If you’ve been rocking an older Apple Watch for a while, the Apple Watch Series 9 could be a worthwhile upgrade.
Deciding when it’s the right time to switch things up with your Apple Watch can be tricky, especially if you mainly use it for tracking workouts and getting phone alerts. Determining whether an upgrade is in order involves considering factors like your current watch’s age, budget, and the features that matter most to you.
For those who own a Series 4 or an even earlier model, leaping to the Series 9 might be a smart move. The Series 4 is the last generation that can receive new software updates, which means you might miss out on upcoming features unless you upgrade to a newer model. Beyond just software updates, Apple has introduced a slew of features over the past five years that can make the Apple Watch Series 9 feel like a substantial and worthwhile upgrade.
All the current Apple Watches share some common features, such as access to the Apple App Store and support for Apple Pay. They also come equipped with a speaker and microphone, allowing you to perform tasks like accessing Siri, answering phone calls, and more. Running on Apple’s WatchOS 10 software, introduced in September, they include safety features like emergency SOS and fall detection, along with the ability to track your sleep—features available on the Series 4 and later models.
Thinking about getting the Apple Watch Series 9?
It’s a fresh release from September 2023, and since it won’t see any updates for another year, now might be the perfect time to make the purchase.
The Series 9 falls in the middle range of Apple Watches. This year’s model boasts a speedier S9 chip, and a brighter display, and introduces a new Double Tap feature. However, aside from these enhancements, there are no other major additions. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider exploring the Apple Watch SE. On the other hand, if you prefer a larger watch, desire top-notch features, or engage in a lot of outdoor activities, the Apple Watch Ultra might be worth checking out.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed with choices? You’ve got you covered with a series of Guides that all the differences between Apple Watches. Also, be sure to swing by our Apple Watch deals page to snag the best price available.
The differences among other Apple watches lie in their processors, health-tracking capabilities, sensors, and screens. Notably, the Series 7, 8, and 9 feature larger displays and support keyboard input for responding to texts. On the other hand, the Series 6 and newer models come prepared with blood oxygen monitoring, providing a valuable feature for those keen on monitoring their respiratory health.
Additionally, before leaping, don’t forget to check if you qualify for any Apple Watch deals, as many may require you to trade in your old watch.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs 6: A Specs Comparison
| Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Series 6 | |
Display | LTPO OLED Retina396 x 484 pixels (45mm), 352 x 430 pixels (41mm)Always-on display to 2000 nits brightness, 1 nit minimum brightness | LTPO OLED Retina368 x 448 pixelsAlways-on display to 1000 nits brightness |
| Dimensions and Weight | 45mm: 45 x 38 x 10.7mm41mm: 41 x 35 x 10.7mmVarious weights for Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Titanium cases | 44mm: 44 x 38 x 10.7mm40mm: 40 x 34 x 10.7mmVarious weights for Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Titanium cases |
| Durability | WR50 (water-resistant) and IP6X-certified. | WR50 (water-resistant) and IP6X-certified. |
| Processor (SoC) | Apple S9 with 64-bit dual-core processorApple W3, Apple U2 chip (Ultra-wideband)4-core Neural Engine | Apple S6 with 64-bit dual-core processorApple W3, Apple U1 chip (Ultra-wideband) |
| RAM and Storage | 1GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. | 1GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. |
| Battery | 18 hours45 min to 80% charge with USB-C magnetic fast charging cable | 18 hours60 min to 80% charge with USB-C magnetic fast charging cable |
| Software | WatchOS 10 | WatchOS 9 |
| Case Materials and Colors | Various options include Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Gold, Silver, Graphite, Midnight, Starlight, Blue, and more. | Various options include Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Gold, Silver, Graphite, Midnight, Starlight, Blue, and more. |
| Connectivity | Both watches support GPS/GNSS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0.LTE bands vary between models. | Both watches support GPS/GNSS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz and 5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0.LTE bands vary between models. |
| Sensors | Always-on altimeter, blood oxygen sensor, ECG, third-generation optical heart sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor. | Always-on altimeter, blood oxygen sensor, ECG, third-generation optical heart sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor. |
| Compatibility | Requires iOS 17 or later | Requires iOS 15 or later |
Which Should you buy?
The Apple Watch Series 9 vs 6 are almost identical smartwatches, with the Series 9’s upgraded S9 chip and the new Double Tap Gesture being the most substantial differences. However, for the most part, they operate similarly.
Considering this, opting for an upgrade to the Series 9 is recommended for a specific group of users. Specifically, individuals using a Series 5 or 6, or an older version, should seriously contemplate the Series 9, while those currently using last year’s Series 6 (or the Series 7) can hold off until the following year. Even users with the 2nd Generation SE can postpone their upgrade decision.
If the enticing new features are compelling enough for you to invest in a Series 9, rest assured, you won’t be let down. It marks an improvement over the Series 6, even if it’s minimal, and stands not only as the top choice for an Apple Watch but also as the finest smartwatch is available.
CONCLUSION
Upgrading to the Apple Watch Series 9 from the Series 5 is a valuable move. The performance gains stemming from a transition away from a 4-year-old chip are substantial, and the Series 9 introduces a host of new features that bring about a significant transformation. However, if your Series 5 is still functioning effectively, you have the flexibility to hold off on upgrading until the following year. The Series 5 continues to receive software updates and offers more robust health-tracking features compared to the SE line.
