Background

The Apple Watch Series 9 is Apple’s 9th generation smartwatch. It was announced together with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on September 12, 2023 and was released on September 22, 2023.

Like other Apple Watches, both GPS-only and GPS + Cellular models are available. And just like recent predecessors, it comes in two different size options—41 and 45 mm. The Series 9 runs on an Apple S9 dual-core SiP and ships with watchOS 10. Apple marketed a new "double tap" gesture, a brighter 2000 nits display, and Precision Finding—all courtesy of the improved S9 processor.

Notably, customers can choose a carbon-neutral option (aluminum case + Sport Loop) for this year's Apple Watches, representing a significant milestone towards Apple's wholly carbon-neutral-by-2030 goal.

Identification

Information about your Apple Watch such as the name and size are etched on the bottom. Additionally, you can identify your watch by the model number printed in the watch band groove, or by opening the Apple Watch app on your phone and navigating to General > About and clicking on Model Number. These are the model numbers for the Apple Watch Series 9:

41mm case:

  • A2978 (GPS)
  • A2982 (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific) and A2983 (China mainland)
    • GPS + Cellular Aluminum
    • GPS + Cellular Stainless Steel
    • Hermès GPS + Cellular

45mm case:

  • A2980 (GPS)
  • A2984 (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific) and A2985 (China mainland)
    • GPS + Cellular Aluminum
    • GPS + Cellular Stainless Steel
    • Hermès GPS + Cellular

The Apple Watch Series 9 comes in two materials—aluminum and stainless steel—and various finishes—midnight, starlight, silver, (Product) Red, and pink. A titanium finish, like in 2022's Series 8, was reserved for the newly refreshed Apple Watch Ultra 2. Despite some new color choices, the watch body of the Apple Watch Series 9 looks just like the Series 8 and Series 7.

Specifications

Sizes: 41 mm or 45 mm

Display:

  • Always-on LTPO OLED Retina display
  • 1-2000 nits brightness
  • 396 by 484 pixels (45 mm), 352 by 430 pixels (41 mm)

Processor: Apple S9 System in Package (SiP) with 64-bit dual-core processor, with W3, 2nd-gen Ultra Wideband chip, 4-core Neural Engine

Battery: Up to 18 hours of normal use, up to 36 hours in low power mode

Operating System: WatchOS 10

Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body)

Wireless Connectivity:

  • LTE and UMTS in cellular models
  • GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS
  • Wi-Fi 4 802.11n
  • Bluetooth 5.3

Compatibility: Requires iPhone XS or later with iOS 17 or later

Haptic Feedback: Taptic Engine

Miscellaneous Features:

  • Water-resistant and swim-proof up to 50 meters (WR50)
  • Certified IP6X dust resistance
  • GymKit
  • Apple Pay and Siri
  • Qi wireless charging

Additional Information