Six Months with the Apple Watch Series 9: A Comprehensive Review

Six months have passed since the author from the "6 Months Later" YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@6MonthsLater invested in an Apple Watch Series 9. During this period, the reviewer has explored the nuances of their watch, diving into the details of what makes it stand out in the crowded smartwatch market, its suitability for upgrades, and the new features that shine the brightest.

One of the highlighted attributes of the Series 9 is its battery life, which has been described as excellent within the context of smartwatches, requiring roughly a daily charge. The author has developed a convenient charging routine around their lifestyle, ensuring that the watch's fast charging capabilities keep it powered throughout diverse activities, from sleep tracking to post-workout regimes—though it's noted that the Apple Watch SE misses out on this fast charging capacity. Siri's performance on the device also garners praise. Thanks to the new S9 chip with its dedicated neural engine, speed and efficiency in tasks such as setting timers are significantly improved, with many processes now handled locally on the watch for enhanced responsiveness.

The third aspect to appreciate is the Series 9’s brighter display. Doubling the maximum brightness of its predecessor, the Series 8, to 2,000 nits, visibility is not an issue, even in direct sunlight or when wearing sunglasses. Conversely, certain advertised features haven't quite made the impact expected. The 'Pinchy Pinch' gesture, which allows control over calls or music, has been underutilized, partly due to the feature's less-than-ideal responsiveness and limited app support. Similarly, while the integration of an ultra-wideband chip provides valuable utilities such as precise location tracking for iPhones or AirTags, HomePod control has proven to be unreliable for the reviewer.

In addition to specific Series 9 enhancements, the author also observes the overall Apple Watch ecosystem, noting that the improvements are not limited to this latest model. WatchOS 10 has been a refreshing overhaul, taking advantage of larger display sizes with redesigned apps and introducing the Smart Stack feature, creating a persistent hub for background activities and pinned app information. However, the relocation of the Control Center to the side button, blending it with the new UI, was a challenging adjustment over the six-month time frame, illustrating the ever-evolving nature of the user interface that is intrinsic to the Apple Watch experience.

#applewatch #techreview #smartwatch

YouTube channel - 6 Months Later: https://www.youtube.com/@6MonthsLater

Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] Smartwatch with Starlight Aluminium Case with Starlight Sport Band. Fitness Tracker, Blood Oxygen & ECG Apps, Water-Resistant - S/M