In September 2023, Apple launched the next gen of the Apple Watch, one of the most popular smartwatches on the market. And this new smart wearable is shaping to be its best iteration yet. The company launched the new Apple Watch 9 series and the Ultra 2 smartwatches. Both of these new wearables come with a new design, faster processor, and improved health and fitness tracking features. But for this article, we are going to focus on the Apple Watch 9 only since we think it will surely be a hit with consumers.

In our buying guide below, we do a deep dive into this new Apple smartwatch and provide an easy-to-read and thorough review of the Apple Watch 9's features. Our goal is to help you decide whether this innovative smartwatch is worth buying or not for you.

New Design

Apple Watch 9 comes with many of the same features found in the Apple Watch 8Apple

The Apple Watch 9 is a similar design to the Apple Watch 8 but with a few fundamental changes. The most notable difference is a new edge-to-edge design similar to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14. This unique design is more modern and gives the Apple Watch 9 a more sophisticated look.

Display

The Apple Watch 9 has the same display size as the Apple Watch 8 but with a higher peak brightness of 2,000 nits. The Apple Watch 8 has 1,000 nits. This makes seeing the display in bright sunlight easier, which is a problem with many smartwatches.

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Processor

The Apple Watch 9 is powered by the new S9 SiP chip with a 64-bit dual-core processor, which is a faster and more efficient chip than the S8 SiP chip with a 64-bit dual-core processor used in the Apple Watch 8. The S9 chip will allow the Apple Watch 9 to easily handle more demanding tasks and apps.

This is good because the Apple Watch 9 runs watchOS 10, which features several new features and improvements, including redesigned apps, the new Smart Stack, new watch faces, new cycling and hiking features, and tools to support mental health.

Battery life

The battery life on the Apple Watch 9 is more powerful than the battery life on the Apple Watch 8. The Apple Watch 9 can last up to 36 hours in low-power mode. The Apple Watch 8 has up to 18 hours on a single charge in the same low-power mode.

Apple Watch 9 showing personal calendar on smartwatchApple

Carbon Neutral

For the first time, Apple has a product, the Apple Watch 9, made of 100% carbon-neutral materials. All materials for the case and bands are carbon neutral.

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Additional Features

The Apple Watch 9 has many new features not found in any Apple Watch. The new Double Tap feature allows you to wake up the display or turn on the flashlight with a double tap on the side of the watch. This is a convenient new feature that makes it easier to interact with the Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch 9 also has several new health and fitness tracking features. One unique feature is the ability to track your sleep stages. This feature will give you insights into your sleep quality and help you improve your sleep habits.

Apple Watch 9 tracking sleep Apple

The Apple Watch 9 also has several new features for athletes. If you are a runner, a new feature allows you to track your running form. This feature will give you insights into your running and help you improve your running efficiency. If you are a swimmer, another new feature can track your swimming workouts. This feature will track your distance, speed, and calories burned while swimming.

In addition to the new features, the Apple Watch 9 does come with many of the same features found in the Apple Watch 8, including the following:

• Heart rate monitoring
• Blood oxygen monitoring
• ECG
• GPS
• Fall detection
• Music playback
• Podcast playback
• Apple Pay support

How much does the Apple Watch 9 cost?

The Apple Watch 9 is similar in price to the Apple Watch 8. The Apple Watch 9 costs $399 for GPS only and $499 for GPS/Cellular versions. The size of the smartwatch (41mm or 45mm) and the case material (aluminum or Stainless Steel) will impact the cost. The Apple Watch 9 has six case finishes: Pink, Midnight, Starlight, Gold, Silver, and Graphite. And you can pick one up on Apple's website, Best Buy, and your local carrier (AT&T and Verizon).

Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS + Cellular 45mm] Smartwatch with Silver Stainless Steel Case with Silver Milanese Loop. Fitness Tracker, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Always-On Retina Display

List Price: $799.00

New From: $739.99in Stock

Who should buy an Apple Watch 9?

The Apple Watch Series 9 is an excellent smartwatch for anyone who wants to stay connected, healthy, and active. However, it is especially well-suited for the following people:

• People who want the latest and greatest Apple Watch. It has the fastest processor, the brightest display, and the most advanced health and fitness tracking features.
• People who want a smartwatch for fitness and health tracking:The Apple Watch Series 9 has various advanced health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring, ECG monitoring, and fall detection. It also has built-in GPS and a variety of fitness apps.
• People who want a smartwatch to stay connected:The Apple Watch Series 9 can receive notifications from your iPhone, including calls, texts, emails, and social media alerts. You can also use it to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and control your music.
• People who want a stylish smartwatch: The Apple Watch Series 9 is available in various stylish designs, so you can find one that matches your style.

Apple Watch 9 is made with materials that are 100% carbon neutral.Apple

Conclusion

The Apple Watch 9 is shaping up to be one of the better smartwatches on the market. With a new design, faster processor, and improved health and fitness tracking features, the Apple Watch 9 will surely be a hit with consumers, especially health-conscious ones. If you are a new Apple Watch user and want the latest and most significant features, or you are upgrading from an older Apple Watch, like an Apple Watch 5 or earlier, you may want to upgrade to an Apple Watch 9. If you have an Apple Watch 8, you might not see much of a difference unless you are a serious athlete or fitness enthusiast who enjoys the most advanced health and fitness tracking features in a smartwatch.

If you are looking to buy a smartwatch that can help you stay connected and productive throughout the day and have some style, whether heading to class or a fancy dinner party, the Apple Watch Series 9 might be for you. But before you buy one, we recommend you go to an Apple Store or any other retailer that sells this new smart wearable.

Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 41mm] Smartwatch with Pink Aluminum Case with Pink Sport Loop. Fitness Tracker, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Always-On Retina Display, Carbon Neutral

List Price: $389.99

New From: $389.99in Stock

And if you need help finding out if the Apple Watch 9 will be compatible with any of your smart devices, visit The GearBrain, our compatibility find engine. It can help you find and buy, smartwatches that are compatible with any smart device you own.

How to Find Products in The GearBrain, Our Compatibility Find Engine for Smart DevicesGearBrain helps simplify the Internet of Things or new connected devices for consumers. The GearBrain is the first and only ...