Apple Watch Series 7 vs 9: Worth upgrading?

Apple Watch Series 9 is the latest version of the world’s most popular wearable. Two years separate Series 7 and 9 and while there are a number of changes, there’s quite a bit that’s remained the same. Read along for Apple Watch Series 7 vs 9 as we look at everything new.

If you’re curious about Apple Watch Series 8 and more vs Series 9, check out this comparison:

• Apple Watch Series 9 vs 8 and earlier: What’s different?

Below we’ll focus specifically on Series 7 vs 9…

Apple Watch Series 7 vs 9

SiP – Processor, GPU, Neural Engine

In 2022, Apple used the S8 64-bit dual-core processor in the Series 8 which wasn’t that different from the S7 in 2021 (or even the S6).

Now with Series 9, Apple says the S9 SiP brings notable improvements across the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine.

Apple didn’t give a specific measure of how much faster the CPU of the S9 is compared to S8, but it features 5.6 billion transistors – up 60% from S8.

For the S9 GPU, Apple says it’s 30% faster than the S8 and the Neural Engine is twice as fast.

More benefits if you’re coming from Series 7 are a jump in storage to 64GB and the ultra wideband gen 2 chip with Series 9. The new ultra wideband chip offers precision finding for iPhone.

Case and display

Apple Watch Series 9 keeps the same size displays that launched with Apple Watch Series 7. That’s 45 and 41mm cases and bigger displays 20% bigger than Series 4-6/SE and 50% larger than Series 3.

The main difference with the Series 9 Apple Watch display is brightness has doubled from 1,000 to 2,000 nits.

But Apple also says that graphics on the Series 9 display will be smoother than ever thanks to the new GPU in the S9 SiP.

Apple Watch band compatibility

Bands, loops, and bracelets designed for the previous generation Apple Watch sizes 38/40/41 and 42/44/45mm work with Apple Watch Series 9.

Battery life and charging

First introduced with Apple Watch 7 and continued with Apple Watch Series 8 and 9 is 33% faster charging than Series 6 and earlier. That means going from 0-80% in 45 minutes instead of around 60 minutes.

One more benefit with Series 9 (and 8) for sleep tracking is you get 8 hours worth of use from an 8-minute charge (Ultra and Ultra 2 too).

Apple Watch Series 7 vs 9 – Key features

New with Apple Watch Series 9 is on-device Siri processing for faster responses and better security. There’s also a new double tap gesture to more easily use the wearable with one hand (available with watchOS 10.1).

However, as it happens, anyone with a Series 3 or later can use a double tap-like gesture feature called quick actions:

• How to turn on double tap-like gesture control on almost any Apple Watch

Another improvement Apple says that comes thanks to the new S9 chip is up to 25% more accurate dictation.

Finally, the new on-device Siri enables you to get answers to your personal health metrics.

Price

• Series 9 starts from $399/$429 and up (Apple, Amazon, more)
• Series 7 and 8 and older usually sell at a discount (Amazon, Best Buy, more) – Apple has stopped selling Series 7 and 8
• Apple Watch SE 2nd gen goes from $249 (Apple, Amazon, more)

Apple Watch Series 7 vs 9 and earlier wrap-up

Apple Watch Series 9 doesn’t include a ton of changes but there are a number of upgrades like on-device Siri, a brighter screen, double tap gesture control, 64GB of storage, and an improved S9 SiP that may be enticing for some.

What do you think? Does Apple Watch Series 9 feel like a worthwhile upgrade over Series 7? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for reading our guide on Apple Watch Series 7 vs 9!