Apple presents Apple Watch Series 9

In addition to the devices in the new iPhone 15 series, Apple also presented a new Apple Watch series and the next generation of Airpods at its most recent launch event. Furthermore, according to the company, they have taken a big step towards CO2 neutrality with the now launched Apple Watch Series 9 – it is the first Apple device of which there is a separate, CO2-neutral version according to the manufacturer.

The smartwatch equipped with WatchOS 10 comes with a number of innovations: It should be faster in terms of hardware and have a brighter display. The watch is powered by Apple’s own S9 SiP chip, which allows Siri requests to be processed on the device itself (without an internet connection). Thanks to this on-device Siri, the watch comes with new options for retrieving and logging health data. For example, querying the sleep log is no longer sent to a server, but is processed directly on the watch. The chip should also be able to perform machine learning tasks twice as fast as the last Apple Watch Ultra.

When it comes to operation, there is a completely new control method with a double-tap gesture, with which the watch can be operated with one hand for the first time. On the wearer’s hand, the thumb and index finger are tapped together twice, which registers the watch. This means that various functions can be triggered without having to touch the Apple Watch. With a double tap you can stop the timer, play music, answer a call or trigger the camera. By the way, the gesture is recorded by the health functions. “The algorithm recognizes the unique patterns of small wrist movements and changes in blood flow when the index finger and thumb perform a double tap,” as Apple describes the functionality. There is also a brighter display (up to 2000 nits) than the previous model, an improved find-your-phone feature and integration with Apple’s Home Pod.

Apple also emphasizes the climate neutrality mentioned at the beginning. Depending on the choice of bracelet, the new 9th generation Apple Watch is, according to the manufacturer, actually the first product in the Californian portfolio of which a CO2-neutral version is available. The launch is an important step towards a completely CO2-neutral company – from 2030 Apple only wants to bring climate-neutral devices onto the market. Important detail: Apple also relies on compensation certificates for CO2 neutrality.

The watch is available in many different versions: The standard version of the Apple Watch Series 9 is available in 41 and 45 millimeters in the colors Starlight, Midnight, Silver, Red and Pink in the aluminum version (from 399 francs). There are also chrome steel versions in gold and silver. The budget version Apple Watch SE is available in 40 and 44 millimeters in aluminum cases (from 249 francs). And the particularly robust version of the Apple Watch Ultra made of titanium is available from 799 francs. All versions have the mentioned CO2-neutral version in combination with the right strap. The smartwatch can be pre-ordered now and delivery is scheduled to begin on September 22nd. (win)