Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: The Series 9's Double Tap Gesture and fast, new chip give it the edge over its predecessor (2024)

Reviews Tech

Written by Rick Stella; edited by John Lynch

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: The Series 9's Double Tap Gesture and fast, new chip give it the edge over its predecessor (1)

  • Specs
  • Size and design
  • Smartwatch features
  • Health and fitness tracking
  • Battery life
  • Price
  • Which should you buy?

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When the Apple Watch Series 9 was released in September 2023, it immediately supplanted the Series 8 in Apple's lineup as the company's flagship. It didn't usher in many significant new upgrades but the Series 9 is still the best Apple Watch you can buy, especially for new Watch wearers and those with older models.

But that's not to say the Series 8 is past its prime. For certain users, the Series 8 is still a highly useful wearable, especially if it can be purchased at a discount on its original price of $399. Current users don't necessarily need to rush out and upgrade to the Series 9 and can instead wait for the Series 10 (or whatever gets announced next year).

Below is an in-depth breakdown of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 8, with comparisons of the watches' design, smartwatch capability, health and fitness tracking, and battery life. Read our full review of the Apple Watch Series 8 and full review of the Apple Watch Series 9 for added insight.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: The Series 9's Double Tap Gesture and fast, new chip give it the edge over its predecessor (4)

Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm, GPS)

The Apple Watch Series 8 isn’t the newest model anymore, but it’s still one of the best smartwatches around, perfect for both fitness nuts and everyday users. This is the best price we've ever found for it.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: The Series 9's Double Tap Gesture and fast, new chip give it the edge over its predecessor (5)

Apple Watch Series 9 (41mm, GPS)

The Apple Watch Series 9 includes the latest S9 processor, a 2000-nit always-on Retina display, expanded Apple Health integrations with Siri, and a unique single-hand gesture to answer calls and interact with widgets.

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Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: Specs

Apple Watch Series 9Apple Watch Series 8
PriceStarts at $399Starts around $300, depending on the retailer
Display size352 x 430 pixels (41mm); 396 x 484 pixels (45mm)352 x 430 pixels (41mm); 396 x 484 pixels (45mm)
Case size41mm or 45mm41mm or 45mm
CompatibilityiOS onlyiOS only
Battery life18 hours, 36 hours in low-power mode18 hours, 36 hours in low-power mode
Health and fitness featuresTemperature sensing, ECG, blood oxygen, heart rate, built-in GPS, Double Tap GestureTemperature sensing, ECG, blood oxygen, heart rate, built-in GPS
Color optionsPink, Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Gold, Graphite, Product RedMidnight, Starlight, Silver, Gold, Product Red
Water resistanceWR50WR50
Cellular connectivityYesYes
Mobile paymentsYesYes
ExtrasFree trial of Apple Fitness+Free trial of Apple Fitness+

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: Size and design

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: The Series 9's Double Tap Gesture and fast, new chip give it the edge over its predecessor (6)

Both the Series 9 and Series 8 are identical in size and appearance. However, the biggest distinguishable difference between the two is that the Series 9 is available in a new pink colorway.

Each comes in two different display sizes, 41mm and 45mm, and both feature an always-on display, as well as two case options of either aluminum or stainless steel. Both watches are also compatible with a variety of the best Apple Watch bands and the best Apple Watch Series 9 bands.

For the Series 9, its finish options include pink, Midnight black, Starlight tan, silver, and red in the aluminum case, and gold, silver, and Graphite black in the stainless steel case. The Series 8 comes in Midnight black, Starlight tan, silver, and red with its aluminum case, and Graphite black, silver, and gold with the stainless steel case.

Internally, the Series 9 has Apple's fast, new S9 chip, while the Series 8 uses the S8 chip.

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Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: Smartwatch features

The Series 9 and Series 8 are identical in how they function as a smartwatch. Although Apple released the updated Watch OS 10 operating system alongside the Series 9, it's also compatible with the Series 8.

The new features native to Watch OS 10 that work on both watches include updated app designs that make better use of the watch's screen area, a new Smart Stack display setting, the ability to activate the Control Center by pushing the watch's side button, and new watch faces. It also offers other features like new cycling metrics, updated hiking data, and new mental health insights.

While both watches can use Watch OS 10's new features, there is one new functionality native to only the Series 9: the Double Tap Gesture. The Double Tap Gesture allows users to interact with the Series 9 by double tapping their thumb and index finger. This gesture can answer or hang up phone calls, start or stop timers, and even take a photo as it's able to control the main button in any app.

The Series 9 also offers smoother navigation and improved effects thanks to its S9 chip. Its new ultra-wideband chip improves location accuracy for features like Find My iPhone, as well.

Other smartwatch utilities, like sending and receiving text messages, interacting with apps, and taking phone calls, function the same on both the Series 9 and Series 8. The Series 9 does have faster on-device Siri access, whereas the Series 8 utilizes Siri by communicating with the cloud.

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Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: Health and fitness tracking

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: The Series 9's Double Tap Gesture and fast, new chip give it the edge over its predecessor (7)

The Series 9 and Series 8 both have identical health and fitness tracking tools and function similarly when doing things like tracking activities, logging an ECG reading, or monitoring sleep. Since both watches are compatible with Watch OS 10, all new health and fitness features, such as the new cycling metrics and hiking stats, will work the same on either model.

However, the Series 9's Double Tap Gesture affects how users can use the health and fitness tools. For instance, since it's programmed to control a certain app's primary button, it can be used to start or stop a workout. This adds a degree of accessibility the Series 8 doesn't have.

Beyond that gesture control, though, the Series 9 and Series 8 function the same regarding their health and fitness capability.

It's worth noting that newer versions of the Series 9 no longer offer a blood oxygen-sensing feature. While the initial release of the watch did have it, an International Trade Commission patent ruling against Apple forced the company to remove access to the technology from its current watches (this also includes the Ultra 2). The ruling does not impact the Series 8 or any Series 9 sold before the decision.

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Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: Battery life

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: The Series 9's Double Tap Gesture and fast, new chip give it the edge over its predecessor (8)

Battery life is yet another area where the Series 9 and Series 8 are alike. Both deliver up to 18 hours of battery life on a full charge, with up to 36 hours of battery life in low-power mode. Low power mode shuts off some sensors while also disabling background apps to help the watch last longer.

The Series 9 and Series 8 are compatible with the same chargers, though the Series 9 does come with Apple's new USB-C charge cable. The Series 8 can also use this charger, though any new purchase of the watch comes with the standard lightning cable.

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Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: Price

The Apple Watch Series 9 is available for purchase starting at $399 for the aluminum body model and $699 for the stainless steel option.

Conversely, the Series 8, which isn't sold by Apple anymore, can be found via a retailer like Amazon or Target for anywhere from $300 to $350. However, these prices will likely drop now that the Series 9 has been released.

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Which should you buy?

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: The Series 9's Double Tap Gesture and fast, new chip give it the edge over its predecessor (9)

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 8 are nearly identical smartwatches, with the Series 9's upgraded S9 chip and the new Double Tap Gesture being the most substantial differences. But by and large, they function the same.

Because of that, upgrading to the Series 9 is only for a select set of users. That is, anyone wearing a Series 5 or 6, or older, should seriously consider the Series 9, while those wearing last year's Series 8 (or the Series 7) can wait until next year. Even 2nd Generation SE users can hold off on upgrading.

But if the new features entice you enough to buy a Series 9, you won't be disappointed. It's an improvement over the Series 8, even if it is minimal, and it's not only the best Apple Watch but the best smartwatch you can buy, too.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: The Series 9's Double Tap Gesture and fast, new chip give it the edge over its predecessor (12)

Rick Stella

Fitness Tech Editor, Insider Reviews

Rick Stella is the fitness tech editor for the Insider Reviews team. He reviews and reports on all forms of wearables like activity trackers and smartwatches, as well as a variety of other fitness-related wearables. Rick has over ten years of experience covering the verticals of health & fitness, outdoors, and consumer technology.When he's not putting digital pen to digital paper, Rick enjoys seeing live music, playing soccer, catching up on Netflix shows, and riding his bike. An Oregonian for much of his life, Rick now resides in Brooklyn, NY.He can be reached at rstella@businessinsider.com or on Twitter @RickStella.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.Learn more about how we test health, fitness, and outdoor products.

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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: The Series 9's Double Tap Gesture and fast, new chip give it the edge over its predecessor (13)

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Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: The Series 9's Double Tap Gesture and fast, new chip give it the edge over its predecessor (2024)

FAQs

Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: The Series 9's Double Tap Gesture and fast, new chip give it the edge over its predecessor? ›

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 8 are nearly identical smartwatches, with the Series 9's upgraded S9 chip and the new Double Tap Gesture being the most substantial differences. But by and large, they function the same. Because of that, upgrading to the Series 9 is only for a select set of users.

What's the difference between the Apple Watch 8 and 9? ›

The biggest change to the Series 9 is the ability to use the Double Tap feature to launch apps and control your new Apple Watch. And while this is great from an accessibility standpoint, it may feel like a gimmick for anyone who won't see any real benefit.

Is it worth upgrading from Apple Watch 8 to 9? ›

Yes, the latest Apple Watch Series 9 is an iterative upgrade to the already-fantastic Apple Watch Series 8, but its improvements in speed and hands-free capabilities make it a worthwhile buy if you're making the leap from a much older model or a more basic competitor.

Is the Apple Watch Series 9 being discontinued? ›

Apple announced Monday that it will stop selling its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the United States. Neither watch will be available to order from the U.S. Apple website as of 3 p.m. ET Thursday. Inventory will be pulled from Apple retailers after December 24, the company said in a statement.

Is the Apple Watch 9 worth buying? ›

The bottom line: The Apple Watch Series 9 is a worthwhile upgrade over the Series 5. The performance benefits that come with upgrading from a 4-year-old chip will feel substantial, and there are plenty of new features that make the Series 9 feel significantly different.

Does the Apple Watch 9 have a blood oxygen sensor? ›

While the newly sold devices still have the pulse oximeter hardware, the feature will be disabled. This change comes after courts ruled in favor of Masimo, the tech company who sued Apple for patent violations relating to the blood oxygen tracking technology.

Does the Apple Watch Series 9 have FaceTime? ›

And if you want to communicate with other Apple Watch users, there's also the Internet-based walkie-talkie feature and FaceTime audio.

Does the Apple Watch 8 have ECG? ›

The ECG app and irregular rhythm notification require the latest version of watchOS and iOS, and are not intended for use by people under 22 years old. The ECG app is available on Apple Watch Series 4 or later (not including Apple Watch SE).

Will the Apple Watch Series 8 have a double tap? ›

As a reminder, Double Tap capabilities are powered by the Apple Watch Series 9's (and Apple Watch Ultra 2's) new S9 SiP (system in a package), or, more specifically, the Neural Engine on that chip.

Which Apple watches get double taps? ›

Double Tap works only on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, because it requires the company's new S9 chip.

What is the difference between double tap and assistive touch on Apple Watch? ›

I go into it in-depth here, but the gist is Assistive Touch is a full navigational system designed for people with limb differences, whereas double tap is more like double clicking on your computer mouse. You use it to perform the “primary” action of an app at a given moment.

What can the Apple Watch 9 do? ›

These are the main health features of Series 9:
  • ECG App.
  • Sleep Tracking.
  • Cycle Tracking.
  • Mindfulness - this I haven't yet explored, as I do offline meditation every day.
  • High and Low Heart Rate Notifications.
  • Irregular Rhythm Notifications.
  • Low Cardio Fitness Notifications.
  • Temperature Sensing.
Feb 8, 2024

Does double tap do more damage? ›

Double Tap increases the rate of fire (and effectively increasing recoil by the same amount, due to the weapons having less time to settle between shots) of all weapons by 33% and doubles bullet damage (2.0 version only).

Will the Apple Watch 8 price drop when 9 comes out? ›

The release of the Apple Watch 9, with a brighter screen and new chip, has retailers dropping the price on older Apple Watch models. Recent models like the Apple Watch 8 are still able to receive software updates and have tons of advanced features like heart monitoring, crash detection and more.

What will Apple Watch 9 do? ›

Apple Watch Series 9 has an innovative sensor that tracks your temperature while you sleep, so you can see changes over time. Cycle Tracking uses this data to provide a retrospective estimate of when you likely ovulated, which can be helpful for family planning.

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