As you might expect, the Apple Watch Series 9 has caused quite a stir in the world of smart tech. Apple is known for continuously improving its smartwatches with each release, with a specific focus on health tracking, connectivity, and the overall user experience. There are many smartwatches on the market right now, such as Fitbit’s premium fitness trackers and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6. So the big question is: is the Apple Watch Series 9 truly the best yet?
This review describes the Series 9’s appearance, features, speed, and ease of use to help you decide if it’s the watch for you.
Sleek and Recognizable Style
Apple has maintained its tradition of refinement rather than radical change. While the Apple Watch Series 9 still has the classic square display and sleek bezels, it’s thinner than its predecessor, the Series 8. This makes it easier to wear all day, whether you’re at the office, at the gym, or tracking your fitness while you sleep.
The device offers a variety of strap and style options and is available in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. Apple prioritizes personalization, allowing you to truly make the watch your own. You can also change the look of the watch face in countless ways.
One of the most striking changes is the brighter Always-On Retina display, with a brightness of up to 2000 nits. Whether you’re viewing your data outdoors or your workout stats, the screen is sharp, clear, and easy to read.
S9 Chip for Powerful Performance
At the heart of the Apple Watch Series 9 is the new S9 chip, which makes it even faster. Navigation is easier, apps run faster, and graphics look better. Apple says this chip not only delivers more powerful performance but also uses less power, extending battery life.
A major highlight of the S9 chip is Siri on the device. The Series 9 can now handle simple Siri conversations directly on the watch, while previous models relied on cloud computing. This feature allows for faster and more accurate voice commands, even on poor network connections.
The double-tap gesture is a game-changer
Perhaps the most anticipated addition to the Apple Watch Series 9 is the double-tap gesture. This feature allows you to control your watch by double-tapping with your thumb and middle finger simultaneously. You can answer calls, pause music, scroll through tools, or even stop a timer without touching the screen. This feature is quite common and very useful for people who often multitask, such as cooking or exercising. It shows that Apple continues to work on making its smartwatch more user-friendly and understandable.
Tracking your health and fitness
Apple has always built its smartwatch around health, and the Series 9 continues this success. Standard features such as heart rate, blood oxygen, electrocardiogram, and sleep monitoring remain, but are more accurate thanks to new sensors.
The watch is also compatible with Apple’s Fitness+ service, which offers guided workouts that sync with your watch data. The Series 9 is a reliable training partner for runners and cyclists thanks to improved GPS accuracy and workout data.
A key improvement is better menstrual cycle tracking. This is thanks to the additional temperature gauges that previous models had, which now provide doctors with more information about women’s health. It’s clear that Apple wants to make this watch more useful for everyone and in medical settings.
watchOS 10 is even smarte
The Apple Watch Series 9 ships with watchOS 10. It features updated apps, a new smart stack widget system, and a more powerful rotation feature. The design and running experience have been improved, and the information is now more accessible.
The added support for power meters is perfect for cyclists, while the improved compass app update functionality and map storage are perfect for hikers. These features demonstrate Apple’s growing interest in outdoor adventurers and give the watch more uses than just sports and city life.
Battery life is still evolving
Battery life has always been the biggest issue with the Apple Watch. Thanks to the S9 chip, the Series 9’s battery life has improved slightly, but it still lasts 18 to 24 hours on a single charge.
With low-power mode enabled, it can last almost two days, but heavy users still need to charge it daily. Apple’s battery life isn’t as good as competitors like Garmin or Fitbit, but this could be a deciding factor for some users.
If you have an iPhone, this level of connectivity makes the Series 9 an indispensable part of your daily life.
Value for Money
The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at around $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the GPS + Cellular model. Prices vary depending on the band and case material. This makes it one of the more expensive smartwatches on the market, but many find the style, features, and iOS compatibility worth the price.
For existing Apple users, the Series 9 feels like the best-made smartwatch available. However, if you’re primarily looking for a device with fitness tracking or long battery life, a Garmin or Fitbit might be a better choice.
Questions and Answers About the Apple Watch Series 9
1. Should you buy the Apple Watch Series 9 instead of the Series 8?
If you already own a Series 8, the larger screen, S9 chip, and new features like the double-tap gesture are nice, but they don’t really change the overall experience. This update seems more important for people who have used a Series 7 or older.
2. Can I use the Apple Watch Series 9 without an iPhone?
You need an iPhone to set up and use most of the Apple Watch’s features. The cellular version of the Apple Watch can play music, make calls, and text, even when you’re away from home.
3. Is the exercise and health data accurate?
The Series 9 tracks your heart rate, sleep, and movement very accurately. It’s not a replacement for a medical device, but it is one of the most effective health devices you can buy.
4. Can I use third-party apps on the Apple Watch Series 9?
Yes, the watchOS App Store has a wide selection of third-party apps, ranging from fitness trackers to work tools. This makes the watch even more useful.
5. How long does the battery last with regular use?
With heavy use (such as exercising, GPS tracking, and receiving notifications), the Apple Watch Series 9 typically lasts about 18 hours before needing a charge.
Conclusion
With features like double-tapping, the Apple Watch Series 9 is Apple’s best smartwatch yet. It combines speed, style, and new technology. It’s one of the top choices for iPhone users in 2025, thanks to its fitness tracking, excellent compatibility with other devices, and user-friendly software.
However, the battery life could be improved, and some might find the price too high. If you’re already a die-hard Apple fan and want a smartwatch that’s versatile for exercise, work, and everyday life, the Apple Watch Series 9 is an excellent choice.
Is this the best smartwatch yet? For iPhone users, the answer is yes. It’s still a good choice for some, but it’s not the only one worth considering.
