Apple Watch Series 9 Drops to Record Low $299 Price at Best Buy [Updated] (2024)

FAQs

Why is the Apple Watch Series 9 unavailable? ›

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 were both banned in the US late last year as the result of a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo. The International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that the blood oxygen sensors in both devices infringed on patents from Masimo.

Overall, the Apple Watch Series 9 is a worthwhile upgrade for those coming from an older watch like the Series 4. There's still plenty to gain if you're coming from a more recent watch like the Series 6, but its changes will feel most impactful to those with a watch that's more than three years old.

When was the Apple Watch Series 9 released, and how does its release date fit into the Apple Watch release order from previous years? The Apple Watch Series 9 was announced on September 12, 2023. General availability in stores started on September 22, 2023.

The advanced display system in Series 9 boosts the maximum brightness up to 2000 nits — double Series 8 — so it's easier to read in full sun. It's also better in low‑light situations, like a movie theater, because it dims to just 1 nit.

So, if you're in the market for an Apple Watch right now, I'd specifically recommend getting the Series 9 (or the Apple Watch Ultra 2) because the health tracking is such an improvement from previous models.

We recommend the Apple Watch SE for younger people and first-time smartwatch buyers. If you're upgrading from an earlier Apple Watch, you want an always-on display, or you want more advanced health tracking, you should consider the Series 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.

Not only is the Apple Watch Series 9 designed to be attractive and look great on your wrist, it's also more durable than ever. Plus, it's waterproof. Wear the watch in the shower, while swimming, or even while snorkeling or scuba diving (down to a depth of 50 meters).

So how long does an Apple Watch last and are Apple Watches worth buying? There will always be exceptions, but on balance, based on the experience of our own reviewers and the comments we've seen from users online, I would say that an Apple Watch provide five to six years of good performance.

Apple Watch Series 9 Battery Information

So we made sure we gave it a battery that lasts all day, too. Our goal for battery life is 18 hours after an overnight charge, factoring in things like checking the time, receiving notifications, using apps, and doing a 60-minute workout.

Can the Apple Watch 9 measure blood pressure? ›

How to Measure Blood Pressure With an Apple Watch. “At this time, the Apple Watch isn't equipped to measure your blood pressure alone,” says Dr. Bronstein.

In the Messages app on your Apple Watch, you can compose and send messages that contain not only text, but also images, emoji, Memoji stickers, and audio clips.

watchOS 9 is available as a free software update starting today for Apple Watch Series 4 or later paired with iPhone 8 or later and iPhone SE (2nd generation) or later, running iOS 16. For more information, visit apple.com/watchos/watchos-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.