TheApple Watch Series 9is officially vying for shoppers’ attention. While the smartwatchpacks a few key upgrades under its hood, it should look very familiar at first glance. Apple’s design has remained largely unchanged since the Series 7 landed in 2021. Yet, a closer look shows important improvements and additional features. To determine how far Apple has come in the last two years, we compare theApple Watch Series 9 vs Series 7.
Apple Watch Series 7 vs Apple Watch Series 9: At a glance
Below is a quick summary of the biggest differences between the Apple Watch Series 7 and Series 9.
- The Apple Watch Series 9 packs a much more powerful S9 chipset. The S9'sneural engine powers several features unique to the newest lineup.
- The Series 9 features an Apple U2 ultra-wideband chip.
- The Apple Watch Series 9 display offers up to 2000 nits brightness and a minimum brightness of 1 nit.
- The Apple Watch Series 9 adds Pink to the list of available colors, while the Series 7 offers discontinued Green and Blue models.
- The Apple Watch Series 9 features a temperature sensor not found on the Series 7.
Apple Watch Series 7 vs Apple Watch 9 specs
| Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Series 7 | |
|---|---|---|
Display | Apple Watch Series 9 LTPO OLED Retina 352 x 430 pixels (41 mm) Up to 2000 nit brightness | Apple Watch Series 7 LTPO OLED Retina 352 x 430 pixels (41mm) Up to 1000 nit brightness |
Dimensions and weight | Apple Watch Series 9 45mm: 41mm: | Apple Watch Series 7 45mm: 41mm: |
Durability | Apple Watch Series 9 WR50 | Apple Watch Series 7 WR50 |
SoC | Apple Watch Series 9 Apple S9 with 64-bit dual-core processor | Apple Watch Series 7 Apple S7 with 64-bit dual-core processor |
RAM | Apple Watch Series 9 1GB | Apple Watch Series 7 1GB |
Storage | Apple Watch Series 9 32GB | Apple Watch Series 7 32GB |
Battery | Apple Watch Series 9 18 hours USB-C magnetic fast charging cable | Apple Watch Series 7 18 hours USB-C magnetic fast charging cable |
Software | Apple Watch Series 9 WatchOS 10 | Apple Watch Series 7 WatchOS 9 |
Case materials and colors | Apple Watch Series 9 GPS-only, GPS + Cellular GPS + Cellular | Apple Watch Series 7 GPS-only, GPS + Cellular GPS + Cellular |
Connectivity | Apple Watch Series 9 GPS/GNSS Model A2475 (41mm) | Apple Watch Series 7 GPS/GNSS LTE bands: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 |
Sensors | Apple Watch Series 9 Always-on altimeter | Apple Watch Series 7 Always-on altimeter |
Compatibility | Apple Watch Series 9 iOS 17 or later | Apple Watch Series 7 iOS 17 or later |
Features only found in the Apple Watch Series 9
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
For the past few years, Apple has made small changes to each new generation rather than unveil complete overhauls. In 2021, the Series 7 landed with a bumped-up display and shrunken bezels. It offered users more display space than ever and a useful Qwerty keyboard. Then, in 2022, the Series 8 added an innovative temperature sensor. The Series 9 may look much like the Series 7 and function like the Series 8, but it’s packing a much more powerful engine.
The newest generation’s S9 chipset and neural engine offer a faster and smoother user experience. The tune-up also allows for a handful of features users may find worth upgrading for. First, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers onboard processing of Siri queries. Siri can now complete on-device actions such as pulling up personal health data or starting a workout.
Thanks to its powerful new neural engine, the Series 9 is the most accessible Apple Watch yet with onboard Siri processing and a new Double Tap gesture control.
Meanwhile, when a user has only one hand free, they can use Double Tap. I’ve tested the new gesture control, which allows you to “click” your watch hand’s index finger and thumb twice to complete basic actions. I found it useful for actions like starting music, ending a call, and scrolling through my Smart Stack.Additionally, the Series 9’s U2 chipset facilitates more precision for Apple’s Find My Phone feature. The device will guide you to the exact location of your paired smartphone as long as it is within 20 feet of the watch.
The Apple Watch Series 7 does not feature the temperature sensor found on the Series 9, which can be used for sleep tracking as well as women's health tracking.
An Apple Watch Series 9 vs Series 7 comparison shows another major difference on the health and fitness tracking front. Apple did not add temperature sensors to its devices until the Apple Watch Series 8. Without this sensor, the Series 7 does not offer the same sleep-tracking accuracy as the Series 9. It also cannot be used as effectively for women’s health tracking purposes. This is a valuable tool worth considering when choosing which watch is best for you.
Beyond the temperature sensor, the two devices feature the same ECG and heart rate sensors and the same workout suite. Our original review found the Series 7’s heart rate monitoring finicky. In contrast, the Series 9 proved virtually flawless during our testing.
Finally, the Series 9 arrives with watchOS 10 out of the box, but anyone with a Series 7 can download the update as well, so the software is not a factor when comparing the two devices.
How does the design compare?
The Apple Watch Series 7 and 9 share nearly identical design specs, from dimensions to weights to display sizes. Unlike the Series 7, the new model is not available in titanium, as Apple now saves that premium material for its Ultra lineup.The two generations still use the same interchangeable bands, mirror each other’s durability certifications, and come in many of the same colors. In Stainless steel, the devices share available colors. The Series 7 comes in Midnight, Starlight, Green, Blue, and Product Red in aluminum. The Series 9 drops the Green and Blue and adds a pink option.
In addition to its trendy colorway, the Series 9 offers a second bright spot. The latest model doubles display brightness compared to the Series 7, offering a maximum brightness of 2000 nits. The display also drops to a single nit to make readability possible in all situations. This upgrade isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but it is certainly noticeable when holding the devices side by side.
Finally, Apple has significantly emphasized sustainability in this year’s product launches. The Series 9 is a more eco-friendly device built with sustainable practices and recycled materials.
Colors, price, and availability
- Apple WatchSeries 7 (GPS): Starts at $399
- Apple WatchSeries 7 (LTE): Starts at $499
- Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS): Launched at $399
- Apple Watch Series 9 (LTE): Launched at $499
The Apple Watch Series 9 launched on September 12, 2023, with a starting price of $399. From there, prices vary depending on the case size and material shoppers select. An LTE model Series 9 starts at $499. The device is available with an aluminum case inStarlight, Midnight, Silver, Product Red, and Pink, or with a stainless steel case in Silver, Graphite, and Gold.
Apple Watch Series 9
Powerful processor • Upgraded display with 2000 nit brightness • Gesture controls and Siri features
MSRP: $399.00
Apple's most convenient smartwatch
The new S9 chip makes the Apple Watch Series 9 the most capable, and battery friendly Apple watch to date. Enjoy improved security, improved functionality in low-connectivity situations, and improved health tracking. Introducing new Double-Tap gesture.
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The Apple Watch Series 7 debuted in September 2021 with identical starting prices to the newer model. However, now that it is two generations old, the Series 7 can be found for much cheaper. As mentioned, it is available in the same colors as the newer in titanium but doesn’t feature a Pink option in aluminum. Instead, the older line features a Blue and Green aluminum case in addition to Starlight, Midnight, Silver, and Product Red.
Apple Watch Series 7
Large Retina display • Durable, premium design • Great software and app support
MSRP: $499.00
All the favorites from Apple's platform on a large, durable display
In addition to Apple's reliable software, seamless integration, and third-party app support, the Apple Watch Series 7 boasts an edge-to-edge display, impressive durability specs, and fast charging capabilities. It's one of the most well-rounded smartwatches available and a solid fitness tracking option for anyone in Apple's ecosystem.
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Which Apple Watch should you buy?
Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority
Slow and steady is the best way to describe Apple’s growth pattern regarding the Apple Watch. Each generation adds just enough to warrant interest but not enough to make older models obsolete.Sure, there is plenty on the Apple Watch Series 9 to get excited about. It’s provides a robust experience with exciting convenience features. Its powerful processor also leaves room for future development.
If you want the absolute best Apple has to offer, the Series 9 is it, but that doesn't mean it's necessary for everyone.
If you already own a Series 7, there likely isn’t enough newness on the Series 9 to drop ~$400. The Series 9’s fitness suite and general smartwatch experience are largely unchanged. Its design is the same as the Series 7 beyond available colors. Even battery life is identical after two full years. For those who menstruate, the Series 9’s temperature sensor is a valuable feature worth considering, but only if you feel it may significantly impact your cycle-tracking methods.
For those shopping for their very first Apple Watch, the Series 9 is a great entry point to the watchOS ecosystem. We have no doubt the processing power will translate to a fantastic user experience and that it will play an important roll in future feature releases as well. If you’re an adventurer with a loose budget, it may also be worth checking out the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
That’s it for our Apple Watch Series 9 vs Series 7 comparison. Which do you think is the better buy? Let us know in the poll below.
Would you consider upgrading from the Apple Watch Series 7 to the Series 9?
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FAQs
The Apple Watch Series 9 features water resistance up to 50 meters. This means it is safe for swimming at up to 50 meters in depth, and you can shower with it. However, extended exposure to steam can damage the device.
The Apple Watch Series 9 features an 18-hour battery life claim which is not longer than the Series 7. We often find Apple Watches outlast these claims, especially in light of Low Power Mode.
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 9 comes with a charging cable, but shoppers need to purchase a power adapter.
Unfortunately, the Apple Watch Series 9 cannot measure blood pressure.
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers basic sleep tracking as well as advanced overnight details such as skin temperature and SpO2.
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