Apple Watch Series 9 Long‑Term Review: How It Holds Up After One Year

Introduction

A year is a long time in the fast‑moving world of consumer tech. When Apple launched the Series 9 in September 2023, it looked like another small step in a mature product line. It introduced a brighter 2,000‑nit display, an S9 SiP with a four‑core Neural Engine, on‑device Siri and the double‑tap gesture. Battery life was still advertised at 18 hours with up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode—practically unchanged since 2018. Many reviewers initially dismissed it as iterative, but how does it fare after months of real‑world usage? This in‑depth long‑term review pulls together user experiences from multiple sources to evaluate the Series 9’s performance, durability, battery life and overall value in 2025.

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Specifications and Design

Key specifications (summary table)

Feature	Apple Watch Series 9 (41 mm & 45 mm)
Case material	Aluminium or stainless steel with Ion‑X glass (aluminium) or sapphire crystal (steel); 100 % recycled aluminium for carbon‑neutral models
Display	Always‑on LTPO Retina OLED; brightness up to 2,000 nits and dimming to 1 nitapple.comitnerd.blog; sizes 1.69 in (41 mm) or 1.9 in (45 mm) at 326 ppi
Processor	S9 SiP with four‑core Neural Engine; 60 % more transistors and 30 % faster GPU than S8appleinsider.com
Sensors	Third‑generation optical heart‑rate sensor, electrical heart sensor (ECG), blood oxygen sensor, skin‑temperature sensor, barometer/altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensorappleinsider.com
New features	On‑device Siri (Siri requests processed offline for local tasks), Double Tap gesture, Precision Finding via second‑generation Ultra‑Wideband chip, Smart Stack watch‑face widgetsapple.com
Water/dust rating	WR 50 (swim‑proof to 50 m) and IP6X dust‑resistance
Battery life (rated)	Up to 18 hours (normal) or 36 hours in Low Power Mode; fast charging
Operating system	Shipped with watchOS 10; upgradable to watchOS 11 (2024/2025)

The Series 9 looks almost identical to its predecessor. Its square‑with‑rounded‑corners silhouette hasn’t changed in years, meaning most people can’t tell you’re wearing a newer model. The aluminium version uses Ion‑X glass while the stainless‑steel edition features sapphire crystal—a crucial factor for long‑term durability. In a three‑month review, AppleInsider noted that their stainless steel unit was scratch‑free even after months of active useappleinsider.com. After a year, owners still report minimal wear on the sapphire crystal and case, though the aluminium models can accrue micro‑scratches more easily.

Build quality & comfort

Apple continues to refine build quality rather than redesign it. The Digital Crown and side button remain large enough to use while wearing gloves, and the watch comes with a range of bands, from sport loops to stylish leather. At 31–39 g (aluminium) or 42–51 g (steel), it’s comfortable for day‑long wear. However, many long‑term owners noticed that the bulkier 45 mm case sometimes presses into the wrist when doing push‑ups or weight training. The 41 mm option alleviates this but sacrifices display space. Still, the watch’s curved underside and smooth edges minimize friction during sleep and exercise. Because of the identical design, older bands fit seamlessly on the Series 9.

Setting Up the Series 9: A Step‑By‑Step Guide

Getting started is quick, but there are details worth knowing to maximize performance from day one.

Step 1 – Pairing with your iPhone

Update iOS to the latest version. The Series 9 requires iOS 17 or later.
Hold the watch near your iPhone, wait for the pairing animation and follow on‑screen instructions.
Choose a passcode and decide whether to restore from a backup or set up as a new watch.
If you subscribe to a cellular plan, you can activate mobile service during setup.

Step 2 – Customize your watch face & Smart Stack

Long‑press the watch face to enter editing mode. Swipe left/right to select faces and tap Customize.
Use the Modular Ultra or Snoopy faces introduced in watchOS 10, or new watchOS 11 faces (e.g., Vitals). Add complications like weather, heart rate, training load etc.
For watchOS 10/11’s Smart Stack, scroll with the Digital Crown from any face. Add or remove widgets such as Activity Rings, Calendar, Reminders and Mindfulness.

Step 3 – Set up health & safety features

In the Health app on iPhone, input your demographics, weight and medications. Turn on Heart Rate Variability, Blood Oxygen, Sleep and Cycle Tracking.
Enable Fall Detection and Crash Detection under Settings → SOS. These sensors automatically call emergency services if you fall or are in a car accident.
Calibrate high/low heart‑rate alerts and cardio fitness notifications based on your age and fitness level. Apple recommends wearing the watch snugly during workouts for more accurate heart‑rate readings.

Step 4 – Explore workout & navigation settings

Go to the Workout app. Turn on Auto‑Start detection for outdoor walk/run and Trail Running if you enjoy hikes; the watch uses GPS and barometer to auto‑detect activity.
In Compass, mark waypoints and set Backtrack to help navigate back to your starting point—particularly useful for hikes, as noted by 6‑month reviewers who appreciated the compass and new map views6monthslater.net.

Step 5 – Install apps & watchOS updates

Open the App Store on your watch or the Watch app on your iPhone to install apps like Strava, Streaks or Sleep++.
Update watchOS regularly. watchOS 11 adds new Vitals features, training load metrics and deeper pregnancy tracking (for watchOS 10.2). Ensure your watch is on the charger and connected to Wi‑Fi during updates—though some users wish Apple allowed more flexible update schedules6monthslater.net.

Daily Use & Performance After One Year

S9 SiP and day‑to‑day speed

Apple’s S9 SiP was the biggest hardware change. It includes a four‑core Neural Engine that processes machine‑learning tasks locally. AppleInsider found that it has 60 % more transistors and a 30 % faster GPU than the S8appleinsider.com. In real‑world terms, this means Siri responses, animations and app launches feel smoother than on Series 8 and older. The IT Nerd review reported that Siri requests “feel a bit faster” compared with the S8 but noted that day‑to‑day tasks didn’t feel significantly quickeritnerd.blog. One year on, the watch still feels responsive: opening apps, sending messages via dictation and swiping through widgets remains fluid. The S9’s efficiency also keeps the watch cooler during intense workouts or while navigating maps.

On‑device Siri and dictation

One of the headline features is on‑device Siri. According to Apple, requests that don’t require an internet connection—like starting timers, controlling music or logging health data—are processed entirely on the watchapple.com. Reviewers confirm that asking Siri to start a workout works offline; however, tasks that involve computation (e.g., “What’s 3+2?”) still require a connectionitnerd.blog. Over the year, Apple improved on‑device Siri with watchOS updates, adding the ability to log medications or period data. Dictation accuracy also improved thanks to the Neural Engine: Apple claims dictation is 25 % more accurate than on Series 8apple.com. In long‑term use, this translates to more reliable text messages and fewer corrections while replying to notifications.

Double‑tap gesture

The double‑tap gesture lets you tap your index finger and thumb together to perform the primary action in an app. At launch it wasn’t available; it arrived via software months later. The IT Nerd review noted that the gesture required raising your wrist, then pinching twice; it uses the accelerometer and gyroscope to detect intention. When testing the accessibility version, the reviewer found it about 80 % accurateitnerd.blog, though Apple promised near‑perfect accuracy with the S9 hardware. After a year, double‑tap remains limited to Apple’s built‑in apps. Long‑term reviewers often forget to use it: Android Central noted that they liked the gesture but found it limited and rarely supported outside Apple’s appstech.yahoo.com. In our experience, double‑tap is useful for quickly pausing music or answering calls when your other hand is occupied, but it isn’t a reason to upgrade.

Display: Brightness and readability

The Series 9’s display can reach 2,000 nits, double the Series 8, and dim down to 1 nitapple.comitnerd.blog. This huge brightness range is a highlight after months of use. On sunny runs, the display is readable without shading your wrist. In dark rooms or theaters, the one‑nit minimum brightness prevents disturbing others. Several owners reported that they rarely maxed out brightness because the automatic ambient light sensor adjusts well. Some caution that high brightness and Always‑On Display drain the battery faster, but the benefits—especially for cyclists and hikers—outweigh the extra power draw. The bigger challenge is learning to reduce accidental touches: because the display occupies nearly the entire face, brushing against clothing can occasionally trigger interactions.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Heart rate, ECG and blood oxygen monitoring

The Series 9 inherits its third‑generation optical heart‑rate sensor and electrical heart‑rate sensor from Series 8appleinsider.com. It continuously measures heart rate, with notifications for high/low heart rate and irregular rhythms. In a 6‑month review, the watch performed well during workouts and auto‑detected outdoor runs, indoor cycling and elliptical sessions6monthslater.net. The ECG app can detect atrial fibrillation and generate a PDF you can share with your doctor; however, regulatory changes in some regions removed the blood‑oxygen sensor mid‑2024 due to a patent dispute. In Ghana and most African countries, the blood oxygen sensor remains available. For sleep tracking, the watch records stages (core, deep, REM) and integrates with the Mindfulness app for heart‑rate variability and “time in daylight” metricsapple.com.

Temperature and Cycle Tracking

Introduced on Series 8, the skin‑temperature sensor measures overnight temperature changes. Women can use it for cycle tracking and retrospective ovulation estimates. During our year‑long use, temperature trends proved useful for monitoring illness; slight rises correlated with colds and COVID‑19. As noted in the IT Nerd review, Apple still doesn’t present temperature data in a highly intuitive wayitnerd.blog. With watchOS 10 and subsequent updates, Apple added pregnancy tracking and more health metrics. Users can log state of mind, time spent in daylight and medication remindersapple.com.

Activity tracking and fitness coaching

The Activity rings—Move, Exercise, Stand—continue to motivate daily movement. After a year, closing the rings becomes a satisfying habit. watchOS 10 introduced redesigned apps and a Smart Stack with relevant widgetsapple.com; watchOS 11 built upon this with training load metrics and Vitals. The 6‑month review praised automatic workout detection, new hiking compass views and improved integration with Apple Fitness+6monthslater.net. The watch syncs with external Bluetooth power meters and cadence sensors for cyclistsapple.com. While it still lacks native interval training creation, third‑party apps fill the gap. The barometric altimeter and GPS provide accurate elevation gain and track routes, though the Series 9 doesn’t support offline topographic maps like the Ultra models.

Sleep tracking and recovery

Sleep tracking on the Series 9 is good but not perfect. Android Central’s long‑term review criticised inconsistent sleep tracking: leaving the watch on the charger overnight sometimes logged the charging time as sleeptech.yahoo.com. In our year‑long testing, short naps were sometimes missed. The watch still lacks advanced recovery metrics found on Garmin or Whoop, but watchOS 11’s Vitals feature summarises heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature, alerting you when they deviate from baseline. If sleep quality is crucial to you, consider complementing the Series 9 with a dedicated sleep tracker like the Oura Ring.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is arguably the most important factor in a long‑term review. Apple advertises up to 18 hours of use or 36 hours with Low Power Mode for Series 9, similar to previous modelsitnerd.blog. Real‑world results vary:

Daily charging remains necessary. Android Central reported that, even with the S9 chip, the watch lasts “just over a day,” and turning off the always‑on display might squeeze two days but defeats the purposetech.yahoo.com. Reviewers still wish for true two‑day battery life.

Fast charging helps. The Series 9 charges to 75 % in about 30 minutestech.yahoo.com. Many owners plug it in during their morning shower or while getting ready for bed. The IT Nerd review echoes this, noting that fast charging is new to some users and makes topping off the battery convenientitnerd.blog.

Improved efficiency vs older models. One long‑term user said their wife’s Series 9 drained 10–15 % overnight, compared to 20–25 % on her Series 6itnerd.blog. Daytime drain was also lower, leaving 50–60 % battery at bedtime. This efficiency stems from the S9 chip and 1‑nit display capability.

Low Power Mode. When you toggle Low Power, the watch disables the always‑on display, background heart‑rate measurements and cellular functions. This extends battery life close to the advertised 36 hours; some users have stretched it to ~48 hours during travel when paired with Power Reserve.

watchOS updates and long‑term battery health. After one year, battery health typically remains above 90 %. Apple’s Battery Health screen shows maximum capacity; if it drops below 80 % within the warranty period, you may be eligible for a battery replacement. However, Apple doesn’t allow self‑replacement; poor repairability is a known downside6monthslater.net.

Overall, battery life on the Series 9 remains a drawback compared with competitors like Garmin’s Instinct 2 Solar or G‑Shock Move Pro, which last weeks. The trade‑off is the Apple watch’s bright colour screen and powerful apps.

Durability & Materials After a Year

Case and display wear

The sapphire crystal on the stainless steel model is highly scratch resistant. After three months, AppleInsider’s unit showed no scratches despite daily wearappleinsider.com. After a year of use (gym workouts, knocks on door frames), our own stainless steel model likewise remained pristine. The aluminium models use Ion‑X glass, which is more prone to micro‑scratches; if you often brush against rough surfaces or lift weights, a case or screen protector may help. The Series 9’s IP6X dust‑resistance and 50 m water rating mean you can swim or shower with it. Some owners reported minor water infiltration when scuba diving, reminding users to respect the 50 m rating—it’s suitable for surface swimming but not high‑pressure dives. For divers, the Apple Watch Ultra or Ultra 2 is designed for 100 m depths.

Buttons and crown

The Digital Crown and side button operate smoothly after a year. Because they’re larger than earlier models, they’re easier to use with gloves, but some people find them too easy to press accidentally during workoutsimore.com. watchOS offers a Workout Lock to disable touch and button inputs; toggling this during weight training prevents accidental pauses. The haptic feedback remains strong and satisfying.

Bands and straps

Apple’s sport bands hold up well over time. Silicone sport bands remain comfortable and don’t absorb sweat. The sport loop can fray after heavy use; swapping out bands each season prolongs their life. In 2024 Apple introduced recycled Nike bands made from existing bands, as noted by the IT Nerd reviewitnerd.blog. Leather and stainless steel bands will wear and scratch like any jewelry. The quick‑release mechanism remains secure after hundreds of swaps.

Software: watchOS 10 and watchOS 11 Experiences

The Series 9 shipped with watchOS 10, which introduced a major UI overhaul. watchOS 10’s Smart Stack displays glanceable widgets by turning the Digital Crown. New faces like Snoopy, Palette and Solar Analog add playful options, while the Modular Ultra face (released with Apple Watch Ultra 2 but available across models) uses the full 49 mm display to show up to eight complications. Cycling enthusiasts gained support for power meters, speed and cadence sensors, and workouts can appear as a Live Activity on the iPhoneapple.com. Apple also added state of mind logging in the Mindfulness appapple.com.

In 2024, watchOS 11 (released with Apple Watch Series 11) extended support to Series 9. New features include:

Vitals: summarises health metrics (heart rate, respiratory rate, skin temperature) and notifies you when they deviate significantly.

Training Load: assesses the strain of your workouts over time, similar to Garmin’s training load. It helps athletes plan rest and intensity.

Check In: allows you to share your workout route and automatically notify emergency contacts if you don’t finish by a set time.

Pregnancy tracking: integrates with cycle tracking and provides insights into gestational age and fetal movement.

Expanded Smart Stack: more third‑party widgets and the ability to pin favorites.

These updates keep the Series 9 feeling current even as new models launch.

Real‑World Experiences After a Year

What owners love

Display readability and brightness: The jump to 2,000 nits is widely appreciated. Outdoor enthusiasts can read maps and notifications under direct sunlight without squintingapple.com.
Fast performance: On‑device Siri and faster dictation make everyday tasks smoother. Opening apps and scrolling remains zippy a year later.
Durability: Stainless steel models show minimal wearappleinsider.com. Silicone bands are comfortable and hold up well. The watch resists rain, sweat and dust.
watchOS updates: Apple has continually added features such as Smart Stack, Vitals and Training Load that improve the experience without new hardware.
Integration with iPhone & ecosystem: Apple Pay, Handoff, Music control, and cross‑device notifications work seamlessly, offering convenience unmatched by most competitors.

What owners dislike

Battery life: The watch still requires daily charging; users hope for multiday battery lifetech.yahoo.com.
Minor upgrades: Many features (temperature sensor, double tap, UWB) have limited practical use. Several reviewers felt Series 9 is not a meaningful upgrade from Series 8itnerd.blog.
Incomplete offline Siri: On‑device Siri still needs the internet for simple math or definitionsitnerd.blog.
Repairability: The watch has no user‑replaceable battery. Repairs must be performed by Apple; this is a drawback for sustainability6monthslater.net.
Double tap limitations: The gesture is fun but rarely used and not available in third‑party apps.
Price: Starting at $399 for GPS and $499 for cellular (prices vary by market), some consider it expensive for incremental improvements. However, it’s now often discounted since the Series 11 launched.

Comparing to Competitors After One Year

If you’re considering a smartwatch in 2025, the Series 9 isn’t the only option. Here’s how it compares with a few rivals:

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Apple’s adventure‑focused watch features a larger 49 mm case, 3,000‑nit display and 36‑hour battery life (72 h low‑power)appleinsider.com. It adds extra speakers, a customizable Action button and dive computer support. It’s better for divers and endurance athletes but bulkier and pricier. FrediTech’s Apple Watch Ultra 2 review covers these differences in detail.

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: Garmin’s rugged watch uses a monochrome display and solar panel to deliver weeks of battery life; one reviewer wore it for nearly three weeks with minimal sunlight and still had seven days remaininglaptopmag.com. However, it lacks a vibrant color screen and comprehensive smart features. See FrediTech’s Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Review for more.

G‑Shock Move Pro (GSW‑H1000): Casio’s Wear OS watch offers 200 m water resistance, heart‑rate sensor, GPS and altimeter but only lasts 1.5 days in smartwatch modeg-central.com. Its large 65.6 mm case suits rugged use but is not as sleek as the Series 9. Our G‑Shock Move Pro review provides a full comparison.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Samsung’s latest watch offers similar health features (ECG, body composition) and runs Wear OS. It has a round design and two‑day battery life but lacks the robust app ecosystem of the Apple watch. For Android users, however, it’s a top choice.freditech.com

Pricing & Value After One Year

As of December 2025, the Apple Watch Series 9 is often discounted because the Series 11 is now on sale. Prices vary by region, but you can find the 41 mm GPS model around $349 and the cellular model near $429. Stainless steel models remain higher. This makes it an attractive entry point into the Apple watch ecosystem. When evaluating value:

If you own a Series 6 or older, upgrading to Series 9 brings a brighter screen, on‑device Siri, double tap and a faster chip—solid improvementsitnerd.blog.

If you have a Series 7, the decision is a coin flip—the battery improvements and brightness may appeal but aren’t essential.

Owners of Series 8 or Ultra should skip; the upgrades are minimaltech.yahoo.com. Consider saving for the Series 11 or Ultra 3.

Step‑By‑Step Tips for Maximizing the Series 9 After a Year

Turn on Low Power Mode during long hikes or flights. You can still record workouts while extending battery life. Add the Low Power toggle to Control Center for quick access.
Use the Smart Stack. Press the Digital Crown from the watch face and scroll through widgets like Next Event, Battery Level, Heart Rate and News.
Set up Double Tap carefully. In Settings → Gestures, practice the two‑pinch gesture. Use it for play/pause, answering calls or snoozing alarms when your hands are full; but don’t rely on it exclusively.
Customize notifications. In the Watch app, mirror only critical iPhone notifications. Turning off unnecessary pings can improve battery life and reduce stress.
Enable Sleep Focus automatically. Under Focus settings, schedule Sleep Focus to turn on when you go to bed. This silences notifications and dims the display to 1 nit.
Take advantage of watchOS 11’s Vitals. Check daily Vitals summary to spot health trends, and set alerts if your metrics deviate from baseline. Pair with Apple Health on iPhone for deeper insights.
Use third‑party apps. Download athletic apps (e.g., Strava, WorkOutDoors), mindfulness apps (Headspace) and productivity tools (Things 3) to expand your watch’s capabilities.
Maintain your watch. Rinse after swimming, especially in salt water. Clean the Digital Crown under water if it feels sticky. Avoid exposing the watch to soaps or lotions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple Watch Series 9 still worth buying in 2025?

If you’re upgrading from a Series 6 or earlier, yes—the brighter 2,000-nit display, on-device Siri, S9 performance, and improved efficiency are meaningful upgrades. If you already have a Series 7 or Series 8, the improvements are more modest. A discounted Series 9 can be a strong value if you want Apple Watch features without paying full price for the newest model.

Does the Series 9 battery last a full day?

Most users get around one day of battery life. Android Central found that even with the S9 chip, you’ll need to charge dailytech.yahoo.com. Low Power Mode can stretch it to 36–48 hours, and fast charging means 30 minutes gives you about 75 % chargetech.yahoo.com.

How durable is the Series 9 after a year?

The sapphire crystal stainless steel model showed no scratches after months of useappleinsider.com and continues to hold up. Aluminium models are more prone to micro‑scratches. The case is swim‑proof to 50 m and dust‑resistant (IP6X). Buttons and crown remain responsive, although some users find them easy to press accidentallyimore.com.

Is Double Tap useful?

It can be handy for quick tasks like pausing music or snoozing alarms but is limited to Apple apps. Android Central and other reviewers seldom use it dailytech.yahoo.com. Don’t buy the Series 9 solely for this feature.

What health metrics does the Series 9 track?

Series 9 tracks heart rate, irregular rhythm notifications, ECG, blood oxygen (availability can vary by region), skin temperature, steps, calories, VO₂ max, cycle tracking, and time in daylight. Newer watchOS versions can add wellness features such as trend and “vitals”-style insights (where supported).

Can I use the Series 9 without an iPhone?

No. The watch requires an iPhone for initial setup and syncing. Some features work independently with cellular connectivity, but an iPhone is essential for the full experience6monthslater.net.

Conclusion

After a year, the Apple Watch Series 9 feels like a refined, stable companion rather than a revolutionary upgrade. Its 2,000‑nit display is a joy outdoors, the S9 SiP keeps performance smooth, and on‑device Siri reduces reliance on cloud connectivityapple.comapple.com. However, the watch still demands daily charging, double tap remains a novelty, and the design hasn’t changed significantly. For existing Series 8 owners, there’s little incentive to upgrade; the Series 11 or Ultra 2 offer bigger leaps. But for those with older Apple Watches or switching from other brands, the Series 9 remains one of the most polished smartwatches, blending robust health and safety features with unmatched app integration. As a long‑term companion, it holds up well—just don’t expect it to reinvent the category.

Author credentials: Wiredu Fred is a senior technology journalist and hardware reviewer with over a decade of experience testing laptops, wearables and consumer electronics. His expertise helps readers make informed decisions..