Apple Watch Series 9 is just a few weeks away, with rumors stating the company will unveil a new flagship watch alongside the iPhone 15 in September. While new information is still pretty limited, we're expecting to see the biggest improvement to the Apple Watch processor for several years, and maybe some other extras too.
The Series 9 will sit above the Apple Watch SE and below the Apple Watch Ultra. There's a chance we may even see an upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra around the same time, although we're not expecting to see a new Apple Watch SE this year.
Apple Watch Series 9: The headlines
- What is it? Apple's next flagship smart watch.
- When can we expect it? September 2023 alongside the iPhone 15.
- Price? Price increase possible, currently starts at $399
- Headline rumors: New chip, 41- and 45mm sizes
Apple Watch Series 9: What we’d like to see
For a long time, the iMore team has been keen to see the introduction of diabetes tracking, something that's been rumored for the Apple Watch for years. The prospect of non-invasive blood glucose monitoring could change the game for anyone with diabetes. Unfortunately, we don't expect this will be ready in time for Apple Watch Series 9.
We'd also love to see Touch ID added to the Digital Crown, or the side button, to enhance security.
One thing iMore would love to see is some slightly tougher, scratch-resistant glass, as just six months into my Apple Watch Series 8 journey, my screen is absolutely rife with scratches. More third-party faces and more improvements to Apple Watch bands would also be welcome, perhaps with options for blood pressure sensing and more.
With September and the iPhone 15 on the horizon, we don’t have long to wait to find out exactly what Apple has in store for us this year.
Apple Watch Series 9: Release date rumors and expected launch
Since the Apple Watch Series 3 in 2017, every Apple Watch Series update has debuted at the September iPhone event. It seems highly likely that will continue to be the case with no rumors to the contrary.
As the Apple Watch is primarily an iPhone accessory, it makes sense that Apple would debut the new wearable at the same time as a new iPhone.
As with the iPhone, the Apple Watch usually debuts on a Tuesday, is made available for pre-order that Friday, and then released in stores and online a week later. We’d expect the iPhone 15 event to fall on either September 5 or September 12.
Apple Watch Series 9: Price expectations
Apple has remained ultra-consistent with its Apple Watch Series pricing for five straight years, with every “flagship” costing $399 as a starting price point. When it comes to Apple Watch, adding bands, a larger display, and cellular capability could see the price mounting up fast, but we would expect the Apple Watch Series 9 to sit firmly in the $399 price bracket. That's likely to be the starting point for the 41mm option with GPS at least with prices increasing for size, cellular capabilities and different watch straps.
Apple Watch Series 9: Design
The Apple Watch design hasn’t changed much since the Apple Watch Series 7, which brought those sweeping edges and a larger display. It was a subtle yet significant change that made the Apple Watch easier to use and view, and I’ve loved it since. The only other major Apple Watch design change since is, of course, the Apple Watch Ultra. Although, we can't see Apple using that form factor for anything other than its rugged premium model.
One of the only leaks we’ve heard is that Apple will retain the 1.71/1.92-inch displays from the Apple Watch Series 8 in the Series 9, according to analyst David Hsieh, who does not have a track record of Apple leaks. Hsieh claims the Apple Watch Series X will adopt a larger screen coming in 2024.
Mark Gurman suggests that Apple Watch's impending processor upgrade "won’t affect the look of the watches," suggesting minimal design changes can be expected.
Although, there are recent rumors suggesting that a new watch band could launch alongside the Apple Watch Series 9 with "weaved fabric materials and magnetic buckle" according to one leaker. There may also be a new pink band too.
Apple Watch Series 9: Features
New features to Apple Watch have been few and far between in recent iterations. However, the biggest talking point in the Apple Watch rumor mill is definitely the prospect of non-invasive blood glucose monitoring that could allow users with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar and glucose levels without the need for a pinprick.
Supposedly, Apple has been working on the feature for 12 years, but it doesn't seem like it'll be ready in time for Apple Watch Series 9.
One other feature is the one we're keen to see -- Touch ID. Entering a numeric password is a bit of a pain on such a small display, and Apple has filed a patent for Touch ID housed in the Watch’s side button. Rumors have previously also suggested that Apple could put Touch ID in the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown or even under the display!
Apple Watch Series 9: Processor
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that "the big change" coming to Apple Watch this year "will be a processor upgrade," the first in three years. He reiterated the change in late July, stating Apple Watch Series 9 will get the "new S9 processor" with a "fairly sizable performance bump" and "significant speed improvements."
Such Apple Watch Series 9 processor upgrade rumors continue to grow so it seems very likely, however overall, the watch will be a "minor upgrade" according to sources.
WatchOS 10
Apple unveiled watchOS 10 at WWDC 2023 in June. It brings with it a major redesign of all your favorite apps, and a new Smart Stack that delivers the information you want easily and quickly. Apps like Stocks, Weather, and World Clock have all been updated, as have Wallet, Calendar, and Reminders. There are two new watch faces, and upgrades for cyclists including e-biking and Fall Detection.
watchOS 10 will also feature heavily in the new mental health upgrades coming to iPhone this year, and it will also help with vision health by reducing the risk of myopia.
Will Apple Watch 9 be better?
Current rumors suggest that the Apple Watch Series 9 will be more of a minor upgrade than previous changes. It'll still be better than the Series 8 in terms of speed but it may be a more subtle improvement than some may have hoped for.
When does the Series 9 Apple Watch come out?
Typically new Apple Watches are announced in September so count on an announcement very soon. From there, the release date is usually around a week later although the Series 7 wasn't released until October 2021 -- a month after its announcement.
