Is the Apple Watch Series 9 still worth buying in 2024?

With September only a month away, we're quickly approaching the one year anniversary of the release of the most recent Apple Watch series 9. And with the release of the highly anticipated "Apple Watch X" on the horizon, we're taking a look at the Series 9 to find out if it's still worth buying in 2024, or is it better to hold off until the Apple Watch X is released?

Key Features and Upgrades

The Series 9 boasts several enhancements over its predecessor, the Series 8. The most significant upgrade is the S9 chip, which is notably faster, enhancing overall performance and enabling new functionalities like the Double Tap gesture. This innovative feature allows users to control the watch by tapping their thumb and index finger together, offering a convenient, futuristic and hands-free method of answering phone calls, stopping timers/alarms and silencing notifications.

Additionally, the Series 9 sports a brighter Always-On display, now capable of reaching 2000 nits, making it easily readable even in direct sunlight. The display can also dim to a mere 1 nit for comfortable use in low-light settings. For fitness and health enthusiasts, the Series 9 includes advanced tracking capabilities like blood oxygen monitoring, ECGs, sleep tracking, and a temperature sensor that supports women’s health features such as ovulation tracking.

The device also continues to offer essential functionalities like crash or fall detection, which detects a severe car crash or fall, and contacts emergency services and family members if the Apple Watch users is unresponsive for longer than a minute. This feature has been highly acclaimed by critics and Apple Watch users alike, and there are countless stories online from users whose lives have been saved by this groundbreaking feature.

Design

The Series 9 offers a choice between aluminium and stainless steel casings. The aluminium models, available in colours like Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Pink, and Red, are lightweight and more affordable, making them ideal for users with an active lifestyle. On the other hand, the stainless steel variants, which come in Silver, Graphite, and Gold, provide a more premium feel and are often preferred by those looking for a more polished, everyday wearable.

One of the notable features of the Series 9 is its Always-On Retina display, which remains a significant draw for users who appreciate the convenience of having key information visible at all times. This display is not only always on but also incredibly bright, reaching up to 2000 nits, making it easily readable even in direct sunlight. This level of brightness is particularly beneficial for outdoor activities, ensuring that the display remains visible under all lighting conditions.

The display is protected by different materials depending on the model: the aluminium versions use Ion-X glass, while the stainless steel versions are equipped with sapphire crystal glass. The latter is more resistant to scratches, providing better long-term durability, especially for users who may subject their watches to more rigorous use.

Durability

The Apple Watch Series 9 is designed to withstand everyday wear and tear. It boasts IP6X dust resistance, which protects it from dust and debris, making it suitable for various environments, including sandy beaches and dusty trails. Additionally, it features a WR50 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand water exposure up to 50 meters. This makes the Series 9 suitable for activities like swimming in a pool or the ocean, although it is not designed for high-velocity water activities such as waterskiing or deep-sea diving.

The watch’s durability extends to its crack-resistant front crystal, a feature that enhances the watch's resilience to impacts and scratches. This is particularly important for users who wear their watch during sports or other physical activities where bumps and knocks are common.

Connectivity and Battery Life

WIFI & Bluetooth - The Series 9 is equipped with the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies, ensuring fast and stable connections. With Wi-Fi, the watch can connect to networks for quicker updates and smoother synchronisation with other devices. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 offers improved data transfer speeds and a more reliable connection to iPhones, headphones, and other accessories. This ensures seamless music streaming, smoother fitness tracking synchronisation, and quick notification alerts.

Cellular Models - For those seeking even more independence from their iPhones, the cellular model of the Apple Watch Series 9 offers a compelling option. This model allows users to make calls, send messages, stream music, and use apps without needing to have their phone nearby. This is particularly useful for activities like running or hiking, where carrying a phone might be inconvenient. The cellular feature also supports international roaming, making it an excellent companion for travellers who want to stay connected without incurring high roaming charges on their primary devices.

So is it worth it?

With the Series 9 now over midway through its product cycle, potential buyers might be weighing their options. If you value having the latest technology, it may be wise to hold off for the upcoming Apple Watch X (Series 10) which is rumoured to offer larger displays, possibly a thinner design, and additional health features. However, the Series 9 still represents a solid choice for those looking for a capable smartwatch with a comprehensive set of features. For those seeking more affordable options, the Apple Watch SE offers good value, though it lacks some advanced health monitoring features. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra 2, while more expensive, provides enhanced durability and features tailored for outdoor activities.

In summary, the Apple Watch Series 9 still remains a strong contender in 2024, offering a blend of performance, style, and functionality. All of the integrated features are up to date and won't become obsolete for a long time, offering you many years of advanced functionality from your Apple Watch. As the Series 9 was released last year, it's still very much "new" and boasts all of the features that the Apple Watch X will feature (minus any new additions) However, with newer models potentially on the horizon, it's worth considering whether the latest tech or a potential price drop on the Series 9 post-launch is more appealing.

Watch Straps

And if you're looking for a stylish strap to go with your new Apple Watch, here at Buckle and Band we believe we've got the perfect choices for you! All of our luxury Apple Watch straps are made from the highest quality genuine full-grain leather, and we also have Vegan leather straps available! Made from recycled microfibers, they're the perfect addition to your Apple Watch.

Why spend all that money on an Apple Watch, only to place a low-end plasticy strap on it? Elevate your Apple Watch and your outfit with a genuine leather (or Vegan leather!) Apple Watch strap from Buckle and Band. We also have stainless steel Milanese straps available, designed by the same Swiss company who design watches for such famous companies as Breitling and Omega.