During its Surprise event on Tuesday, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9, which brings faster functionality, Siri improvements, and a new gesture called Double Tap. The Series 9 starts at $399 (£399, AU$649) and is Available to order ahead of its release on September 22.
These updates aim to make the watch feel faster and more responsive, continuing the trend set by Apple’s WatchOS 10 update in June. While previous Apple Watch updates have focused on features like the blood pressure sensor in the Series 6, the larger screen in the Series 7, or the temperature sensors in the Series 8, the new S9 device plays a key role in the notable improvements of the Series 9, including Double Tap and Siri editing on the device.
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Double Tap is a new method of interacting with the Apple Watch without touching its screen. By simply tapping your finger twice, you can perform tasks like answering a phone call, without needing to touch the display. This feature aims to make it easier to use the watch with one hand, similar to the pinch buttons available through the Apple Watch’s accessibility feature called AssistiveTouch.
The improved performance is made possible by the fast Neural Engine in the Apple Watch Series 9, which utilizes data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical heart sensor along with a new machine learning engine, according to Apple. The algorithm detects the unique movements and blood changes when the finger and thumb touch twice.
Apple has announced that this feature will be available in the October software update.
In my brief time using the Series 9, I used Double Tap to scroll through widgets, answer a phone call, start a timer, and adjust the brightness. It worked correctly most of the time, although sometimes I had to try it a few times to get the watch to respond. Haptic feedback and a small icon at the top of the screen indicate when Double Tap is active. While it may not be a revolutionary feature, Double Tap can be useful for dismissing alarms and answering calls when your hands are occupied.
Apple Watch Series 9 introduces the Double Tap feature.
Thanks to on-device data processing, Siri on the Apple Watch Series 9 should be faster since it no longer needs to send requests to the cloud. This update is particularly significant for health-related inquiries, such as asking about sleep quality, given the Apple Watch’s popularity as a health and fitness tracker. Processing data on the device enhances security, which is crucial for health-related applications.
Another new integration is between the Apple Watch and HomePod, enabling you to watch videos playing on your devices directly from your wrist. Additionally, Series 9 introduces Precision Finding, making it easier to locate your iPhone 15 using the latest chip compared to previous models.
The aluminum version of the Series 9 will be available in pink, starlight (white), silver, midnight (black), and Product Red, which is a special color supporting the Global Fund’s fight against AIDS and COVID-19. The stainless steel edition comes in gold, silver, and graphite.
Apple is also focusing on stability in the design of the Apple Watch. The Series 9 is Apple’s first carbon-neutral product, and it incorporates 100% recycled cobalt in the battery for the first time.
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The improved Siri performance and the addition of the Double Tap feature demonstrate Apple’s dedication to enhancing the user experience of its smartwatch. This focus on usability extends to both hardware and software aspects, as seen with the introduction of widgets in WatchOS 10. Widgets provide quick access to information without the need to switch between apps and watch faces.
In the past few years, Apple has released new models alongside its flagship smartwatch to attract different audiences, such as runners and budget-conscious shoppers. For instance, in 2022, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Ultra, a low-cost watch with additional features tailored for outdoor enthusiasts. In 2020, the company launched its first affordable smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE, and released an updated version in 2022.
According to market research firm Counterpoint, Apple dominates the global smartwatch market, accounting for 22% of shipments in the second quarter of 2023. However, the visual design of the Apple Watch has seen minimal changes in recent years, except for the addition of a temperature sensor in 2022 and a larger screen in 2021. Bloomberg reports that the 10th anniversary edition of the Apple Watch, expected in the future, might be called the Apple Watch X.
Meanwhile, the Series 9’s improvements aim to make Apple’s smartwatch more streamlined, smoother, and easier to use.
