It’s time for the next-generation Apple Watch. Apple has just unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9. Here are six great features of the new watch model.
1. New S9 Series Chip
For the first time in three years, the Apple Watch is getting a new chip. The S9 chip opens up the door for a faster experience and unique features. It has 60 percent more transistors than the chip powering the Apple Watch Series 8. The GPU is also 30 percent faster than the previous version. The new model offers the same 18-hour battery life.
2. Substantially Brighter Screen
The screen on the Apple Watch Series 9 is getting even better. Its maximum brightness is now 2,000 nits. That’s twice the brightness of the Series 8 and will make the watch screen more readable, especially in sunny situations outdoors. For dark situations, the screen can now also go all the way down to 1 nit of brightness so you can still read the screen without disturbing others in a dark room like a movie theater.
3. New Double-Tap Gesture
Arriving with a software update in October 2023 is the new double-tap gesture. Unlocked by the S9 chip, the gesture allows you to control a number of common Apple Watch features with just one hand and without touching the screen. All you need to do is tap your index finger and thumb together twice.
Some of the actions available using the gesture include answering and ending a phone call, taking a photo with the camera remote, and playing music. The gesture can also open up theSmart Stack of widgets in watchOS 10.
4. On-Device Siri Commands
Anytime you make a Siri request, it is usually sent to the cloud. But that’s no longer the case on the Apple Watch Series 9, making requests that don’t require information from the Internet much faster. So when you’re starting a workout or setting a timer, you won’t have to worry about a poor Wi-Fi or cellular network connection causing issues with the request.
5. Health Data With Siri
The same on-device processing also allows you to ask for secure health data with a quick Siri command. For example, you’re able to ask specific questions like “How long did I sleep last night?” or “How does my Exercise ring look for today?” You can also enter specific health information with Siri like whether a medication was taken or a blood pressure reading.
The feature will arrive later this year with a software update for the Series 9 and be available in English and Mandarin.
While that feature is only for the Series 9, there are also a number of wide-ranginghealth and wellness arriving in watchOS 10along with iOS 17 and iPadOS 17.
6. Second-Generation Ultra Wideband Chip
Apple Watch Series 9 also features a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, unlocking better tracking capabilities. If you’re trying to ping your iPhone with the same second-generation chip, you use the Precision Finding feature. You can see the distance and direction to your iPhone. Haptic and audible feedback will also help you find its location.
That chip also opens up new HomePod integration. When you get near a HomePod, media suggestions will automatically appear on top of the Smart Stack. If you’re already playing something, the Smart Stack will show Now Play so you can control playback.
Apple Watch Series 9 Available to Order Now
You can order the Apple Watch Series 9 now with the watch officially arriving on the market on August 23, 2025.
The Apple Watch Series 9 will be available in a new pink aluminum option along with the usual starlight, midnight, and (PRODUCT) RED version. You can also select from three stainless steel colors. The watchstarts at $399and will be available in a 41mm and 45mm version.
The Next-Generation Apple Watch is Here
While the Apple Watch Series 9 looks the same as the previous generation, the under-the-hood changes help make it a great step up. From the double-tap gesture to the brighter screen, the Apple Watch is even better.
