Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: Health Features, Prices, and More
The Apple Watch Series 9 brings several health features and upgrades compared to the Series 8 and earlier models. Let's dive into what’s new and improved, and why you might consider upgrading or buying your first Apple Watch.
Key Health Features
The Apple Watch Series 9 introduces on-device Siri with Health access, allowing users to ask Siri for updates on personal health data and log new data by voice. However, it's worth noting that the Blood Oxygen app is not included in new Series 9 and Ultra 2 models sold in the US after January 18, 2024.
Here's a comparison of health features across different Apple Watch models:
| Feature | Series 9 | Series 8 | Series 7 | Series 6 | SE 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On-device Siri with Health access | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| ECG app | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Blood Oxygen app | ✅/❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Heart rate notifications | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sleep tracking | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Crash detection | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Fall detection | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Emergency SOS | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Apple Watch Series 9: Is It Worth It?
The Series 9 offers a brighter display, the new Double Tap feature, and improved S9 chip performance. These enhancements make it a strong option, even though the overall changes from the Series 8 might not seem huge.
- Casing Options: 41mm or 45mm, aluminum or stainless steel
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours, 36 hours in Low Power mode
- Water Resistance: 50 meters
- Connectivity: GPS only or GPS + Cellular
- Display: Always-on Retina LTPO OLED, 2,000 nits brightness
- Operating System: WatchOS 10 (or later)
Pricing and Deals
- Series 9: Starts at $399.99, currently on sale at Amazon for $100 off the Cellular 41mm model.
- Series 8 and Older: Often available at discounted prices from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
- SE 2nd Gen: Starts from $249.
The Apple Watch Series 9 brings useful upgrades, especially for those interested in health tracking and on-device Siri functionality. Whether you're upgrading from an older model or purchasing your first smartwatch, the Series 9 offers a blend of new features and reliable performance.
For more updates on the latest Apple Watch news and deals, subscribe to our newsletter and get all the information straight to your inbox. Plus, stay tuned for a chance to win a free Apple Watch!
Leave a comment