Introduction
It’s been six months since I purchased the Apple Watch Series 9, and I’m excited to share my experiences, thoughts, and opinions on this device. Whether you’re considering upgrading from an older model or buying your first smartwatch, this review will help you decide if the Series 9 is worth your investment. I’ll cover everything from battery life to Siri’s performance, new features, and some drawbacks. Plus, I’ll include answers to 10 frequently asked questions about the Apple Watch Series 9.
Battery Life: A Daily Ritual
The battery life of the Apple Watch Series 9 has been impressive for a smartwatch. While you should plan on charging it once a day, I’ve found the experience to be quite seamless. I wear my watch for sleep tracking, so I usually charge it in the morning when I take a shower and again at night if I shower after a workout. With this routine, I’ve never faced any issues with the battery running low, thanks to its fast charging capabilities.
It’s important to note that the Apple Watch SE models don’t support fast charging, which is a significant drawback for those who want a quicker turnaround.
Siri: Faster and More Efficient
Siri on the Series 9 is another highlight. The S9 SIP (System in Package) that powers the watch comes with a dedicated neural engine for machine learning tasks, making Siri’s responses faster and more accurate. Tasks like setting timers or reminders are now quicker, and a lot of these requests are processed locally on the watch itself, which enhances performance.
While Siri has had its fair share of criticism, I’ve found that the improvements in the Series 9 have made it more reliable and efficient for daily tasks.
The Brighter Display: Seeing Clearly in Any Light
One of the standout features of the Series 9 is its display, which can go up to 2,000 nits—double that of the Series 8. This brightness makes it much easier to see in daylight conditions, even when you’re wearing sunglasses. Whether you’re out for a run or just checking notifications while walking, the improved display ensures that you won’t have to squint to see what’s on your screen.
The Double Tap Gesture: A Missed Opportunity
The double-tap gesture, also known as the “Pinchy Pinch,” allows you to perform actions like answering a call or stopping a timer by simply pinching your fingers together. However, I’ve struggled with this feature in two main areas. First, remembering to use it isn’t as intuitive as I thought it would be, and second, it’s not as responsive as I expected. Often, I have to perform the gesture multiple times before it triggers the desired action.
Additionally, this feature isn’t universally supported across all apps. For instance, I frequently use Pocket Casts to control podcasts, but the double-tap gesture doesn’t work with this app, which limits its usefulness.
HomePod Control: More Frustration Than Functionality
Another feature I haven’t utilized much is the HomePod control. The Series 9 includes an ultra-wideband chip that theoretically allows you to bring your watch near a HomePod and take control of the music playing. However, I’ve never been able to get this feature to work correctly, which has been a disappointment.
On the positive side, the ultra-wideband chip does enable precise directions to your phone or AirTag’s location, a feature I have used and found to be quite helpful.
WatchOS 10: Enhancing the Experience
While many features of the Apple Watch experience aren’t exclusive to the Series 9, WatchOS 10 deserves a mention. The UI has been optimized to make better use of the larger displays on current Apple Watch generations. For example, the redesigned Weather app now offers more useful and detailed information with just a tap.
One of the most significant changes in WatchOS 10 is the introduction of Smart Stack, a persistent area where you can access apps running in the background, such as timers or music. This feature dynamically adds important apps to the Smart Stack list and also allows you to pin apps for quick access.
Getting used to the new Control Center location, now accessed via a single press of the side button, took me a full six months. However, once acclimated, it became second nature.
Fitness Tracking: A Reliable Companion
The Apple Watch Series 9 has been my go-to device for fitness tracking. The automatic workout detection is fantastic, especially when I’m on a walk, as it registers the activity after about 10 to 12 minutes and logs it accordingly.
WatchOS 10 has also added new hiking views, trail information, and topography in Maps, which I’ve found useful during outdoor adventures. The integration with Apple Fitness Plus has been another strong point, allowing me to track my workouts seamlessly and see my progress on my Apple TV.
Sleep tracking, while not entirely accurate, is something I still use to get a general idea of how well I’m sleeping. It’s not perfect, but it provides enough information to be useful.
Media Controls: Seamless Integration with Apple Devices
One of the features I’ve used most often is the media controls. The Now Playing app on the watch allows you to control media playing on your other Apple devices, like your iPhone, or directly from the watch itself. I’ve found that controlling media from my watch is easier and more convenient, especially when paired with AirPods, which have an automatic switching feature that works beautifully with the watch.
Navigation and Everyday Use
I’ve also relied heavily on the watch’s navigation features. The haptic feedback patterns for directions with Apple Maps are incredibly useful, ensuring I never miss a turn. I set laundry and cooking timers regularly, and with the faster Siri experience, these tasks are quick and hassle-free.
The tiny keyboard for responding to texts is surprisingly usable, making it easy to reply to messages on the go. Additionally, the watch face complications provide glanceable information like weather, calendar events, and more, which I find invaluable in my daily routine.
Downsides: What Needs Improvement
While the Apple Watch Series 9 is an impressive device, it’s not without its drawbacks. The biggest downside is that you must have an iPhone to use it, which limits its accessibility for Android users who might prefer the Apple Watch’s design and features.
Another issue is with software updates. Because I wear the watch to bed, automatic updates never install, as they’re set to run at 2 a.m. when the watch is on the charger. I’d appreciate the option to choose when these updates occur.
Finally, repairability remains a concern. Apple watches, including the Series 9, don’t have a user-replaceable battery. This means you’ll need to visit a repair shop or order a special repair kit from Apple, which can be a hassle.
Who Should Upgrade to the Series 9?
If you have an iPhone, I definitely recommend the Series 9. It offers a wealth of features, including fast charging, fitness tracking, and precise location services. However, with the next version expected in just a few months, some might prefer to wait for the newer model. On the other hand, if you find a good deal on the Series 9, it’s still a solid choice.
When comparing the Series 9 to the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra, I chose the Series 9 for its classic design, fast charging capabilities, and the option to order it with a sapphire crystal display, which I highly recommend for those who want to avoid scratches. After six months of use, my watch remains scratch-free, thanks to the durable sapphire crystal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Apple Watch Series 9 worth buying?
Yes, the Series 9 offers significant improvements in speed, display brightness, and overall functionality, making it a worthwhile purchase, especially if you’re upgrading from an older model.
2. How is the battery life of the Series 9?
The battery life is excellent for a smartwatch. With regular use, you can expect to charge it once a day, and the fast charging feature makes this process more convenient.
3. Can I use the Apple Watch Series 9 with an Android phone?
No, the Apple Watch Series 9 is only compatible with iPhones, which is a limitation for those who use Android devices.
4. How accurate is the sleep tracking feature?
While not entirely accurate, the sleep tracking feature provides a general idea of your sleep patterns, which can be helpful in monitoring your overall sleep quality.
5. What are the main differences between the Series 9 and the SE model?
The Series 9 offers faster performance, a brighter display, fast charging, and additional features like the ultra-wideband chip, which the SE model lacks.
6. Is the double-tap gesture useful?
The double-tap gesture has potential, but it’s not as responsive as expected, and it’s not universally supported across all apps, which limits its practicality.
7. How durable is the Series 9’s display?
If you opt for the sapphire crystal display, the Series 9 is highly durable and resistant to scratches, making it a great choice for those who are tough on their devices.
8. Can I control media on other Apple devices with the Series 9?
Yes, the Now Playing app and dedicated media apps like Spotify and Apple Music allow you to control media playing on your other Apple devices from the watch.
9. What are the navigation features like on the Series 9?
The haptic feedback for directions is incredibly useful, ensuring you don’t miss turns while using Apple Maps. It’s one of the standout features for navigation.
10. Should I wait for the next Apple Watch model?
If you can wait, the next model is likely to offer even more improvements. However