verizon.

Then you need to have a think about how to pay for your new watch — do you want to go the full price retail route, or the way that will see you pay monthly for the watch?

For the GPS Series 9, you have one option, which sees you pay for it all at once. This watch doesn’t need a contract because it doesn’t use data, so you only need to pay for the watch. The Cellular option, on the other hand, can be bought full price from a retailer, or via a monthly cost from a carrier with a data package. 

A monthly payment will let you pay for the watch over the length of a data contract, something you will need for the cellular watch. It spreads the cost, so you pay less upfront and then a monthly payment. It will cost you more in the long run, however, when you work out interest on the watch — you are, after all, paying back a loan.

Apple Watch Series 9 Q&A

Apple Watch Series 9 Q&A

Apple’s Wonderlust event seems a distant memory now, but with Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 now here, you may be wondering which Apple Watch to pick up.

We’d estimate many prospective Apple Watch buyers don’t upgrade every year, meaning there’s every chance you could be moving from a Series 4 or 5 to a Series 9, or an Ultra 2.

There really is no such thing as a bad Apple Watch, but this year’s mainline entry lacks big new features. In fact, we’d argue that if you’re desperate for a new Apple Watch this year, we’d have to opt for the Ultra 2 (with some caveats we’ll touch on soon) — or its predecessor. Here’s why.

Before we begin:

It’s worth noting that there’s a $400 gap between the 41mm Series 9 and the Ultra 2, something we’re well aware of. Naturally, your budget will likely dictate which model you go for.

There are also plenty of similarities between the two - the Series 9 and the Ultra 2 both add the new “Double Tap” gesture and offer the same S9 chip. Still, there are some reasons we’d go for the Ultra 2 — or even the Ultra 1 — if you can.

Battery life

Our biggest issue with the Apple Watch was one we felt was finally about to be rectified at the Wonderlust event. With Apple introducing its S9 chip, we waited with bated breath for the reveal that it would be more power-efficient and extend battery life.

Sadly, no such announcement came, meaning we’re still waiting for a jump in battery life. We’ll be the first to acknowledge that the Apple Watch does a lot more than most fitness trackers and smartwatches when it comes to offering a variety of apps, constant communication with the iPhone, and much more, but we’ve been on the same day and a half battery life since it debuted in 2015.

On the Ultra, battery life is essentially doubled, and while that does require a chunkier chassis, we’d still rather that - especially if you’re interested in sleep tracking.

Robust design 

We love the Apple Watch Series 9 design, we really do - but we’re a little bored of it in all honesty. The Series 7 saw the display start to spill over the edge of the body a little, but with a rumored Apple Watch Series X overhaul expected this year, nothing has changed this time around outside of the new pink color.

While the same can be said of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, that design is only a year old. While we’d have liked to have seen a black titanium version, it remains a great-looking watch that, if the lack of damage on the first generation is anything to go by, is almost bulletproof.

The Series 9 will be a tough device, but smack it against a doorknob accidentally and you may wish you’d plumped for the Ultra 2.

Larger display

Apple Watch Series 8 didn’t feel like it needed a brighter display, but Apple upped it to 2,000 nits for good measure anyway. The Ultra 2 offers a retina-searingly bright 3,000 nits which is overkill for most, but it’s the size of the display that’s the real draw here.

It’s not that it’s dramatically larger - it’s 49mm vs 45mm on the larger Series 9, but those fractions matter when it comes to watchOS 10. We’ve written at length about how Apple’s latest update makes better use of the display, but it’s worth repeating — the new interface deserves to be displayed on a larger canvas. 

The ‘Ultra’ features 

There are other features, too, but they’re likely only of interest to the adventurous types. And yet, if you see yourself becoming a marathon runner, deep sea diver, or hiker in the coming months and years, why not get the tech for it early?

The siren, triple microphone array, and dive computer are likely overkill for the vast majority of users, but isn’t it better to have the option? There’s also the Backtrack tool to lead you back to the path if you get lost - you never know when you may need that.

We’ve all dropped our Apple Watches and iPhones in places we’d rather not stick our hands — the sink while doing the dishes, a puddle outside, the sandpit at the park. But none of those even come close to the… unfortunate spot where one lady dropped her Apple Watch this week.

Michigan State police report that on Wednesday, September 19, they had to rescue a woman who had become trapped in an outhouse — as she tried to retrieve her beloved Apple Watch from the depths of the toilet.

That she’d lowered herself into.

A toilet. For an Apple Watch.

Into the outhouse

The call came to bewildered police officers at around 11am, who arrived at a boat launch on Dixon Lake to find the woman yelling for help, who then let the officers know exactly why she was stuck.

Apparently, upon dropping her Apple Watch into the John, the lady had delicately lowered herself down into the pit below the toilet so that she could find her smartwatch in the pile of muck below. While it is not known if she retrieved her Apple Watch, it is known that the incident was seen to by not only the local Gaylord Post Michigan State Police, but also The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and the Ostego County EMS.

The toilet had to be removed, and the lady was strapped up and lifted from the murky bowels of the outhouse to find herself surrounded by police officers and other first responders. Hopefully, her crappy time will be told as a funny family story for years to come. It should go without saying, however, that getting into a cesspit to find your Apple Watch, should it fall in, is something that nobody should be doing. You don’t want to be down there, you might not be able to get out, and the police really don’t want to be sending officers down there to smell the situation.

At least provide them with nose pegs if you do.

Will Apple Watch Series 9 fit your old case?

Yes, your old Apple Watch case should work for your Apple Watch Series 9 as long as it is the Apple Watch Series 7 or later. The Series 7 has slightly bigger sizes than the 6 and the bezels are different so Series 6 cases won’t work. If you have a 7 or 8 case right now, it should be able to work with no problem. 

Will Apple Watch Series 9 fit your old band?

This answer depends on which version of the Apple Watch Series 9 you have bought. The 41mm version of the Apple Watch is compatible with any of the previous bands that are for the 38mm, 40mm, or 41mm watches. If you have the 45m Apple Watch Series 9, any 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm bands are compatible with it. 

Can the Watch Ultra band fit your Apple Watch Series 9?

Yes, as long as you have the 45mm Apple Watch Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra band will work with it. The same can be said for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which can use the bigger watch bands from the Series 9. If you happen to have both of the new watches and picked the 45mm Series 9, they can share the same watch bands. 

The future of the Apple Watch

Apple Watches have been relatively uniform since their launch. Though the bezels change, allowing for a slightly bigger screen, most of the accessories have remained compatible between generations. Unlike the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max, you can throw most cases on and they tend to work without worries. This is unlikely to change in the future. 

We have recently heard rumors of a different band system for the Apple Watch X but this doesn’t mean older bands won’t be compatible in some form. However, a different design will likely mean you will have to buy a case for Apple’s next major watch. 

Apple launched two new Apple Watches at its "Wonderlust" event this week, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Although both come with some significant upgrades, the most interesting and welcome new development in our eyes is that they're Apple's first carbon-neutral products.

Since the official announcement, Apple has published more details about the criteria these Apple Watches had to meet in order to be considered carbon neutral – a term that may seem to have one clear definition but tends to be changeable depending on who you ask. This includes:

"100 percent clean electricity for manufacturing and product use, 30 percent recycled or renewable material by weight, and 50 percent of shipping without the use of air transportation. These combined efforts result in at least a 75 percent reduction in product emissions for each model." 

The carbon neutral certification for both wearables comes from SCS Global Services and applies to any aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 and SE models when paired with a new Sport Loop. And the Apple Watch Ultra 2 when paired with a Trail Loop or Alpine Loop. 

So be sure to make sure you get the right pairing if the carbon-neutral certification is a deal-breaker for you. And, if you want to upgrade to a new carbon-neutral model, you can use Apple's Trade In scheme, which means Apple will refurbish your old device for a new owner, or recycle it for free.

Another step towards carbon neutrality

Apple refers to the new Apple Watches as a "milestone" and a big step towards its 2030 goal of making every single one of its products carbon neutral – yes, that includes the global supply chain, too.

It's not just the latest Apple Watches that are part of Apple's plan, but other recent changes are worth drawing attention to as well. For example, Apple has also stopped using leather across all of its product lines, which includes iPhone accessories and Apple Watch bands.

Instead, it'll replace leather with a new material called FineWoven, made from durable twill, which Apple says is made from 68 percent post-consumer recycled content with a suede-like texture. 

Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are available to pre-order from Apple right now and will be released on September 22. 

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 15 event news and reactions now that Wonderlust is over. Don't miss all our iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, iOS 17and watchOS 10 coverage so far.

The best Apple Watch Series 9 bands do a great deal of things. Some are made from a super breathable material for running, whereas others are intended to look stylish with your clothes every day. Most importantly, they give you a reason to show off that fancy watch.

Considered one of the best Apple Watches right now, the Apple Watch Series 9 has the impressive S9 SiP chip, a Neural Engine upgrade for faster Siri usage, and improved Find My capabilities. With all of this, plus an excellent display capable of up to 2000 nits brightness, you will want to make sure it is secure on your wrist and has a band that looks just as nice. 

Here are the best Apple Watch Series 9 bands right now. 

Quick List

Q&A

The Apple Watch Series 9 is finally here, and it's certainly familiar to anyone who's used an Apple wearable in the last few years.

There's an almost identical design, but it's what's inside that counts here. Series 9 features the debut of a new chip, as well as a brighter display and even a new gesture control called Double Tap.

And let's not forget a new color that's long been rumored to debut to the wearable.

Still, now that the device has been announced, what else is new? With all this in mind, here's a full rundown of everything new in the Apple Watch Series 9, fresh from the Wonderlust event.

1. New colors

Sure, it's not the most exciting change, but it might be the first one you notice. When it comes to fresh colors for the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple is adding a new Pink option this year.

There are also Starlight, Silver, Midnight, and Product RED options, as well as Starlight, Silver, and Midnight Stainless Steel versions if you don't fancy Barbie Pink this time.

2 A new chip

It's been a couple of years since the Apple Watch last got a processor bump. The S8 chip has been in the Series 6, Series 7, and Series 8. The W3 wireless chip also hadn't changed since 2018 either.

But, finally, the Series 9 will introduce the S9 SiP (System in Package), the most powerful Apple Watch chip yet.

It packs 60% more transistors than its predecessor, with a GPU that's 30% faster than the S8's, as well as a 4-core neural engine for improved machine learning.

3. Siri improvements

Siri is getting a big update with the Apple Watch Series 9, with the new neural engine allowing for on-device processing of requests like setting timers or starting workouts.

Not only is this faster, particularly if you don't have any signal or a phone handy, but it's more secure, too. Apple says Siri dictation is 25% more accurate, as well.

You'll also be able to request health data from Siri, something new this year. You can ask Siri how your sleep was, for example, and the assistant will be able to respond. Health Data through Siri is coming later this year.

4. Brighter display

One of the Apple Watch Ultra's biggest new features last year was a 2,000 nits display, and now that the Ultra 2 will bring 3,000 nits, the Series 9 has caught up.

2,000 nits of brightness will ensure the Apple Watch Series 9 is easier to read in bright areas, but it can also drop down to a single nit of brightness for reading in darker situations - like a movie theater.

5. Double Tap

Finally, Apple Watch Series 9 will introduce a new gesture for navigating the OS called Double Tap. By quickly pinching your finger and thumb on the corresponding hand, you'll be able to activate watchOS elements.

Apple said you'll be able to snooze alarms, answer calls, or bring up the Smart Stack of widgets with the gesture. Essentially, it'll activate the dominant UI element in each view, so while you can't use it to skip tracks, you can use it to pause/play in Now Playing.

Double tap is also coming next month.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 15 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, iOS 17and watchOS 10 coverage so far.

Apple has just announced its Apple Watch Series 9 at its iPhone 15 event on Tuesday, the next iteration of its flagship wearable.

The new Apple Watch Series 9 brings with it new features thanks to an updated Apple silicon chip — the S9. This is the most powerful chip ever put into an Apple Watch thanks to 60% more transistors and a four-core Neural Engine.

Apple promises that the new Apple Watch is capable of running for up to 18 hours on a single charge, while that new chip also allows secure on-device processing of information including via Siri for the first time. The Apple Watch no longer needs to reach out to the cloud to get more information, speeding up Siri's response times.

This new model also features an upgraded Find My capability, allowing for haptic and audio feedback when locating your iPhone for the first time. There's more, too. The new Apple Watch has a fancy display that goes all the way to 2,000 nits for easier reading in the sunlight while a 1-nit low means it's better for use in bed at night, too. 

The new Apple Watch Series 9 will of course be powered by watchOS 10, software that will come to other devices later this month.

Perhaps the biggest new feature is a special gesture feature that is designed to help people do things when they don't have a spare hand. Dubbed Double Tap, the feature lets you move your index finger and thumb to answer calls and more. It can also be used to scroll through widgets, interact with apps, and more. Apple says that Double Tap essentially interacts with the primary button in an app, so it can be used in almost any app you download from the App Store.

In terms of colors and materials, Apple Watch Series 9 will ship in Midnight, Silver, Starlight, Pink, and Red in aluminum. The stainless steel will come in Gold, Silver, and  Gold.

Apple also confirmed that it is launching new accessories with the Apple Watch Series 9, all aimed at helping the environment. The new Sport Loop is made with 82% recycled yarn, for example. Apple is also making other changes to help — the new Apple Watch Series 9 comes in a smaller box that's fiber-based with Apple Watch Series 9 boasting a carbon-neutral product for the first time. In fact, it's a first for Apple across all of its products.

Apple also says that it's no longer using leather in any new Apple products, including watch bands. Instead, there's a new textile called FineWoven that will take leather's place in the lineup. It's said to have a suede-like feel and will come in new colors. New Hermes Apple Watch bands are also on the way. New Nike bands are also on the way including one with flecks of recycled material that are unique to each band.

Apple Watch Series 9 goes on sale on September 22, with preorders going live today. Prices start from $399 for the 41mm model.

This is a developing story, refresh to see more.

We're covering all the Apple iPhone 15 event announcements live as they happen. Don't miss all our iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, iOS 17and watchOS 10 coverage so far.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the company's latest and greatest mainstream smartwatch, packing an all-new S9 SiP, a new UWB chip, a brighter display, and more. 

It's Apple's flagship Apple Watch, sitting above the budget SE and the durable Apple Watch Ultra. The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best Apple Watch for tracking workouts, monitoring your health, staying safe, and interacting with your iPhone. 

Released in September 2023, the Apple Watch Series 9 will be a mainstay of its wearable lineup for the next year. Here's everything you need to know. 

Apple Watch Series 9: The headlines

• What is it? Apple's best smartwatch
• Release Date: September 2023
• Price: Price stays the same at $399
• Headline features: New chip, brighter display, Double Tap gesture

Apple Watch Series 9: Review:

The Apple Watch Series 9 is Apple's most formidable wearable in a number of years, and a true upgrade on the Series 8. 

• Apple Watch Series 9 review

Apple Watch Series 9: Release Date

The Apple Watch Series 9 was released on September 22, 2023, and can be bought in Apple stores and online around the world. 

Apple Watch Series 9: Price

The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399, with varying prices for GPS, Cellular, and Stainless steel options.

Apple Watch Series 9: Specs

Apple Watch Series 9: Design

The Apple Watch design hasn’t changed much since the Apple Watch Series 7, which brought those sweeping edges and a larger display. It was a subtle yet significant change that made the Apple Watch easier to use and view, and I’ve loved it since.

The only other major Apple Watch design change since is, of course, the Apple Watch Ultra. Although, we can't see Apple using that form factor for anything other than its rugged premium model.

Again, while the outside looks the same, barring the new 'pink' color this year, all the changes are within.

Apple Watch Series 9: Features

There's plenty to go through here. First off, the new S9 SiP is 30% faster than the S8 chip that came before. This also brings on-device Siri to the wearable, which means faster responses, alongside dictation being 25% faster.

The Watch has a new UWB 2 chip which powers enhanced Find My support and interactions with nearby HomePods, a significant upgrade. 

The display also sees an upgrade. It can now go up to up to 2000 nits, twice the brightness of the Series 8, and matches the Apple Watch Ultra 1.

The S9 chip also powers a new Double Tap feature. Using your thumb and index finger, you can tap to select certain actions on your Watch without using your other hand to control it.

While it's a very useful feature, there has been a similar accessibility feature since watchOS 8. That said, Double Tap is more integrated into watchOS 10 and should make using the Apple Watch one-handed a breeze.

Apple Watch Series 9: Processor

The S9 SiP finally arrives in Series 9 and Ultra 2. This is the most powerful chip that's been put into an Apple Watch yet, thanks to 60% more transistors and a four-core Neural Engine.

Apple claims the new chip allows for an 'all-day battery life' for the Apple Watch Series 9.

watchOS 10

Apple unveiled watchOS 10 at WWDC 2023 in June. It brings with it a major redesign of all your favorite apps, and a new Smart Stack that delivers the information you want easily and quickly.

Apps like Stocks, Weather, and World Clock have all been updated, as have Wallet, Calendar, and Reminders. There are two new watch faces and upgrades for cyclists including e-biking and Fall Detection. Apple announced that watchOS 10 will arrive for older Watch models on September 18.

watchOS 10 will also feature heavily in the new mental health upgrades coming to iPhone this year, and it will also help with vision health by reducing the risk of myopia. 

Apple Watch Series 9: Specs

Apple Watch Series 9: Specs

Apple’s next event finally has a date and a name, with ‘Wonderlust’ expected to showcase all the goodies we’ll be playing with through to next year. The iPhone 15 is a given, and a USB-C AirPods Pro 2 case is likely.

But many have been surprised by reports suggesting a second Apple Watch Ultra could make its debut - just a year after the original.

I’ve already opined about how watchOS 10 has me falling head over heels for the first Ultra, but I’m struggling to find any genuine excitement - although that may change with the reported Titanium Black colorway.

The reason I’m less enthused, short of not being in a hurry to drop $750 for another smartwatch, actually has more to do with the Apple Watch Series 9. Why? Join me, as we take a walk back to 2017.

 X gave it to us 

Back in 2017, the iPhone 7 had hardly set the world alight, with Apple nixing the headphone jack and offering an even blacker Jet Black color (OK, I’ll admit, I miss this shade) and very little else of substance.

The iPhone 8 was revealed a year later, and as solid a performer as it was, it simply didn’t resonate with the same kind of excitement. Was the iPhone finally about to start trending downwards? No sooner had the iPhone 8 been announced, though, and Apple revealed it’s one more thing, in the same event no less - the iPhone X.

The phone would retail at $999, which now feels decidedly less impressive given prices today, and revamped things with the all-screen front and a new design paradigm that would continue until, well, today.

Why do I bring this up? Well, as the Apple Watch Series 7 and 8 felt a little pedestrian to me, the Ultra showed that the company still has a little of that wild glint in its proverbial eye. Customizable action button? Sure, why not? A siren? We got it. A deep sea dive computer? You got it, champ, knock yourself out.

In the aftermath of the iPhone X, Apple moved to bring much of its tech to the wider product line. The iPhone XR dropped the home button, shaking up the entire setup. It stands to reason, then, that the Apple Watch lineup could do the same.

Chips and Power

So what are we expecting on the Apple Watch Series 9? In a lot of ways, not a lot - almost like a placeholder year before that big overhaul.

Still, that gives Apple ample chance to work on one pain point - the battery life. While Apple Watch does plenty more than your average fitness tracker, it's getting tougher to excuse the fact it runs out of steam after a day and a bit.

The Apple Watch Ultra battery is larger, thanks to a bigger chassis, but we'd argue that the Series 9 could potentially squeeze a little more in.

It may not need to, however, with rumors suggesting the Apple Watch is about to finally see a new wireless chip for the first time since 2018. That's right, the W3 may not be long for this world, and if it's more efficient, could lead to better battery life without needing a larger battery.

A new SiP may also offer a considerable speed boost, and while the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra certainly aren't slow, they do tend to take a little time to do things like downloading playlists and podcasts. A little more grunt may speed things up in that regard, especially since the current S8 offers the same CPU as the S7 and S6.

Moving away from the W3 that's been in every Apple Watch since the Series 4 is enough to generate plenty of excitement. Maybe we'll see some VisionOS features touted with the new chip.

Special, but not too special 

The balancing act for Apple, though, is keeping the Ultra feeling like the bigger, badder, Apple Watch, while still innovating on the base model - with one eye on the reported revamp for the Apple Watch X.

For that reason, there’s a good chance the Apple Watch Series 9 will be a little more reserved in terms of big updates, teeing up next year’s overhaul to wow us.

And yet, there’s plenty the Series 9 could borrow from the Ultra. I’ve written at length about the Action Button, but improved battery length should be forefront in Apple’s mind - especially if reports are correct that the chassis is about to get much slimmer in next year’s revamp.

There’s also the curious notion about the name of the next Apple Watch. The number ‘9’ itself is considered bad luck in some cultures, notably in Japan. Could Apple just skip over the Series 9 entirely? Unlikely, but given it skipped the iPhone 9, it’s possible it’ll get a different name (although we did get watchOS 9).

While watchOS 10 is certainly a great experience (most notably on the Apple Watch Ultra), it doesn't provide many clues as to what comes next, at least not in the way iOS updates can hint at fresh tweaks coming to the iPhone.

When it comes down to it, the Apple Watch segment of the Wonderlust event is likely to be an exciting one for those wanting an upgrade from their Series 6 regardless. Whether it's a Series 9 trying to justify its existence between the Series 8 and reported overhaul with the Series X, the name of the device itself, or how Apple keeps it running parallel to the Ultra, it's sure to be fascinating.

It’s looking more and more likely by the day that Apple is ditching that most premium of soft goods around its entire product line — leather. Now, as the Wonderlust iPhone 15 launch event is only a day and a chunk away, it’s become harder to buy one of the nicest (and most expensive) leather Apple products — the collaborative effort of high fashion brand Hermès and Apple itself, its gorgeous leather Apple Watch bands, have been pulled from the Hermès store.

We’ve already got an idea of what the iPhones’ new non-leather cases will look like thanks to a leak last week, but there’s no news as to what the Apple Watch bands could look like. Of course, this latest removal of a product line could mean more than just a shift to a different material — it could mean the end of the relationship between the two firms that’s been around since the Apple Watch Series 0.

Goodbye Apple leather, well, everything

As Parker Ortolani notes, all of the Apple Watch bands on the site have been removed leaving now just an ‘Oops!’ error message. Bereft of life, the page is no more, no longer offering the most premium of the Apple lineup.

If you still want to buy an Apple Watch Hermés the day before the newest Apple Watch is launched, then you’re in luck, given that you can still hop over to Apple’s site and drop an ungodly sum on a fashion piece that’s about to become outmoded.

No more leather — iMore’s take

Ok, let’s get this one thing out of the way first; this is highly unlikely to mean that the Series 8 is going to be the last Apple Watch to feature a collaborative Hermés model. Given that last year, the same thing happened as the Apple Watch line was pulled from the site around this same time, only for a new Apple Watch Hermés to be unveiled the day after, it’s likely to be the same thing this year. So don’t worry, Hermés fans, you will still likely be able to get a new one come the Series 9.

What is up in the air is what these new straps are going to look like; after all, we don’t know what the official Apple ones will resemble yet. The FineWoven iPhone case looks a little more like suede than the current leather cases, although there’s still no official imagery of that yet, so we don’t know for certain.

What is certain is that we’ll see what everything looks like tomorrow during the Apple Wonderlust event. Then, we’ll finally catch a glimpse of the iPhone 15 family, the Apple Watch Series 9, the Ultra 2, and, most pertinently here, the replacements for all of Apple’s leather goods.

In what’s shaping up to be a busy September for Apple, a filing with the Bluetooth database confirms that a new Watch is coming.

The Bluetooth Launch Studio (which lists upcoming Bluetooth-enabled products) shows a new entry called ‘WatchOS Profile Subsystem 2023’. You can see that it's listed under ‘Product Name’, with the publish date being August 13.

There are no hints as to what the models are, what their names are, or anything else. But it at least shows that Apple is gearing up for new models.

We’ve been here before with other models in the past, such as the M1 iPad Pro. This was filed into the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) database, a few weeks before it was announced at a Spring event in April 2021. Listings like this can usually help to identify Apple’s plans to launch new products, making sure the appropriate wireless standard associations are informed of upcoming devices making use of their technologies.

So while it looks like all signs are pointing to new Apple Watches soon, what could Series 9 and Ultra 2 bring to the table?

What could be coming?

An Apple Watch X is reportedly going to be a huge redesign for the line, much like how the Apple Watch Ultra was back in September 2022. But that’s not due until 2024, according to rumors relating to Apple’s 10th-generation smartwatch plans.

Instead, both Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are expected to have minor changes. There could be a new ‘Titanium Black’ color for Ultra 2, alongside a new ‘Pink’ variant for Series 9. And while their external designs are broadly staying the same, a new chip could finally be appearing.

Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra both have the S6 chip, one that’s been used since Series 6. So to have a chip reportedly based on the A15 chip that’s in iPhone 13 Pro could see some big speed improvements to these new models.

But there could also be the return of a much-missed Watch strap - the Modern Buckle. Rumored to come in new colors and with a redesigned magnetic latch, it could go well with these new models. With its sleek design and easy method of taking it off your wrist thanks to its magnet clasp, it could be one of the few straps that could fit well for both Series 9 and Ultra 2.

So while there could be minor updates this year, it could still be a great time to upgrade if you’re using an older Apple Watch. Let us know in the forums if you’re already planning on upgrading this year, or waiting for the Watch X.

Apple’s next event is likely just a few weeks away. And while speculation will naturally be rife about the iPhone 15 lineup given that product’s popularity, I always find it exciting to think about what could be coming to the Apple Watch.

The lineup has shifted drastically over time, starting out as a luxury device and moving into the health space within a few years, and it finally feels like it’s found its place among Apple’s products - and where it sits among the competition.

The Apple Watch is a great device now, and much easier to recommend than it’s ever been - but there’s something it needs that you shouldn’t have to pay $799 for with the Apple Watch Ultra.

No, I’m not referring to those orange accents or the chunkier design. Rather, I’m referring of course, to the Action Button.

A course of action

The Apple Watch Ultra is a fantastic fitness tracker, and easily the pinnacle of what Apple's wearable can be. It’s the kind of watch you can wear to dinner if that dinner happens to be in the middle of a desert or under the ocean’s waves.

It’s stylish, it’s weirdly practical, and it doesn’t weigh much more than a Stainless Steel Apple Watch model.

It even has an extra button, specifically for, as Apple tells us, using a siren to call for help, or switching disciplines in the heat of a triathlon.

I’m a fan of exercise as much as the next tech writer, but I don’t use my Apple Watch Ultra’s Action Button for that. Instead, I use it as a shortcut that triggers a menu that lets me open messages, my task manager Things 3, Apple’s Workout app, or a third-party one.

Apple has, arguably, offered similar functionality with the side button prior to watchOS 10, which allowed users to check out their recently used apps at a button press. In a lot of ways, watchOS is worse off for removing that, removing that quick access to must-haves like the Now Playing. An extra button could re-add that functionality - although that feels like it can only happen if this is added to Series 9 watches, too.

It’s not what Apple had in mind, I’d wager, but that’s the joy of technology - you never know what someone is going to do with something once you send it out into the wild.

Why the Apple Watch Series 9 needs an Action Button

The shame of it is that for many people, an $800 smartwatch is off limits - let alone one aimed at the 1% of the populace looking to explore every corner of the planet.

The rollout of an Apple Watch Action Button for the Series 9 would mean more users could tinker with it, running all kinds of wild shortcuts (seriously, one glimpse at Reddit and you’ll see some fantastic automation ideas).

Whether it's triggering ChatGPT, recording straight into a Drafts file, or digging through your RSS feed, there's a Shortcut for everyone.

It’ll also increase the eyes on Apple Watch automation as a whole. As a concept, Apple Watch shortcuts have always felt a little like a Rube Goldberg machine - lots of proverbial spinning gears for the sake of watching said gears spin. It lacks a personal touch that can be applied to more everyday situations.

What’s more personal than a device that sits on your wrist, that offers you the option to trigger something that makes your life easier through a simple button press?

There’s also the unique novelty of the addition of a new button on Apple hardware. Over the years, the company has shifted the iPod away from the click wheel, the iPhone away from home buttons, and even buried the row of function keys on the MacBook for a time.

It’s not often we see Apple revisit product lines to add fresh input options in the form of buttons, and while I acknowledge it’s one more part that could fail, there’s still something magical about that.

Do you want the Apple Watch Series 9 to add an Action Button? If not, why not, and what are you hoping for from the next Apple Watch? Let us know in the iMore Forums.

According to a new rumor, a new watch band may launch alongside Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 when these are expected to be announced at a September event.

The upcoming wearables from Apple are only rumored to gain small speed improvements due to a new chip, alongside a new pink color for Series 9, and a black one for Ultra 2. So a new band makes sense to set these further apart from previous Apple Watch models.

This new strap is apparently going to debut “with weaved fabric materials and magnetic buckle” according to Kosutami on Twitter. It doesn’t sound too dissimilar to the discontinued Modern Buckle band that launched alongside the original Apple Watch in 2015.

So a return of an old band to launch alongside Apple Watch Series 9 may tempt a bunch of users to upgrade. Could it come in pink as well?

Getting the band back together

The Modern Buckle band was a great one to wear, with a muted blue color and magnetic latch that went well with every Apple Watch face and size. It was the first band to be discontinued in 2018, with no reason given by Apple. But fashions change and sometimes a design comes back into vogue.

So seeing this band return for Series 9 and Ultra 2 would be great to see. Having it appear with a choice of new colors, from pink to dark green, would be another neat touch. These would also help it match up well with the many Apple Watches that are available in 2023 - from the SE to the Ultra.

September is rumored to be a busy month for Apple, with iPhone 15 and new Apple Watches expected to be announced. So a new, returning band would be welcome for those who may not want to upgrade to the latest and greatest for now.

The Apple Watch Series 9 expected in September may only be a minor upgrade on the Apple Watch Series 8 that came before it, if a new leak from a Weibo user called “Instant Digital” is to be believed.

If this latest rumor is true, the Apple Watch Series 9 will be “basically unchanged” compared to the last Apple Watch. However, the upgrade will update the cores within the watch’s S-series chip. What that will mean is there could be a significant performance improvement, but in every other major way, you’d be getting the same device as the Apple Watch Series 8.

This leak is disappointing, as we had high hopes for the Apple Watch Series 9, including non-invasive blood glucose monitoring and a more durable design. However, it’s not entirely unexpected.

New features to the Apple Watch line-up have been few and far between in recent iterations. For example, the Apple Watch Series 8 only added minor improvements over the Series 7, like improved sensors and body temperature measuring.

Let the upgraded chips fall 

This latest leak adds to rumors from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman who revealed that "the big change" coming to Apple Watch this year "will be a processor upgrade” above all else.

Although the prospect of a minor upgrade is disappointing, a refresh to the Apple Watch’s processor isn’t something to be sniffed at.

According to further Bloomberg reports, the S9 chip that could be inside the Apple Watch 9 is likely to be based on the A15 Bionic chip and could bring “a fairly sizable performance bump”. This means it’ll improve the efficiency and performance of the device – think better app launch speeds, speedier refreshing, and better battery life.

The new Apple Watch Series 9 is expected to land in September alongside the new Apple iPhone 15 and Apple iPhone 15 Pro. And although we’re now prepared for only a minor upgrade, at least we’re likely to be getting the option of a pink Apple Watch model too.

The new Apple Watch Series 9 could be just around the corner if rumors are to be believed. And now another rumor claims that Apple could be going all-in on the Barbie craze with an all-new color.

If the leak is correct Apple is going to add a fifth color to the aluminum Apple Watch lineup, and it's going to be a big addition for people who are living their best Barbie life right now.

According to the leak, Apple's bringing a pink option to the Apple Watch Series 9 lineup at a time when the world is going Barbie-mad.

We're living in Barbie's world

This is all according to Twitter leaker ShrimpApplePro who is normally pretty much on the money with these kinds of things. According to them, the pink colorway will join the existing Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED, and Silver options when the Apple Watch Series 9 is made official.

This isn't the only model to be tipped for a new color of course. The best Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Ultra, is thought to be getting a new dark titanium option when it receives its own September refresh.

As for the stainless steel Apple Watch Series 9, that isn't expected to get any new colors unfortunately.

We only have to wait a few weeks to find out if this leak is accurate, thankfully. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are both expected to debut alongside the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro lineups this September. If that's the case, a launch is just around the corner and we could all be wearing Barbie pink Apple Watches soon enough.

The only question now is whether that pink model will be a bright, colorful one or something altogether more muted. We'll just have to wait and see.

Buyers of one of the 2023 Apple Watches can expect to enjoy improved performance thanks to the biggest chip upgrade in years, according to a new report.

The Apple Watch Series 9, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are all expected to be announced in September and now it appears they’ll all be faster than previous models.

Apple hasn’t meaningfully upgraded the chips used in Apple Watches since 2020, but it’s now said that the S9 chip will offer “a fairly sizable performance bump” for those that pick up Apple’s newest and best Apple Watches. 

Much-needed performance upgrades

This news comes via Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, writing in the weekly Power On newsletter over the weekend. Gurman notes that Apple’s new S9 chip will offer bigger performance upgrades than we’ve seen from any other Apple Watch chip since the S6 — a chip that powered the Apple Watch Series 6. It was also slightly modified for use in future Apple Watches and then relabeled. The S8 currently ships in the 2022 wearables including the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra.

With an upgraded chip buyers of the latest Apple Watches can expect speedier performance across the board, including opening apps and refreshing data. Apple’s watchOS 10 update will change how the Apple Watch is used, making widgets more accessible. It’s possible the performance upgrades are to ensure that they update as quickly as possible when called upon.

The new Apple Watches are all expected to be announced during an event in September, likely alongside the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro lineups. New iPads and possibly even new Macs could also arrive before the end of 2023.

The Apple Watch Series 9 could have an upgrade that no other Apple Watch has been able to boast for years — an upgraded chip.

While the Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Series 7 effectively used a rebadged S6 chip from the Apple Watch Series 6, it's thought that this year's model will have something new to offer — likely bringing performance upgrades as a result.

If the rumor is accurate it might suggest that Apple has more in store for the Apple Watch Series 9 than just a simple refresh.

A worthy upgrade?

This rumor comes via Bloomberg's Mark Gurman who was writing in a Discord channel made available to subscribers of his Power On newsletter. According to him the Apple Watch Series 9 will get an upgraded chip that will be based on the A15 used in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 — only the best iPhones got an A16 Bionic in 2022.

It isn't immediately clear why Apple might have chosen 2023 to upgrade the chip used in the Apple Watch, but the company only normally improves its silicon when it has a need for extra performance. With that in mind, it's possible that the Apple Watch Series 9 could sport new features or capabilities that will make use of whatever extra oomph the S9 chip has to give.

We'll have to wait a while to find out, unfortunately. The Apple Watch Series 9 isn't expected to be announced until around September time, likely alongside the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro models. We can also likely expect the Apple Watch SE to be refreshed at the same time, while it still isn't clear whether Apple intends to update the Apple Watch Ultra on a 12-month cycle or if that will have to wait for now. If it does, we can likely expect that to also use the S9 chip as well.

In the meantime, a major upgrade is coming to Apple Watch at WWDC 2023, where Apple is expected to make a big change to watchOS 10's user interface. 

A new report says that the Apple Watch is set for a "major" hardware update in 2024 following a "more modest" 2023.

According to top insider Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple is planning "a major update to the watch hardware in 2024" which will include a "larger, custom-built display." According to Gurman Apple Watch Series 9 will mark a more modest year" after a bumper 2022 saw the advent of three brand new models including the current best Apple Watch, the Apple Watch UItra.

To offset the quiet year on the hardware front, Gurman reports that watchOS 10 could be the biggest update to Apple Watch in years, with "notable" user interface changes on the way.

Apple Watch Display upgrade

This isn't the first time we've heard rumblings of a big upgrade coming to the Apple Watch. Earlier this year, top display analyst and insider Ross Young reported that the Apple Watch Ultra would get a microLED display by 2025. "While everyone else reported that the MicroLED Apple Watch would launch in 2024, we remained steadfast that it would be 2025," Young tweeted in February, noting that supplier Osram expects to report revenue from microLED technology in 2025. 

It's not clear in this instance whether Gurman's latest report is referring to this touted microLED upgrade, or something else. However, it seems unlikely that Apple would make two major display upgrades to the Apple Watch two years running, so it seems more likely this is the same story. 

Apple Watch models currently use LTPO OLED panels which enable a variable refresh rate that powers the always-on display feature. A microLED display would offer greater efficiency and brightness, improving both Apple Watch battery life and screen visibility while also extending the display's lifespan. 

As noted, however, you're going to have to wait at least another year for this upgrade, or perhaps even longer. 

According to a new report, the Apple Watch Series 9 won't have a blood glucose monitor built in.

Despite hopes that Apple might be able to turn the feature around in time for the next best Apple Watch, cold water has now very much been poured on that idea. And what's more, those hoping for the feature to launch any time soon might be in for some very bad news indeed.

That's according to a paywalled version of the Power On newsletter seen by MacRumors, at least. Apple won't have the technology ready for a little while yet. How soon? Maybe three years, we're told. But it could also take as long as seven years as well.

No sugar-coating it

In Gurman's newsletter, he was answering a question about whether we can expect the Apple Watch to gain blood glucose monitoring capabilities any time soon. The answer was less than heartening.

It was said that Apple "still needs to perfect the algorithms and on-board sensors" that would be required to make the feature work. On top of that, the company also has to miniaturize that technology to the point of it fitting on something like the Apple Watch.

Gurman goes on to say that it's unlikely that will happen soon — in fact, he says that the whole process "will take another three to seven years at least."

That's of course disappointing for anyone who had hoped to be able to check their blood glucose using their Apple Watch rather than another method. Apple has been working on bringing blood glucose monitoring to its wearable for years, but the finished technology has so far eluded the company. Apple was reported to be working on the diabetic-friendly feature as recently as last month.

As for the Apple Watch Series 9, we still expect that to be announced in or around September, likely alongside the USB-C-laden iPhone 15 lineup.

The Apple Watch has changed very little since it made its debut eight years ago. In fact, up until very recently, whether you picked up an expensive titanium model or the cheaper aluminum “sport” version, it was still very much a rounded square display with a Digital Crown and side button.

That might be why the reveal of the Apple Watch Ultra was met with so much enthusiasm, as the first real shakeup of the product line since its inception in 2015. While that excitement may have taken some of the wind out of the Series 8’s metaphorical sails, it’s worth noting that as good as the latest “standard” Apple Watch is, its improvements are relatively small in scope.

A temperature sensor and car crash detection were the two headline features from Series 8, but neither jumps off the store page. Both also found their way into the Ultra, but not every feature made the jump.

We think there’s plenty that the Apple Watch Ultra can teach the upcoming Series 9, without necessarily eating into its own, hardcore fitness enthusiast demographic. Here’s what the Apple Watch Series 9 can learn from the Apple Watch Ultra.

A magic button

In a world where phones, tablets, and even computers seem to be trimming down the number of physical buttons they have in the pursuit of ever-sleeker designs, the Apple Watch Ultra bucked that trend with an Action Button.

Situated on the opposite side of the chassis from the Digital Crown and side button, the Apple Watch Ultra button is used to do, well, pretty much anything.

While Apple showcases it as being a handy workout tool for logging lap times or switching between triathlon events, its true potential is unlocked through the use of the Shortcuts app.

With Apple’s automation suite, you can trigger the Action Button to do all sorts of things, including home automation, launch a ChatGPT shortcut, or just set up a bunch of options to be able to select a specific app or function from a menu.

Here’s hoping the Action Button makes the jump to the standard Apple Watch with the Series 9, as it’s not strictly the kind of feature you can only find uses for if you’re an Ultra Marathon runner.

A Brighter Display

The magic of the Apple Watch Ultra is that after a few hours or so, it doesn’t feel considerably bigger than my Apple Watch Series 7 in Stainless Steel. It’s not a lot heavier, it’s got a similar footprint, and yet it packs a 49mm display – comparatively huge when you consider where the Apple Watch started (40mm display), and significantly larger than the 41/45mm you’ll find on the Series 8.

Still, it’s not the size of the display that’s the most impressive thing but more the brightness of the OLED panel.

If you’ve ever used an Apple Watch, you’ll know that the black background on watchOS makes the UI easy to read in most lighting conditions thanks to impressive contrast, but in the most direct sunlight, it can still be a little bit of a challenge.

The Apple Watch Ultra’s 2,000 nits of brightness is double that of the Series 8, and it’s obvious as soon as you take your first glance at it. Once you adjust, it’s impossible to go back, so here’s hoping for a brighter OLED on the Apple Watch Series 9.

Battery Life

A big draw of the OLED display is to help manage power draw on a small device with a relatively small battery, and it’s here that the Apple Watch Series 9 can learn the most from the Apple Watch Ultra.

The Series 8 (and Series 7) battery may charge more quickly, and we’d recommend turning off the Always-On display to save some juice day-to-day, but you’ll find yourself needing a charger within a day and a half for the most part (especially if you’re tracking a workout).

It remains the Apple Watch’s Achilles heel, even with the Low Power Mode rolled out in watchOS 9, but the Ultra makes big strides in usability thanks to its vastly improved battery life.

Being able to charge every few days, rather than every day or so, is transformative, allowing for the Apple Watch Ultra to remain on the wrist for sleep tracking and heart rate tracking at all hours. At the moment, the Apple Watch, particularly in older models with smaller batteries, is great at keeping an eye on a user’s health through the day but drops the ball somewhat overnight outside of a “charge before bed” warning. We look forward to seeing if the Series 9 can step up its stamina.

There’s no expectation that the Series 9 will be anything other than an excellent smartwatch and fitness tracker, but Apple can definitely learn from its Ultra variant without diminishing what makes that particular Apple Watch special.

Even with the Series 9 getting a better battery, brighter screen, and action button, the Apple Watch Ultra can still offer a titanium chassis, bigger display, and improved GPS functionality.

If you're expecting a brand new redesign for Apple Watch Series 9 and a refined one for an Apple Watch Ultra 2, start your disappointment now.

According to the March 5 issue of Mark Gurman's 'Power On' newsletter, when asked about whether this year's upcoming Apple Watch will have a significant upgrade, he states that it's going to be a minor one this year with a new processor.

It's not a surprise, especially after 2022 brought one of the biggest shake-ups to the Apple Watch line in years, from the second-generation Apple Watch SE to the Apple Watch Ultra.

However, that may not stop Apple from at least bringing out new colors and materials that may set a Series 9 and an Ultra 2 apart as we approach upgrade season in the fall.

The Ultra and new design from 2022 needs time to shine

We've been here before with Apple Watch upgrades that have only brought minor features. Series 6 introduced a blood oxygen sensor, for example. Even the Series 8 wasn't a huge step up from the Series 7, which came with the new temperature sensor.

2022 for Apple Watch felt like it was the year of the Ultra and the SE 2 – a time for the line to diversify and satisfy different needs, and Apple achieved that.

So for 2023, there's always a chance that past materials could come back for the Series 9, such as Titanium and Ceramic, both great looks for the line in the past. For the Ultra, something as simple as a color change for the Action button would be welcome – perhaps a lime green color instead of orange. Even better might be a slick all-black design for the Ultra 2.

Make no mistake - Apple's iPhone line is its market leader, with more eyes on the iPhone 15 and what it will feature. The new iPhone looks like it is going to be the best iPhone for many, thanks to a switch to USB-C and a new periscope camera for the iPhone 15 Pro Max. 

Regardless, it all depends on how badly you want to buy an Apple Watch - if you don't care about the latest and greatest, look into one now and take advantage of what the line has to offer.

But if you want to be up to date, Series 9 may be one to go for anyway.

Apple Watches already have a pretty comprehensive suite of health features on board. There's the heart monitor and ECG generator, the step counter, and more recently in the Apple Watch Series 8, the temperature gauge that can be used for sleep and cycle tracking. Now, it looks like there will be a new health feature that sees the watch able to read blood glucose levels, without the need for a needle or a pinprick.

What's really interesting is not just how the technology will work, but how Apple got there and how the new milestone they've reached could make life better for swathes of people.

Big news for diabetics

The best Apple Watch has already saved lives with its heart monitor, but now it could make life a whole lot easier with its new blood glucose reader. It's a long way off, writes Mark Gurman for Bloomberg, but the company has reached 'major milestones' and now Apple believes it could 'bring glucose monitoring to market'.

This tech is being developed but Apple's most secretive design team, XDG. That's a fun Acronym for the 'Exploratory Design group', a previously unreported group within the already secretive Apple. This technology has reportedly been in development for the last 12 years, and only now is looking like it's in the proof of concept phase.

While it's still a long way off and unlikely to be ready for Apple Watch Series 9, there's a great deal to be excited about here. My Dad, a type 2 Diabetic, and he has to take regular blood glucose readings throughout the day. Those involve a pinprick in his finger, and then a short reading from a machine that he keeps in a drawer next to his desk. There are multiple steps to the process, and sometimes he forgets. Even when his phone tells him it's time, there are still a few different things he has to do. If he's in the middle of a work-based call, for example, it can slip his mind. 

If this was done by his Apple Watch, not only would he be less likely to forget, as he could have reminders on his watch to ping him when he needs a reading, but it could be done without a needle. Apple could, like it's already done with step counters and other fitness products, make an entire industry sit up and listen.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the company's best Apple Watch to date and a serious bit of kit. After two months of it by my side I can confirm I love it and that it's a serious upgrade over even its most recent predecessor, the Series 8. With a new chip, double tap, on-device Siri, and Ultra Wideband upgrades, this is a fantastic workout companion and all-round day-to-day assistant for any iPhone user. 

Since its release, Apple has pushed out double tap via watchOS 10 in October and it's a super-reliable and very handy function, that and more is covered here in our extensive review of the Apple Watch Series 9. When you're done here, be sure to check out our Apple Watch Ultra review for a look at Apple's rugged alternative for 2023. 

Apple Watch Series 9 at a glance: What's new?

S9 SiP - the Apple Watch Series 9 has a whole new chip that’s faster and powers on-device Siri as well as Double Tap

UWB - the new UWB upgrade can help you find your iPhone with astonishing accuracy, and provides seamless HomePod interactions

Brighter display - The Series 9 puts out 2000 nits of brightness, making it much easier to read in direct sunlight and well-lit areas

Carbon neutral - The new Series 9 is carbon neutral

Apple Watch Series 9: Price and availability

The Apple Watch Series 9 was released in September 2023. The model tested here is the entry-level aluminum model, which starts at $399. That’s the 41mm version, the 45mm version costs slightly more at $429. Stainless steel starts at $699, and the 45mm is $749. Apple no longer sells a Hermés version of the watch on its website — although the fashion firm does still make leather straps for the watch and sells them through its own site. Choosing a cellular model will add another $100 to the cost, and lets you use your watch with a data plan independent from your iPhone. 

The aluminum version comes in Pink, Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED, while the stainless steel is available in Gold, Silver, and Graphite. As per usual, each watch can be paired with a variety of straps. There are rubber sport loops and bands, including the new Nike models. There are also braided options, stainless steel, and Apple’s new FineWoven options, an eco-friendly alternative to leather.

Apple Watch Series 9: Specs

Apple Watch Series 9: Design and Display

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a big upgrade this year, but not in terms of design. It’s the same sleek design you know and love from last year, and the Series 7. That means you get a square-ish face with rounded corners and edges, a comfortable, contoured back that houses the sensor array, and the same button setup as previous years. With watchOS 10, things are a bit different now, so the side button now opens your Control Center, while rotating the Digital Crown will bring up the new Smart Stack. Pressing the Crown still brings up the Home Screen, although Apple has vastly improved its layout with the new software. 

The biggest omission here, or perhaps the most obvious difference, between the Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the lack of an Action Button. I have to confess, having used the Ultra 2 for the same amount of time, I don’t tend to use the Action Button much, so I don’t think this is a big miss on the Series 9. However, if you’ve got an Ultra, moving back to an Apple Watch without the Action Button 

Having now used both models (this is my first year with an Ultra), the Series 9 is decidedly more comfortable than the Ultra 2 in day-to-day use. It’s much lighter and noticeably less obtrusive on your wrist. The extra weight of the Ultra 2 means that you can really feel it throughout the day, but the more subtle Series 9 fades away, as a normal watch might. For me, this makes the Series 9 the best pick for all but the most dedicated outdoor explorers, and those who truly need the Ultra’s tough, rugged exterior. Anyone who isn’t going to take the Ultra to the limit will be better off with the Series 9. 

The display is the same Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display as the last two models. Apple famously pushed the display right to the edges with Series 7 and has stuck with it ever since. This means the Series 9 fills the whole front panel with high-detail goodness. Everything is spacious and clear to read. Like previous models, the Always-On display ensures you can see the time in any lighting scenario and at whatever angle your wrist might find itself. 

This is truer than ever this year thanks to the new 2000 nits brightness display, which is twice as bright as the last one. We don’t get much sunlight in Scotland, so I took the Series 9 to sunny Lanzarote and can confirm that in the scorching October heat, the display was more vibrant and clear than ever. It’s very refreshing to see (literally) a much more intense level of brightness on the Series 9 this year. Those who take their Apple Watch on walks where there’s alot of direct sunlight will most appreciate this change. 

The LTPO display also now supports brightness as low as one nit, which means your Apple Watch is still visible in very low-light conditions like the theater or in bed without disturbing people around you.

Having now used the Apple Watch Ultra 2, I have come to appreciate the edge-to-edge display of the Series 9. Place the two watches side by side, and you’ll soon spot the difference in screen — while the Ultras is bigger, it also has a much larger bezel thanks to its flatter design and hefty casing. The real story here, however, is that 2,000 nits of brightness. It makes a real difference when in bright and sunny situations, and you needn’t worry about it sucking too much battery life. watchOS 10 has 3 levels of brightness you can adjust to if you don’t need the extra brightness, helping you save some battery. If you’ve been waiting for a brighter Apple Watch, this one is definitely for you.

Apple Watch Series 9: Health, Fitness, and Safety

One of the primary functions of the Apple Watch is health and fitness tracking, to which the Series 9 brings some small improvements. As per the previous model, it features the same Blood oxygen sensor, electrical heart sensor, optical heart sensor, temperature sensing, and more. That means it can give you warnings about possible heart problems before they become an issue, as well as alert you to high and low heart rates when you’re working out, and more. It also features the same level meter that can warn you about loud noises and potential exposure that could damage your hearing. I wish it could understand when I’m using a hand dryer in a public restroom, but otherwise, it’s a great feature. 

With its new display, the Series 9 is clearer than ever to read in the ever-changing light of the gym. There are no “neutral” spaces in gyms when it comes to lighting, it’s either dangerously dark or interrogation spotlight bright, and the Series 9 copes with both admirably. 

Another improvement this year comes by way of the S9 chip. Thanks to that new processor, the Series 9 feels notably snappier when it comes to swiping through workouts and exercise information. When you’re training and every second counts, you want the fastest response possible and there’s a noticeable jump in performance that helps smoothen working out and tracking those gains. 

The S9 chip also powers better on-device Siri (more on that later), but when it comes to health and fitness that means Siri can now be used to answer questions about your sleep, Activity, or even things like blood glucose. This is especially great for visually impaired users and adds another tool to the Series 9’s arsenal. Coming later this year, Siri will even be able to log certain health data such as your weight, period information, or medications taken, supporting English and Mandarin to start with.

There is one frustration that I’ve had with the Apple Watch for some time and persists with the Series 9. I wear my watch on my left wrist, with the buttons on the right-hand side of the device. A swathe of gym activities make it far too easy to accidentally press these buttons. Specifically, loaded wrist exercises like pushups, tricep cable extensions, and burpees are almost impossible to carry out without accidentally bumping one or both of the buttons on the side of the watch. Over the last three years, I cannot count the number of times I’ve accidentally paused or ended a workout because there’s no way to lock the inputs on the Apple Watch during exercise. Water Lock is helpful when swimming to lock the screen, but the buttons remain pressable, and almost always end up getting pressed. Even if it doesn’t end or pause the workout (watchOS 10 might have fixed this), the Apple Watch is crying out for a mode that locks input from those side buttons. 

Ultimately, the Series 9 is the same excellent health tracker it always has been, but it’s now a lot snappier and the display is brighter to look at, two improvements that make the experience much more enjoyable overall.

The Series 9 also retains all the same great safety features as the previous model, including crash detection, Emergency SOS, and Fall Detection. These are all welcome, but there’s nothing to make Series 8 owners jealous. I’d also rather not test crash detection. 

Apple Watch Series 9: Battery

Battery life in the Apple Watch is often a talking point, with some users unhappy that their Apple Watch can only last a single day. Personally, I don’t take any issue with this, I don’t see any problem with wearing your watch all day, charging it before bed, then using it for sleep tracking, before topping it up in the morning and repeating the process. I don’t wear a watch while sleeping, so I’ve found the Series 9 good for multiple days of battery life, including a 60-90 minute workout every morning. If you use your Apple Watch for sleep tracking, as with previous models, you’ll need to plug it in to charge either before bed or when you wake up. 

Your battery life is going to vary wildly depending on how you use it, but the included Fast Charger, with the right plug, means a quick top-up is never far away. The only times I’ve run out of juice or been left stranded is because I’ve been careless with the watch, not because the battery isn’t up to scratch. 

If you need a smartwatch or fitness tracker that can go for longer, the Series 9 might not be for you. Low Power Mode is good for 36 hours, but the functionality is limited. Apple Watch Ultra is a much better option for longer battery life if you want a watch that can survive a weekend of camping without a charge. For most people nearly all of the time, however, a charge is never more than a few feet away. 

I’d actually argue that the Series 9’s battery is very impressive, considering the new chip, on-device Siri, UWB 2, and the brighter display. The fact Apple has packed this in without reducing the battery life is great news. Certainly, I’ve not noticed any increased drain using the new features, including the 2,000-nit display.

Apple Watch Series 9: Performance

The two biggest innovations in the Series 9, in my opinion, are the new S9 SiP and the new Ultra Wideband chip. The former is the processor, the Apple Watch’s beating heart, and it is fast. The speed of this thing is noticeable as soon as you turn it on, accelerating the setup and restore process beyond anything I’ve seen in previous models. Every animation, menu, and app feels silky smooth and the Series 9 springs into life with every tap, leaping seamlessly from one task to the next. If you’ve ever found using your watch sluggish or slow, this is the upgrade for you. 

The S9 SiP also powers on-device Siri, which is also very impressive. Rather than pushing your request to the web to generate a response, Siri can now generate a response on your device. This is perfect for tasks like starting a timer. As I mentioned in my first impressions, the Watch has often carried out the task (such as “start a two-minute timer”) before the watch has had a chance to display all of the words to the request on screen, such is its pace. On-device Siri powered by the S9 is a game-changer and one of my favorite features this year. 

Apple Watch models of previous years have often been noteworthy for their drop-off in performance. While I can’t comment on the longevity of the performance over time of the watch, (I have, after all, only had the thing a month), this is the watch to get if you’re at all worried about performance degradation. A new Apple Watch like this is going to receive more watchOS updates, allowing it to last longer than a second-hand older model might, for instance.

The S9 also powers the Series 9’s party piece, Double Tap. Available now in watchOS 10, Double Tap lets you… erm… double tap your thumb and middle finger to carry out certain actions on the watch. At rest, it opens the Smart Stack, but can also be used for an innumerable amount of mundane tasks. For instance, you can use Double Tap to stop a timer on your watch, answer and end calls, and take pictures on your iPhone using the Camera Remote. 

The second big upgrade is the new Ultra Wideband chip. UWB powers all the close-range interactions on your Apple devices such as AirDrop and Find My. With Series 9 there are some really cool new features thanks to the next generation of the tech. Firstly, you can use your Watch to locate your iPhone with precision, just like you can with an AirTag. Not only can you ping an iPhone so that it makes a sound, but you can also follow the prompts on the screen, taking you within inches of your device. 

It’s fun and effective to use when you need to find your iPhone in a hurry, and a welcome accessibility boost for the hearing impaired who can’t rely on iPhone pings. The new UWB chip also powers better interactions with the HomePod, which might be my favorite feature. I spend all day with a HomePod on, listening to music or podcasts. Now, Series 9 can detect when a HomePod within four meters is playing audio, automatically bringing up a Now Playing interface that lets you pause, play, and skip tracks as well as change the song. If there’s more than one HomePod around, you can choose which one you control. This essentially turns your Watch into a remote for all your AirPlay-powered audio, and I love it. 

Apple Watch Series 9: watchOS 10

The Series 9 ships with watchOS 10, Apple’s latest and greatest wearable software. Of course, this isn’t exclusive, The Apple Watch SE, Series 4, and later all get the new software free, but there are some notable new additions. 

A lot of apps have been overhauled to look better in watchOS 10, notably Weather, Stocks, Home, Maps, Messages, World Clock, and more. Everything is more colorful and the apps use up that display real estate far more effectively. As mentioned, there’s a new Smart Stack you can summon with Double Tap or a turn of the Digital Crown. You can customize this to create a custom “stack” of widgets from all the different apps, giving you access to info like your next appointment, the weather, and what’s playing at a glance. 

There are also two new watch faces, a colorful new Palette face, and a new Snoopy option. Nike also has a new Globe face which I really enjoy. 

Unfortunately, Apple has ruined the Apple Watch Fitness app with watchOS 10. Fitness summaries are now less detailed, and logging workouts is less intuitive. I’ve also noticed that the handy option to jump from one workout to another seems to have disappeared. There are some fitness upgrades though, including adding cycling workouts to Live Activities on iPhone, and Bluetooth connectivity for power meters and other cycling peripherals. You can also now use Compass Waypoints from last year’s Apple Watch Ultra. 

The biggest change is the overall interface overhaul, which I really like in watchOS 10. The Series 9 is the best watch you can buy right now to take advantage of it.

Apple Watch Series 9: Competition

As is often the case when it comes to Apple, competition usually comes from within, rather than without. If you’re considering an Apple Watch, but don’t want the Series 9, there are a couple of options. If you want to save money your best bet is the Apple Watch SE. It’s cheaper than the older Series 8, but the SE is the best budget option because it’s cheaper. If you want a more rugged watch for outdoor exploration, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the obvious choice. Again, take this over the first-gen as it's a serious upgrade for many of the reasons mentioned above. 

The best Android alternative is probably the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, but remember this is not going to get you the awesome iPhone experience an Apple Watch will. The Apple Watch remains an iPhone accessory. Of course, if you don’t have an iPhone, the Apple Watch isn’t for you (you literally can’t set it up without one). But anyone who is considering pairing their iPhone with a smartwatch definitely shouldn’t be looking beyond Apple’s walls. 

Apple Watch Series 9: Should you buy it?

Apple Watch Series 9: Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a marked upgrade for any Apple Watch owner, even over the Apple Watch Series 8. It’s the best all-round Apple Watch the company has ever made and excels at exercise tracking, iPhone interaction, and more. 

The new S9 chip is super snappy and makes using the watch a dream. On-device Siri is a game changer, as is the new UWB 2 chip that powers improved Find My and HomePod interactions. The upgraded brightness makes this display very impressive while retaining solid battery life that will see you easily through an entire day. This is also one of Apple’s first-ever carbon-neutral products, an environmental landmark that will give users that extra peace of mind. 

This entire year should have been all about the Apple Watch Ultra, but Apple snuck in some other interesting releases.

When I think back on this year and what the Apple Watch and watchOS has brought our way, it really feels like the rest of the Apple Watch lineup was an afterthought compared to everything that Apple unveiled, hardware and software-wise, with the Apple Watch Ultra.

That isn’t to say that nothing happened with the other Apple Watches. The second-generation Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 8 both received some notable updates, mostly from the new features released with watchOS 9. However, compared to the Apple Watch Ultra, it looked like, for anyone who has lived through several iPhone generations, an “S” year.

In fact, this year’s Apple Watch, when comparing the new Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 8 to the Apple Watch Ultra, feels a lot like the how people tended to compare the iPhone 14 to the iPhone 14 Pro. It’s not that the iPhone 14, Apple Watch SE, or Apple Watch Series 8 are bad — it’s just that they aren’t nearly as exciting as their “pro” (or “ultra’) bigger sibling.

Underneath all of that hardware is a pretty modest — but foundation-setting — software release that likely doesn’t get enough credit for all of the health features it is enabling across a wide swathe of new and older Apple Watches. watchOS 9 is definitely, even more than the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 8, the unsung hero of the world of Apple Watch this year.

So, let’s dive into the biggest things that Apple brought this year with the Apple Watch and watchOS.

Apple Watch Ultra is the standout

The Apple Watch Ultra, unsurprisingly, is the standout for Apple in the world of Apple Watch this year. The new, rugged design and the breakthrough features it enables has created the non-pro/pro relationship we have become accustomed to with the iPhone — but this time, for the Apple Watch.

I’ve been using the Apple Watch Ultra for a few months now and, like I said in my review with iMore’s Bryan Wolfe, it finally meets what I have been throwing at the Apple Watch for years. The watch is truly a beast that can and has, for me, taken a beating. From running, hiking, biking, traveling, Airsoft, and the regular bumps and bruises a watch runs into during the day to day, the Ultra has eaten everything without a scratch.

With the Ultra, Apple is getting into a new territory of smartwatches — specifically Garmin’s territory, and has created a compelling offering in their first go at it. The only thing I wish my Ultra did was pack in Apple’s new Emergency SOS via satellite feature for the iPhone 14, but I know we’re still years away from such a technology breakthrough. Maybe not? We’ll have to wait and see where the Ultra goes next.

Apple Watch Series 8 is boring but meaningful

The Apple Watch Series 8 didn’t get much this year, leaving Apple and open goal for an exciting Series 9 follow up. But the two things it did get mean a lot.

The first thing the latest generation of the standard Apple Watch received in 2022 was a new temperature sensor. While men may not notice this feature much, as it cannot provide reliable temperature readings like a thermometer, it does provide a new health feature for women: retrospective ovulation estimates. Apple says that the temperature sensor also improves period predictions.

One feature that anyone will appreciate with the Apple Watch Series 8 is Crash Detection, Apple’s new safety feature that will automatically detect certain accidents and call emergency services for users. The feature was also launched in the iPhone 14 models, but the company was able to bring it to the watch as well, an impressive feat.

Besides those two, there’s not much to say about the Apple Watch Series 8. While it’s understandably a snore for some, the features that have been added will mean a lot for those who need them.

Apple Watch SE 2 is the sleeper this year

While most of the attention has certainly, and deservedly, gone to the Apple Watch Ultra this year, the second-generation Apple Watch SE might be the sleeper hit this year — partly for the features and mostly for the price.

While the Apple Watch SE 2 goes without many of the nice-to-have features of its bigger siblings, it really does delivery on what Apple calls the “core” Apple Watch experience — especially in the area of health and safety. 

The SE 2, despite costing almost half the price of the Apple Watch Series 8, still comes packed with high and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications, and cardio fitness notifications, and cycle tracking. In addition to all of the heart and health monitoring, the Apple Watch SE 2 also features a ton of safety features including Emergency SOS, Fall Detection, and Crash Detection.

All of that comes in at a new starting price of $249, making the Apple Watch SE a fantastic value for an entry-level Apple Watch. Seriously, that starting price is crazy for what you are getting now. Fitbits cost more than that. FITBITS.

watchOS 9 gets some modest updates

While watchOS 9 could seem small this year, especially since a lot of the new features skewed towards hardcore runners and fitness enthusiasts, there were still some meaningful updates that all users can appreciate.

One of those new features is the new Medications app, which allows users to keep track of the amount and timing of medications they currently take. The app also works if you share that information with family members, so you can make sure someone takes their medication, no matter where you are.

watchOS 9 also added the ability to track sleep stages for those who use the watch to track their sleep. It's an extra level of detail that helps you understand the quality of sleep you are getting.

It also adds a new feature for those with A-Fib and a redesign to the Compass app. Outside of that, there's not much to watchOS this year. Not that Apple needs to do a ton — watchOS is already the most jam-packed smartwatch operating system right now.

There was more than meets the eye (or wrist) this year

Looking back on the Apple Watch and watchOS this year, I was surprised to find more advancements than I anticipated — especially outside of the Apple Watch Ultra. While the Ultra definitely took the cake this year, there was a lot that went unappreciated across the Apple Watch Series 8 and especially the Apple Watch SE 2.

Now on to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE 3, and watchOS 10!

What you need to know

• A new concept imagines what Apple could improve in watchOS 9.
• Apple's watchOS 9 is expected to be announced during WWDC in June.
• watchOS 9 will likely ship to the public towards the end of the year.

Apple is expected to announce a watchOS 9 update at WWDC 2022, likely during June. A new concept video highlights some of the things Apple should improve and how it could go about doing just that.

The video concept, created by Andrea Copellino, imagines some of the fixes Apple could apply to the current watchOS 8 software to make for something altogether better with the arrival of watchOS 9. None of these need new hardware, either, so anyone with an Apple Watch Series 7 or similar would be able to benefit, too.

I'm pretty sure that everyone would agree with the improvements this video proposes, including:

• A new app view that combines the current grid and list view options into something altogether more usable.
• Folders for keeping multiple apps together in one place.
• A redesign of Control center to match Apple's own guidelines.
• A stunning new watch face that makes better use of the ever-larger Apple Watch screens.

Check out the video to see it all in action:

The current Apple Watch is the very best Apple Watch we've ever been treated to — but the software still needs improvement. WWDC 2022 should give us an idea of what Apple has been working on as well as a new round of beta releases that give us the chance to try everything out. Hopefully some of these ideas make their way into watchOS 9 — especially that new watch face!