The Apple Watch Series 9 looks exactly like its predecessor and has been updated to a limited extent. The Apple Watch Ultra 2nd generation also only has a limited number of improvements compared to the previous generation.
The series 9 may have received a few innovations, but in terms of functionality the ninth generation is very similar to the series 8. The innovations lie mainly in the small details. We list the differences between the Apple Watch series 9, series 8 and Ultra (2) for you.
New in the Apple Watch series 9
To give a good idea of ​​the differences between the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 8, we have listed the innovations below.
- S9 SiP with 64-bit quad-core processor
- 4 core Neural Engine
- Capacity of 64 GB
- Second generation Ultra Wideband chip
- WiFi 4 (802.11n)
- LTPO OLED always-on Retina display up to 2000 nits brightness (in direct sunlight)
- Possibility to activate minimum brightness of 1 nit
- Double tap gesture (operate without touching screen)
- Ask Siri about measured health outcomes (English or Chinese only)
- Cabinet made of 100% recycled aluminum
- CO2 neutral combinations available
- Aluminum version available in the new color pink
- Price drop with a starting price of €449 (41mm – was €499) and €479 (45mm – was €539)
- More information about the Apple Watch series 9
Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 differ
- S9 SiP with 64-bit quad-core processor
- 4 core Neural Engine
- Capacity of 64 GB
- Second generation Ultra Wideband chip
- Always-on altimeter with extended operating range from -500 m to 9000 m
- WiFi 4 (802.11n)
- LTPO OLED always-on Retina display up to 3000 nits brightness (in direct sunlight)
- Possibility to activate minimum brightness of 1 nit
- Double tap gesture (operate without touching screen)
- Ask Siri about measured health outcomes (English or Chinese only)
- Energy saving mode up to 72 hours (was 60 hours)
- Case made of 95% recycled high-quality titanium
- CO2 neutral combinations available
- Price drop from €999 to €899
- Learn more about the Apple Watch Ultra 2
Differences between Ultra 2 and series 9
The Apple Watch Ultra is a completely different Apple Watch for a different target group, but loved by many users thanks to the extra options. Below are the differences between the Ultra 2 and Series 9.
- 49mm case with new design
- Flat sapphire glass front with titanium protective edge
- Larger Digital Crown with deeper grooves and protection
- Adjustable action button
- Conforms to military standard MIL‑STD 810H
- Larger 49mm always-on Retina display
- Brightness up to 3000 nits compared to 2000 nits
- Signpost and modular dial with special night mode
- Water resistant to 100 m, suitable for recreational diving to 40 m
- Complies with EN13319
- Depth gauge with water temperature sensor
- Depth app (included)
- Oceanic+ app for use as a dive computer (available in the App Store)
- Accurate start for Workout
- 86 decibel siren to attract attention (audible up to 180 meters away)
- Two speakers (40% louder than the Series 9)
- Three beamforming microphones with wind noise reduction
- Accurate dual-frequency GPS (L1 & L5)
- Battery life of 36 hours, with energy saving mode up to 72 hours
Powerful new S9 SiP
Apple Watch Series 9 is powered by the brand new S9 SiP, a special design of Apple silicon. This most powerful Watch chip ever has allowed Apple to improve the entire system and add new features, such as a unique ‘Double Tap’ gesture and the ability to privately and securely access and record health data via on-device Siri. Apple Watch Series 9 also includes a new 4-core Neural Engine that processes machine learning tasks up to two times faster than Apple Watch Series 8.
‘Tap double’ gesture
With the new ‘Double tap’ gesture you can now easily operate Apple Watch Series 9 with one hand, without touching the display. By tapping each other twice with the index finger and thumb of the hand you are wearing your Watch on, you can easily perform common actions on your Apple Watch Series 9.
You use this gesture to control the main button in an app, for example to stop a timer, play and pause music, or choose the snooze function of your alarm clock. Answering or ending phone calls is also possible with the new gesture, which you can even use to take a photo with the camera remote control on your Apple Watch. Furthermore, ‘Double tap’ opens the smart stack from the watch face. Then gesture again to scroll through widgets.
‘Precise search’ with U2 chip
The S9 SiP now features a second-generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip. This will enable ‘Precise Search’ across the entire iPhone 15 range, which contains the same chip. Thanks to this feature, you know in which direction and how far to search, even if your iPhone is in another room. Image and sound signals and haptic feedback help you find your device.
Thanks to UWB you can integrate your Apple Watch and HomePod even further. When you get within 4 meters of a HomePod playing audio, the U2 chip activates ‘Current’ to control media. If nothing is playing, media suggestions will appear at the top of the Smart Stack.
Conclusion Apple Watch series 9 and Ultra 2
If you look at the innovations and the options that both the Series 9 and Series 8 contain, you will quickly come to the conclusion that the Apple Watch Series 9 has been updated to a limited extent. The most important addition is the S9 SiP with 64-bit quad-core processor with 4-core Neural Engine. This significantly improves the performance of the Apple Watch. The Tap double gesture is also a nice addition.
If you still own an Apple Watch series 6 or older, the upgrade to the series 9 is recommended. The screen was already renewed with the series 7 and only the brightness in direct sunlight has now been improved to 2000 nits (was 1000).
Although the Apple Watch is intended for a specific group: adventure athletes, the smart watch is also popular with ‘ordinary consumers’. Especially because of the larger screen, cool design, action button and strong housing. In addition, the screen is more resistant to scratches and extra protected by the raised edge. The price drop (€899) has made the ultra an interesting choice, especially if you compare it with the 45 mm Series 9 made of steel. This has a starting price of €849.
If you already own the Ultra, the upgrade to the 2nd generation is not very spectacular and it is better to wait another year.
The Apple Watch can be purchased at Bol.com, Coolblue, MediaMarkt and Amazon, among others.