Apple Watch Series 9 rumors: features, release, etc [U: New watch band]

Apple is expected to launch the latest Apple Watch Series 9 this September. As per industry rumors and reports, the new wearable is going to be an incremental update. This means that it will not boast exciting new features. However, the watch will feature an upgraded S9 chip for improved performance and battery optimization.

Here’s everything you need to know about Apple Watch Series 9 rumors: features, design, performance, availability, and more.

[Update; August 10, 2023: A new Apple Watch band design is anticipated to be launched alongside the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 next month. The rumor, originating from Kosutami (@KosutamiSan), indicates that this innovative band will feature woven fabric materials and a magnetic buckle.]

2023 Apple Watch Series 9 – rumored features

Design

• Leaked information indicates that the Series 9 will largely maintain the Series 8’s design and features, aligning with Apple’s history of incremental upgrades.
• Reliable leaker suggests a new pink color option for Apple Watch Series 9. Apple has offered pink options in earlier models like the Rose Gold variant for the first-generation Apple Watch, Series 1, and Series 2.

New watch band

• A novel Apple Watch band design might also launch alongside the Apple Watch Series 9. This new band design could function similarly to the Modern Buckle strap seen with the original Apple Watch, which uses stainless steel components and a sturdy magnetic clasp.

3D-printed parts 

• Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests Apple’s adoption of 3D printing for “titanium mechanical parts” in the next-gen Apple Watch Ultra.
• Uncertainty whether this applies exclusively to Ultra or might extend to certain Series 9 elements.
• The transition to 3D printing aims to reduce production durations and expenses. If successful, Apple could extend this technique to other products in the future, as per Kuo’s insights.

S9 chip

• According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple Watch Series 9’s highlight will be the S9 chip, TSMC’s 5nm process for better performance and battery life
• Sources suggest the Apple Watch Series 8‘s S8 chip was essentially a rebranded S6 chip with no performance or power efficiency upgrades. This means that the S9 chip will likely offer significant performance gains.

Battery life

• Processor updates may yield minor battery life enhancements, not expecting significant gains.
• Increased efficiency could be utilized for additional functionalities in the always-on display or tweaks to other features.

New health features

• Potential sensors for consideration: Electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor to gauge stress levels and Bioimpedance sensor for body composition measurement.