During Apple’s Wonderlust fall hardware event, the company unveiled its latest smartwatch model, the Apple Watch Series 9. While it may not have all the advanced features of the high-end Apple Watch Ultra 2, which was also announced at the event, the Series 9 offers several improvements over its predecessor. Let’s take a look at how the Apple Watch Series 9 compares to the Series 8, Series 7, and Series 6 watches.
Visually, the Series 9 maintains the rectangular shape and large screen of its predecessors, along with the digital crown on the right side and a button below it. It also uses the same 20mm adjustable watch band.
Since the release of the Apple Watch Series 6 in late 2020, Apple’s smartwatches have undergone some changes. They have become slightly larger, with bigger displays, and have introduced health-oriented features, new hardware, and faster processors.
The Series 6 introduced a Spo2 sensor for measuring blood oxygen levels, which is a crucial indicator of sleep quality. Sleep deprivation can have negative effects on rest and overall health. The Series 6 also brought the always-on display feature from the Series 5, which set the stage for future Apple Watches. However, even with the advancements in new models, the battery life still lasts for one day and needs to be recharged before bed.
The Series 7, launched in 2021, saw a slight increase in size to 41mm and 45mm, compared to the previous 40mm and 44mm. It also featured minimal bezels and a sharp screen design with a full QWERTY keyboard. Additionally, the Series 7 introduced fast charging, capable of charging the watch to 80% in just 45 minutes.
In 2022, the Series 8 debuted with a skin temperature sensor, a new health feature that measures deviations from the baseline temperature to detect changes in ovulation or menstruation. However, unlike the Oura temperature-sensing ring, the Series 8 does not provide detailed information about the meaning of changes in skin temperature.
The Apple Watch Series 9 builds upon its predecessors with several new features that pave the way for a new era of Apple devices. It includes enhanced Siri capabilities for offline use, thanks to improved features. The second-generation ultra-wideband chip allows the Series 9 to find nearby misplaced iPhones by providing directional cues, vibrations, and audible beeps when the user is in close proximity.
One notable innovation is the Double Tap feature, which enables control of the watch without touching the screen. The Series 9 can detect when the wearer taps their index finger and thumb twice, serving as a replacement for the original button within apps. This feature can be used to answer calls, play or pause music, set alarms, and more.
The Double Tap functionality is based on advanced technology. When the wearer pinches their finger and thumb twice, the Series 9 can detect movement and changes in blood pressure. The neural engine in the device utilizes data from various sensors, including the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor. This showcases the capabilities of the Apple Watch and its array of sensors.
Interestingly, the Double Tap feature also serves as training for users anticipating the upcoming Vision Pro feature. The Vision Pro feature will allow users to interact with Apple’s AR/VR headset entirely through gestures, including using the index finger and thumb. This gives early adopters of the Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 a glimpse of the gesture-based functionality to come.
Finally, the Series 9 introduces a significant addition to the Apple Watch lineup, as well as all Apple devices: its first carbon-free product. By using recycled materials for cases and bands and adopting green energy practices in manufacturing and shipping with low emissions, the Series 9 watch is Apple’s most sustainable product to date. This marks a positive step forward for the tech giant’s environmental efforts.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 9 showcases several advancements over previous models, setting the stage for a new era of Apple devices. With new features, improved hardware, and a commitment to sustainability, it reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
