As expected, Apple unveiled its latest Apple Watch Series 9 models at its fall event, new watches gain performance upgrades through the S9 SiP chip, new gesture controls, brighter display. But double tap could come to older watches via software, save your coins if you’ve got Series 8.
Get All the Details on the iPhone 15 series:
iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max with Titanium Design, Price, Camera Upgrades, A17 and USB-C
iPhone 15 and 15 Plus Refreshed Design with Color, 48MP Camera, Dynamic Island, Pricing
Upgraded S9 Chip Brings More Speed and Intelligence
Powering the Series 9 is Apple’s latest S9 SiP, delivering marked improvements over last year’s S8 chip. Packing 56 billion transistors, the S9 integrates the CPU, GPU, Neural Engine, sensor controllers, and more.
The 6-core CPU runs up to 20% faster, while the 4-core GPU speeds up graphics tasks by up to 30% versus the S8 chip, enables smoother app experiences and more visually rich watch faces.
But the star of the S9 SiP is the upgraded 4-core Neural Engine, which accelerates on-device machine learning up to 2x. This unlocks the new “double tap” gesture control.
New Double Tap Gesture Control
Thanks to the S9’s machine learning muscle, Apple Watch Series 9 models introduce an intuitive new way to interact called Double-Tap control, double tap their thumb and forefinger together to trigger actions.
Double pinching while working out pauses a workout, while doing so during music playback pauses audio. You can snooze alarms, decline calls, control cameras, and more with the gesture. Over time, more actions will be supported.
The enhanced neural engine also boosts dictation accuracy by 25% and powers faster Siri performance directly on the watch rather than relying on an iPhone connection. Apple Watch Gets Seamless Contact Sharing with NameDrop in watchOS 10 Beta 5
2000 nits Peak Brightness and Ultra Wideband
Display up to 2000 nits brightness at its peak, a major jump from 1000 nits prior that improves outdoor visibility, also dial down as low as 1 nit.
Apple integrated its second-generation ultra wideband chip for more precise “Find My” locating with the new iPhone 15 series, also enables seamless device handoff and music playback control when near a HomePod.
Watch Series 9 An environment focus
Apple’s first fully recycled product ahead of that 2030 goal for all devices, Expected to Sustainability at September Event with Leather-Free iPhone 15 series Cases. New sport loop bands are made from 68% recycled content to lower carbon emissions. Apple is moving away from leather bands altogether, partners like Nike and Hermes introduced recycled rubber and cotton canvas bands too.
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch Series 9 lineup is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes starting at $399. Stainless steel models are offered in silver, graphite, and gold finishes.
EDITOR PICKED: Apple WatchOS 10 Experience: Better Running Apple watch series 8 and Watch Ultra
