Apple Watch Series 9: Everything you need to know

The Apple Watch Series 9 is now only a couple of weeks away from being official, and the rumor mill still continues with rumored new colors and features for the wearable.

Apple is likely going to be unveiling the newest member of the Apple Watch family at the iPhone 15 launch event on September 12 alongside the Ultra 2. And while new information is fairly limited, we’re expecting some big improvements in the processor, as well as some other extras.

As always, the Series 9 will sit directly in the middle of the Apple lineup. It’ll be just above the Apple Watch SE, and just below the Apple Watch Ultra in terms of specs, size, and price. This is everything we know about the Apple Watch Series 9.

Apple Watch Series 9: The headlines

• What is it? Apple’s next flagship smartwatch.  
• When can we expect it? September 12 alongside the iPhone 15. 
• Price? Price increase possible, currently starts at $399
• Headline rumors: New chip, new colors

Apple Watch Series 9: What we’d like to see

For a long time, the iMore team has been keen to see diabetes monitoring on the Apple Watch, something that’s been swirling around in the rumor pool for some time. Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring could be life-changing for some people, with diabetes — but alas, it’s unlikely that it will be ready for the Series 9 when it comes a little later this year.

One of our most wanted features would be a Touch ID sensor in the digital crown for Apple Pay and other applications, which could make the watch a little more secure as well. 

Finally, more scratch and crack-resistant glass for the aluminum model would be a great thing to see. Apple Watch Series 8 owners on the team have some very scratched-up devices, with cracks and marks galore. More third-party face support would be good too, and improvements to the bands would be welcome as well.

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 is usually announced on a Tuesday, then made available for pre-order that Friday, and then released in stores and online a week later. With Apple announcing an event for September 12, we’re expecting the same to happen once again.

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 the 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. 

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore’s latest breaking news regarding all of Apple’s products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design.

Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9