Today, Apple introduces its next-generation Apple Watch Series 9, which brings a plethora of under-the-hood enhancements, including a big boost in performance since the Series 6.
Performance
First, the Apple Watch Series 9 features the much more powerful S9 SiP, which features a new 4-core Neural Engine that boosts machine learning performance by up to twice as fast as on the previous Series 8 and allows on-device Siri processing for the first time. This Neutral Engine also brings an all-new gesture to the Series 9 called the “Double Tap”, which is essentially useful when our hands are full such as carrying groceries or holding a child. By tapping the index finger and thumb of their watch hand together, the user can perform several common actions on the Series 9 such as answering a call or playing their favorite music. This feature will come in a future software update later this fall.
Display
When it comes to the display, the Series 9’s display can go up to 2000 nits, which is twice the maximum brightness of the Series 8 and matches that of the original Apple Watch Ultra, making text and UI elements easier to read outdoors. And for those late nights and early mornings, the Series 9’s display brightness can go as low as one nit, which is helpful if you don’t want to disturb others.
Ultra Wideband
The Series 6 from 2020 brings the Ultra Wideband technology to an Apple Watch for the first time. Now, Series 9 features its second-generation Ultra Wideband chip that enables Precision Finding for the iPhone 15 series, which features the same ship. This will help users a lot when it comes to locating their misplaced iPhones. Because both the current HomePod and HomePod mini have an Ultra Wideband chip, the Series 9 will have an even better integration with either of those HomePod models.
Apple Watch Bands and the Environment
As part of Apple’s goal of being carbon neutral by 2030, Apple’s Sport Loop is now carbon neutral thanks to using 82 percent recycled yarn. As a result, combinations of any Apple Watch model and a Sport Loop are Apple’s first carbon-neutral products. Additionally, other Apple Watch bands have been redesigned as well, including the Nike and Hermès collections, and Apple is replacing its leather bands with a new material called FineWoven. Both the Magnetic Link and Modern Buckle will be made out of this material; therefore, all future accessories from Apple will phase out leather in favor of FineWoven.
The Nike Sport Band contains at least 32 percent recycled fluoroastormer. Colorful flakes that are recycled from excess bands form a unique pattern for each band. The Nike Sport Loop also recycles yarn found in other Sport Loops from previous seasons.
The Hermès collection introduces two new woven bands – Toile H and Twill Jump. Bridon is a hand-braided band with a bold chevron pattern that’s also knitted for the first time for any Apple Watch band, and Kilim is Hermès’ first waterproof band (besides the included Hermès Sport Band for Hermès models) that’s made of rubber.
Cases and Finishes
The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in both aluminum and stainless steel. The aluminum finishes consist of Silver, Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED, and a new pink color. The stainless steel options remain the same – silver, graphite, and gold.
watchOS 10, Pricing & Availability
Series 9 comes with watchOS 10, which brings a major overall on the entire user interface and changes how you interact with your Watch. watchOS 10 also brings new watch faces, including Snoopy, Palette, Solar Analog (pictured), Nike Globe, and Hermès Radial (Hermès models only). watchOS 10 will be released to the public on September 18.
Apple Watch Series 9 starts at $399 for the aluminum GPS models, $499 for the aluminum GPS + cellular models, and $699 for the stainless steel GPS + cellular models. Series 9 also comes with 64 GB of onboard storage for the first time and comes with a braided USB-C charging cable that’s capable of fast charging.
Orders for the Series 9 start today, and it will be available on September 22.
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