Apple Watch Series 9: Release date, features, price and more

The Apple Watch Series 9 was announced at Apple's 'Wonderlust' event, bringing some great new features to the smartwatch this year.

While a new 'pink' color was shown off, it's the insides of the Watch that have seen the biggest upgrade here. There's a new chip, new gestures, and a brighter display to make the go-to Apple Watch even better.

There's plenty to like here, especially if you've been thinking of upgrading. And that's not even before we cover the new watch bands. With all this in mind, here's everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Series 9.

Apple Watch Series 9: The headlines

• What is it? Apple's next smartwatch
• When can we expect it? September 22
• Price? Price stays the same at $399
• Headline features: New chip, brighter display, double tap gesture

Apple Watch Series 9: Release Date

Since the Apple Watch Series 3 in 2017, every Apple Watch update has debuted at the September iPhone event. This tradition carried on at its 'Wonderlust' event, with both the pre-order and release date confirmed for Series 9.

You can pre-order an Apple Watch Series 9 on September 15, and it will be available to buy a week later, on September 22.

Apple Watch Series 9: Price

Apple has remained ultra-consistent with its Apple Watch Series pricing for the past five years, with every main Series Apple Watch starting from $399.

You can make that six years in a row now, with the price staying the same for Series 9.

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 SiPchip is 30% faster than the S8 chip that came before. This also brings Siri to the wearable, which means faster responses, alongside dictation being 25% faster.

Ultra-wideband support has also come to Series 9. This means that you can find an iPhone with the same chip more accurately, so you can tell which pocket in your many jeans it may be in.

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.

Apple was also keen to demo a new, exclusive feature for Series 9 and Ultra Watch 2, called Double Tap. 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.