While we’ve already heard a lot about the iPhone 15 and other forthcoming Apple devices, there hasn’t been much solid news about the Apple Watch 9—though we have heard a few rumors.
An early report indicates it could be the same size as the Apple Watch 8, but given how little we know about it, that could be incorrect.
In any event, we’ve compiled everything we’ve learned about the Apple Watch 9, along with a wish list of features we’d like to see. We’ll also keep this story updated with any new information about Apple’s upcoming wearable, so come back shortly to remain up to speed.
Let’s get right to the point
- What is it? The next Apple Watch
- When is it out? Probably September 2023
- How much will it cost? Likely at least $399 / £419 / AU$629
APPLE WATCH 9: PRICE AND RELEASE DATE
The Apple Watch 9 is expected to be released in September. After all, the Apple Watch 8 was unveiled in September 2022, and with two exceptions, every prior model was released in September as well.
Based on previous performance, the Apple Watch 9 will most likely be revealed on a Tuesday or Wednesday in early or mid-September, i.e. September 5, 6, 12, or 13. It will most likely be revealed alongside the iPhone 15 series and go on sale about 10 days afterward.
There’s no word on a price yet, but given the increasing cost of parts, fuel, and labor, it’s likely to cost at least as much as the Apple Watch 8, which begins at $399 / £419 / AU$629 today.
Apple Watch 9 news and leaks
APPLE WATCH 9:
The most recent Apple Watch 9 report comes from an expert at tech company Omdia via this MacRumors(opens in new tab) story, and merely says that the Apple Watch 9 will most likely be the same size as the Apple Watch 8. That means it’ll have 1.89-inch and 2.04-inch screen sizes, with 41mm and 45mm cases, respectively.
Then there’s a shady report claiming that the Apple Watch 9 will be renamed the Apple Watch X, skipping the number nine altogether. According to a supply chain insider who spoke with iPhoneSoft (opens in new tab).
They claim that this wearable will still be available in 2023, so a name change would be easy, but with the X being the Roman number for ten, this seems unnecessary. Furthermore, according to the MacRumors source, the Apple Watch X will be released in 2024 alongside the SE 3, so there are contradictory reports here. The SE 2 debuted alongside the Watch 8 and the first version of the Apple Watch Ultra, but there’s no word on an Ultra 2 arriving in 2024 to round out the trio.
What we want to see
The Apple Watch 8 received four stars in our evaluation, so we expect the Apple Watch 9 to receive five stars as well.
1. Better battery life
One of our major gripes with the Apple Watch 8 – and indeed with every previous Apple Watch – was the battery life. While it’s not bad, this is a device that you’ll most likely need to power daily, if not every two days.
That’s not optimal, particularly for a device that’s supposed to continuously monitor your health, exercise, and sleep. So, while we’d like to see the Apple Watch 9 last at least three days between batteries, given that we beg for it every year, it’s unlikely to happen.
2. A big chipset upgrade
The Apple Watch 8 officially has a new Apple S8 processor inside, but there aren’t many improvements. It employs the same Processor as the S7 and even the S6 from the Apple Watch 6.
To be honest, the Apple Watch 8 is a fast device, so it doesn’t feel especially underpowered. However, it could always be quicker. Alternatively, Apple could strive to significantly increase efficiency to improve battery life.
3. An Action button
One of the most notable aspects of the Apple Watch Ultra is an additional button known as the Action button. This can be configured to do a variety of things, so it’s essentially a shortcut to the program or function of your choosing.
It’s a very handy feature, and we’d like to see it on the Apple Watch 9 as well, as it doesn’t seem like something we should have to pay extra for on an Ultra edition.
4. A tweaked design
The Apple Watch 8 appears fine, so we don’t think it needs a major redesign, but it also looks a lot like the Apple Watch 7, so some tweaks to freshen it up would be great.
This could include even smaller bezels, a new case substance, a slimmer frame, or something else to make it feel new and contemporary.
5. A lower price
The Apple Watch 8 is a reasonably costly wearable, with a beginning price of $399 / £419 / AU$629, which increases if you want it in a bigger form or with cellular access, despite not providing much more than the much cheaper Apple Watch SE 2.
As a result, we’d like to see Apple lower the price of the Apple Watch 9. Either that or give it a significant improvement in any case. This would help guarantee that it rates high among the best smartwatches.
