September 12, 2023, 7:54 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

A new iPhone with Pro models, iOS 17–and of course, the Apple Watch. These were the highlights of Apple’s keynote this year, including a brief appearance by Octavia Spencer. However, the innovations are somewhat limited–likely because Apple plans a bigger leap with the Watch X/10 next year. There is, however, a practical new feature. TECHBOOK introduces the new Apple Watch Series 9 and evaluates the updates.

All the new features from the Apple Keynote 2023 can also be found in our live ticker.

Design and Colors of the Apple Watch Series 9

This year, the Apple Keynote emphasizes sustainability. This is evident in the Apple Watch 9 and the shortly thereafter introduced Apple Watch Ultra 2. Among other things, the devices are now carbon-neutral. Energy efficiency and CO2 emissions during transport have also been reduced. The Apple Watch Series 9 can anticipate the user’s energy consumption and save energy at certain times.

In terms of design, everything has remained the same for now. The sizes of 41 and 45 millimeters are still available. However, the display now offers 2000 nits of brightness, matching the Apple Watch Ultra (2022). In darkness, the Apple Watch adjusts to 1 nit. The Apple Watch 9 is available in a new color: pink, similar to the shade seen in last year’s iPad and iPhone.

In the interest of environmental friendliness, Apple is foregoing the well-known leather bands starting this year.

Also read: iPhone 15 is official! Here’s what Apple’s new base models offer 

New Chip for New Apple Watch

The Apple Watch 9 is powered by the in-house S9 chip. Compared to its predecessor, it offers more performance and efficiency. As a result, the battery life is expected to be 18 hours; in power-saving mode, even 36 hours.

The new chip also allows some voice commands to be used offline, and dictation to Siri is significantly faster. This is partly because the cloud is bypassed. Additionally, Apple’s voice assistant can better integrate tracked health data into the Apple Health app with the Apple Watch Series 9.

Thanks to a new ultra-wideband chip, the range of the Apple Watch is improved, according to the manufacturer. This is useful for pinging a misplaced iPhone or controlling the HomePod.

(Not Quite) New Control via “Double Tap”

While performance improvements are otherwise limited, Apple introduces a relatively new control method with the Watch 9. This feature is particularly useful when only one hand is free. It involves double-tapping two fingers–thumb and index finger–on the hand wearing the Apple Watch.

It’s only “relatively” new because a similar function existed with Assistive Touch, though it was well hidden. Users could set what finger taps or making a fist would do for control. With Double Tap, the feature is now much more visible and a more significant part of the interface.

This gesture can have various effects. For instance, it can snooze an alarm or answer a call on the Apple Watch. Accessing widgets or controlling the camera and Apple TV is also partially possible with Double Tap.

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Updates with watchOS 10

The Apple Watch 9 naturally comes with a comprehensive software update to watchOS 10. Here are the key points:

• new design for many apps
• adjusted interface with a focus on widgets (Smart Stack)
• changed button layout
• better connectivity with other Bluetooth devices for improved tracking of workout data
• optimized workout views, especially for cyclists
• new view in the Compass app and route information for hikers
• mood tracking
• daylight tracking
• and last but not least: a Snoopy watch face

Detailed information on the new watchOS 10 features can be found in our comprehensive overview article.

Price and Availability of the Apple Watch 9

The new Apple Watches will be available starting September 22, 2023. The Apple Watch 9 is priced at 449 euros and is available in the colors pink, midnight, starlight, and silver in the aluminum version. The stainless steel version is available in gold, graphite, and silver.