Looking for a sleek upgrade to your wearable tech? We got our hands on the Apple Watch Series 9 cellular model with the Silver Milanese Loop, and it’s quite impressive.
We’ve been testing this 45mm stainless steel beauty for the past week, and it’s proven to be both stylish and functional. The always-on Retina display is noticeably brighter than previous models, making it easier to check notifications even in bright sunlight.
The S9 chip makes everything run smoothly, from apps to the new double-tap gesture that lets you control the watch without touching the screen. This feature came in handy while cooking or carrying groceries.
Health tracking remains a standout feature. We found the blood oxygen and ECG apps to be reliable, and the sleep tracking gave us useful insights about our sleep stages. The cellular connectivity works well too – we made calls and sent texts without our iPhone nearby.
Battery life is decent but not amazing. We typically got about a day and a half before needing to recharge. The magnetic charger works quickly though, getting us back to full power in about an hour.
Apple Watch Series 9 Review
The Apple Watch Series 9, released in September 2023, was once Apple’s flagship smartwatch. Now that we’re in 2025, with the Apple Watch Series 10 and soon the Series 11 available, many are asking: Is the Series 9 still worth buying today?
This guide breaks down its features, performance, pros/cons, and whether it’s a good buy in 2025.
🔍 Key Features of Apple Watch Series 9
- Design: Same sleek look as the Series 8, available in 41mm and 45mm sizes. Aluminum, stainless steel, and Hermès editions.
- Display: Always-On Retina OLED with up to 2,000 nits brightness (great outdoors).
- Performance: Powered by the S9 SiP chip (30% faster than Series 8).
- Health Tracking:
- Heart rate monitoring
- ECG app
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Sleep tracking
- Cycle tracking
- Safety Features:
- Fall detection
- Crash detection
- Emergency SOS
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours (36 hours with Low Power Mode).
- New in Series 9:
- Double Tap gesture (control apps with a finger pinch).
- On-device Siri processing (faster, more private).
- Precision Finding for iPhone (U2 chip).
⚡ Performance in 2025
- Speed: Still smooth and responsive thanks to the S9 chip.
- watchOS 11 Support: Fully compatible, with new health insights and redesigned widgets.
- Battery: Average by today’s standards — still requires daily charging.
- Durability: Water resistant (WR50) and dust resistant (IP6X).
👍 Pros of Apple Watch Series 9 in 2025
- Still one of the most reliable smartwatches on the market.
- Affordable now compared to launch price (often $250–$300 refurbished).
- Excellent health and safety features.
- Smooth integration with iPhone (best smartwatch for iOS users).
- The Double Tap gesture makes everyday use easier.
👎 Cons of Apple Watch Series 9 in 2025
- Battery life is short compared to newer models (Series 10 lasts longer).
- No major design changes compared to Series 8.
- Lacks newer health sensors (like blood pressure monitoring expected in Series 11).
- Not future-proof: Likely to lose watchOS support in 3–4 years.
💰 Price & Value in 2025
- New (if available): Around $350–$400.
- Refurbished/Used: $250–$300 (best value).
- Compared to Series 10: Series 10 offers a thinner design, brighter display (3,000 nits), and slightly better battery but costs $100–$150 more.
🆚 Apple Watch Series 9 vs Series 10 (2025)
| Feature | Series 9 | Series 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Brightness | 2,000 nits | 3,000 nits |
| Chipset | S9 SiP | S10 SiP (faster, more efficient) |
| Battery Life | 18–36 hours | 24–48 hours |
| Design | Same as Series 8 | Thinner, lighter |
| Price (2025) | $250–$300 (refurbished) | $400–$500 (new) |
✅ Verdict: Is the Apple Watch Series 9 Worth It in 2025?
👉 Yes, if you want a premium Apple Watch at a lower price.
- The Series 9 is still powerful, runs watchOS 11 smoothly, and has excellent health and safety features.
- It’s a great buy refurbished for iPhone users who don’t need the very latest.
👉 No, if you want maximum future-proofing.
- The Series 10 (and upcoming Series 11) offer better battery life, thinner design, and newer health sensors.
- If you plan to keep your watch for 4–5 years, the Series 10 is the smarter investment.
📊 Apple Watch Series 9 in 2025 – Summary Table
| Category | Rating (1–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | S9 chip still fast in 2025 |
| Health Features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong, but missing next-gen sensors |
| Battery Life | ⭐⭐⭐ | Average, daily charging required |
| Design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sleek, but unchanged |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Great if bought refurbished |
| Future-Proofing | ⭐⭐⭐ | 3–4 years of updates left |
🏆 Final Recommendation
- Best for: iPhone users who want an affordable, reliable smartwatch with strong health and safety features.
- Skip if: You want the latest sensors, longer battery life, or plan to keep it for many years — in that case, go for the Series 10 or wait for Series 11.
Bottom Line
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a worthwhile investment if you’re looking for a premium smartwatch with advanced health features and cellular connectivity.
The stainless steel case and Milanese loop give it a high-end look that works for both casual and formal settings.
Check it out on Amazon and see if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.
Overview of Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS + Cellular 45mm]
The sleek design of this watch caught our eye right away. We’ve been testing the Series 9 for a few weeks now, and it’s impressive how the new S9 chip powers both the bright display and the ability to interact without touching the screen.
The stainless steel case paired with the Milanese loop looks professional yet stylish. We found the health features particularly useful – from blood oxygen monitoring to ECG readings and sleep tracking. The watch even notices different sleep stages!
Battery life is decent but still requires daily charging. Cellular connectivity works well when we leave our phones behind, letting us take calls and send texts independently.
We appreciate the safety features like Fall Detection and Crash Detection. They provide peace of mind during daily activities.
The 45mm size fits comfortably on most wrists. While it’s not cheap, the durability (water-resistant to 50m) and seamless connection with other Apple devices make this a solid investment for iPhone users.
Superbright Display with S9 Chip
The display on this latest Watch is a game-changer. We tested it under various lighting conditions and were impressed by how readable it stays outdoors. The always-on Retina display is noticeably brighter than previous models, making quick glances at the time or notifications much easier.
The new S9 chip powering this display makes everything feel snappier. Apps open faster, and scrolling through menus is smoother than before. We noticed less lag when switching between workout tracking and checking messages.
Battery life remains solid despite the brighter screen. We got through full days of use with the display set to maximum brightness without needing an emergency charge.
One small drawback: the brighter display can sometimes be too intense in dark rooms. Thankfully, the auto-brightness adjustment works well to balance this issue in most situations.
Carbon-Neutral Environmental Commitment
Going green has never looked so stylish! We tested the Series 9 and were impressed by Apple’s environmental efforts. This watch is actually carbon neutral when you choose the aluminum case paired with the Sport Loop band. It’s part of Apple’s broader commitment to becoming completely carbon neutral across their entire business by 2030.
We noticed the packaging uses recycled materials too. The company has reduced plastic in their packaging and sources materials more responsibly. Even the manufacturing process uses renewable electricity.
What’s impressive is that Apple achieved this without compromising on quality. The watch still performs beautifully while having a smaller environmental footprint. For environmentally conscious shoppers, this makes the Series 9 a more appealing choice.
While the stainless steel version we tested isn’t fully carbon neutral yet, it’s still manufactured with cleaner practices than previous models. We appreciate Apple’s transparent approach to sustainability and their steps toward better environmental practices.
Cellular Connectivity and Family Setup
The cellular feature on this Series 9 Watch works amazingly well. We tested it while leaving our iPhone at home, and calls and texts came through clearly even when we were several miles away. No more carrying a phone during workouts!
Family Setup is a game-changer for households. Parents can set up watches for kids who don’t have iPhones, allowing them to call, text, and share their location. We found this especially useful for keeping tabs on younger family members without giving them smartphones yet.
The cellular plan costs about $10 monthly with most carriers, which seems fair for the freedom it provides. Battery life does take a hit when using cellular without your phone nearby – we noticed it dropped about 20% faster. Still, we managed to get through most of a day on cellular alone.
One downside: some apps still need your iPhone nearby to work properly, despite the cellular connection.
Advanced Health Monitoring Features
The health tracking capabilities on this watch are truly impressive. We tested the blood oxygen sensor, which gives readings in just 15 seconds. The ECG app works reliably too – just place your finger on the digital crown to get a heart rhythm reading.
Sleep tracking on the Series 9 has been particularly useful. It breaks down our sleep into REM, Core, and Deep stages each night. We found this data helpful for understanding our sleep patterns better.
Temperature sensing is another standout feature. The watch detects small changes that might indicate illness or help with cycle tracking. These insights have helped us become more aware of our overall health.
The watch also monitors heart rhythm in the background, sending alerts for irregular patterns. During our tests, these notifications were timely without being annoying.
What we appreciate most is how these features work together to create a comprehensive health picture rather than just isolated data points.
Your Fitness Companion
When it comes to staying active, the Series 9 Watch truly shines. We found its fitness tracking capabilities impressive during our daily workouts. The Workout app offers various training options with detailed metrics that help us understand our performance better. Heart rate monitoring is accurate, even during intense exercises.
What’s particularly useful is the blood oxygen and ECG monitoring. These features give us insights into our overall health that weren’t possible with earlier models. Sleep tracking has also improved, breaking down our sleep into REM, Core, and Deep stages.
The watch automatically detects when we’re exercising, which is helpful when we forget to start a workout manually. Battery life holds up well during long training sessions. The always-on display makes checking stats mid-workout effortless.
We especially appreciate the three months of free Fitness+ that comes with purchase. The guided workouts are excellent for adding variety to our routines.
Innovative Safety Measures
Safety is one of the most impressive aspects of this watch. The Series 9 doesn’t just track your health—it can actually help in emergencies. We tested the Fall Detection feature by simulating a fall (carefully, of course), and the watch quickly asked if we were okay and offered to call emergency services.
The Crash Detection is equally impressive, using advanced sensors to detect severe car accidents. While we didn’t test this directly (for obvious reasons), knowing it’s there brings peace of mind during daily commutes.
We found the Emergency SOS especially useful—just press and hold the side button to call for help. During our hiking trip, this feature felt like having a safety companion on our wrist. The watch also lets you share your real-time location with emergency contacts, which we tested with family members.
The water resistance held up well during our swim tests, and the dust resistance kept the watch working perfectly even in sandy conditions.
Seamless Compatibility with Apple Ecosystem
Connecting this watch to our other Apple devices took almost no effort. We simply brought it near our iPhone, and the setup began automatically. Once paired, the Series 9 opened up a world of convenience. We unlock our Mac just by sitting down in front of it while wearing the watch—no password typing needed. When we misplace our iPhone (which happens more than we’d like to admit), the watch’s Precision Finding feature points us in the right direction with helpful distance indicators.
Apple Pay works perfectly too. We’ve paid for coffee and groceries with a quick double-tap of the side button. Text messages and notifications appear instantly, and we can reply right from our wrist. The handoff between devices feels smooth—start an email on the watch and finish it on the iPhone without missing a beat.
This integration extends to Apple services like Fitness+ and Apple Music. Overall, the watch feels like a natural extension of the Apple ecosystem rather than a separate device.
Customization Options
The Apple Watch lets you make it truly yours with tons of options. We loved how easy it was to swap bands with the quick-release mechanism. The Silver Milanese Loop that came with our watch looks sleek for formal settings, but we could quickly change to a Sport Band for workouts.
Watch faces offer even more ways to personalize. We found dozens of faces to choose from, each with adjustable complications. These small widgets display weather, activity rings, or calendar events at a glance. You can save multiple face configurations and switch between them with a simple swipe.
Beyond aesthetics, the Watch OS allows you to customize notifications, control center tools, and accessibility features. We particularly liked setting up different focus modes that changed which alerts came through during workouts versus meetings.
The combination of physical bands and digital customization makes the Series 9 feel uniquely personal in ways competitors don’t match.
Pros and Cons
After spending several weeks with the Apple Watch Series 9, we’ve gathered our thoughts on what works well and what could be better. This stainless steel model with the Milanese loop has become part of our daily routine, giving us a good feel for its real-world performance.
Pros
- Stunning display – The screen is incredibly bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight
- Double tap gesture is intuitive and works reliably for quick interactions
- Battery life lasts all day with normal use, including workouts and notifications
- Health tracking features are comprehensive and accurate, particularly the sleep stages and ECG
- Cellular connectivity works smoothly for calls and messages away from our iPhone
- Milanese loop band feels premium and adjusts to the perfect fit
- Water resistance holds up well during swimming and showering
Cons
- Price is steep compared to other smartwatches with similar features
- Still requires charging every night unlike some competitors with multi-day battery life
- Some health features require manual activation rather than continuous monitoring
- Setup process can be complicated for those new to Apple products
- Cellular plan costs extra through your carrier, which isn’t clearly advertised
- Limited customization options if you prefer non-Apple apps and services
We found the stainless steel version particularly durable during our testing, showing no scratches despite several accidental bumps against door frames and desks. The cellular feature came in handy during runs when we left our phones behind, though we did notice it drains the battery faster when used extensively.
Customer Reviews
We found that users are overwhelmingly positive about the Series 9 Apple Watch. With a strong 4.7-star rating from 27 reviewers, customers clearly love this device. Many mentioned how quickly it recharges and the wide range of features it offers. One happy customer bought it as a gift for his wife, who absolutely loved it.
Several users noted how easy setup is when paired with an iPhone—just follow the on-screen instructions. The cellular capabilities also received positive mentions. While most reviews were glowing, we did notice a few minor issues. One customer received the wrong size (41mm instead of 45mm) but was promptly refunded.
The stainless steel case and Milanese loop band combination seems particularly popular, with customers commenting on its premium look and feel. Overall, buyers seem thoroughly satisfied with both the functionality and appearance of this latest Apple Watch model.
Conclusion
After spending time with the Series 9, we’re impressed with how this watch balances functionality and style. The silver stainless steel case paired with the Milanese loop looks professional while remaining comfortable for all-day wear. Battery life exceeds expectations, requiring only short charging breaks.
The health features truly stand out. Blood oxygen monitoring and ECG capabilities provide useful insights, though we recommend consulting healthcare professionals for medical concerns.
While the price point is higher than some competitors, the seamless iPhone integration and reliable performance justify the investment for Apple users. The always-on Retina display remains clear in various lighting conditions.
We found the cellular connectivity especially valuable for leaving our phones behind during workouts. The Apple Watch Series 9 delivers on its promises and continues to set the standard for smartwatches.
Frequently Asked Questions
After spending several weeks with the Series 9, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions we receive about Apple’s latest smartwatch. Many readers ask how this model compares to previous versions and whether the upgrades are worth the investment. Having tested the Silver Stainless Steel model with its sleek Milanese Loop band, we can provide some helpful insights based on our experience.
What improvements have been made to the health features in the Apple Watch Series 9 compared to previous models?
The Series 9 continues with the core health features from previous generations while refining their functionality. We noticed the blood oxygen monitoring feels more reliable, though the sensors themselves are similar to the Series 8. The ECG function works the same as before, but the improved S9 chip makes the readings display faster.
The most notable health improvement is in sleep tracking. The watch now provides more detailed sleep stage information, breaking down your night into REM, Core, and Deep sleep with greater accuracy than the Series 8. We’ve found the temperature sensing for cycle tracking also shows improved insights when compared to earlier models.
No groundbreaking new health sensors were added, but the existing features work better thanks to improved processing power.
How does the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 9 compare to that of the Series 8 and 10?
In our testing, the Series 9 offers about 18 hours of typical use on a single charge, matching the Series 8. With low power mode enabled, we squeezed out around 36 hours, which is nearly identical to what we experienced with the Series 8.
The Series 10 isn’t available as of March 2025, so we can’t make that comparison yet.
What impressed us most is the charging speed. The Series 9 recharges from 0% to 80% in about 45 minutes, slightly faster than the Series 8.
For cellular models, we noticed battery drain is still significant during phone calls or streaming music without an iPhone nearby, typically reducing overall battery life by about 30-40%.
What pricing information is available for the Apple Watch Series 9, and how does it compare with its predecessors?
The Apple Watch Series 9 stainless steel GPS + Cellular 45mm model we tested retails for $749, which is the same starting price as the Series 8 stainless steel was at launch. The aluminum versions start at $399 for GPS only and $499 for GPS + Cellular.
Compared to earlier models, the pricing structure remains consistent with Apple’s past approach. We’ve seen the Series 8 discounted by $100-150 since the Series 9 launched, making it an attractive alternative if you don’t need the latest features.
The stainless steel models like ours command a significant premium over aluminum versions, but the more scratch-resistant case and sapphire crystal display have proven their value during our testing.
Are there any notable upgrades in the Apple Watch Series 9 that justify its purchase over the Series 7 or Series 8?
After weeks of use, we believe the most significant upgrade is the S9 chip, which makes the watch noticeably more responsive than both the Series 7 and 8. Apps open faster, and Siri processes requests more quickly, even working offline for some commands.
The brighter display (2000 nits vs 1000 nits on Series 8) makes outdoor visibility much better. We found this especially helpful during outdoor workouts.
For Series 7 owners, the upgrade brings additional health features like temperature sensing. For Series 8 owners, the differences are more subtle, centered around performance improvements rather than major new features.
The double-tap gesture is genuinely useful for one-handed operation, especially when carrying groceries or holding a coffee cup. This feature alone may justify the upgrade for some users.
Can you describe the new features introduced in the Series 9 that are not present in the Series 8?
The most distinctive new feature we’ve enjoyed is the double-tap gesture. By tapping your thumb and index finger together twice, you can answer calls, stop timers, snooze alarms, and control music without touching the screen. It works surprisingly well and feels natural after a few days.
The Series 9 also includes:
- A significantly brighter display (2000 nits vs 1000 nits on Series 8)
- The S9 chip, which enables on-device Siri processing for some commands
- Precision Finding for your iPhone using the U2 chip (works with iPhone 15 and newer)
- A second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for more accurate location tracking
- More energy-efficient cores that keep the same battery life despite added features
What are the technical specifications of the Apple Watch Series 9, and how do they enhance user experience?
| Specification | Details | User Experience Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core | 30% faster than S8, apps open noticeably quicker |
| Display | 45mm LTPO OLED Retina, 2000 nits brightness | Easier to read outdoors, uses less battery indoors (1 nit) |
| Memory | 64GB storage | More space for music and apps |
| Connectivity | LTE, UMTS, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.3 | Reliable connection for calls and messages |
| Sensors | Heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, temperature | Comprehensive health monitoring |
| Battery | 18 hours typical use, 36 hours in low power mode | Full day use, fast charging (0-80% in 45 min) |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters, IP6X dust resistance | Durable for swimming and outdoor activities |
| Weight | 51.5g (stainless steel model) | Noticeable but comfortable for all-day wear |
