Is the Series 9 worth it over the Series 8?

If you already own a Series 8, the gains are small: a brighter screen, double tap and on-device Siri. Coming from an older model or buying your first Apple Watch, it is the better pick.

Does it work without an iPhone?

No. The Apple Watch needs an iPhone to set up and pair. Cellular lets it work away from the phone, but not without one.

How long does the battery last?

Apple rates it at up to 18 hours of normal use, and most owners charge it daily. Low Power Mode stretches it further.

Do I need a cellular plan?

Only if you want calls, texts and streaming without your iPhone. The watch works over GPS and Wi-Fi without a plan.

The watch with the Sport Band, a magnetic fast-charging USB-C cable, and paperwork. A power adapter is not included.

Is the 45mm case too big for small wrists?

The 45mm case suits most wrists but is noticeably large on very slim ones. The 41mm version is the smaller alternative.

Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular) 45mm Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band

Q: Where is the Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular) 45mm Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band cheapest?

At MetroMotive, for $52.82, as of our latest check.

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$52.82at MetroMotiveChecked Nov 8

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What reviewers say

Reviewers rate the Series 9 as the best all-round smartwatch for iPhone users, praising the brighter screen, double tap and solid health tracking. Most criticism centers on battery life and the modest upgrade over the Series 8.

What people mention

BatteryCriticisedOwners say it still needs charging roughly every day, and heavy workouts or cellular use drain it faster.
DisplayPraisedThe 2000-nit screen is called easy to read outdoors and the always-on mode is bright enough to glance at.
Double tapPraisedReviewers find the double tap gesture handy for calls and timers when one hand is busy.
Health trackingPraisedHeart rate, ECG and sleep data are described as reliable and well presented in the Health app.
Upgrade valueMixedSeries 8 owners are told the changes are small, while newcomers are told it is the model to get.
CellularMixedStandalone calls and music are convenient, but users note the added carrier plan and faster battery drain.

About the Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular) 45mm Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band

The Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular) has a 45mm aluminum case and a Midnight Sport Band. The case is lightweight. The band is made from fluoroelastomer and closes with a pin-and-tuck closure.

The Always-On Retina display shows the watch face and notifications without a wrist raise. The watch runs on the S9 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor and uses watchOS 10. With built-in cellular, it can make calls, send texts, stream music and use Siri without an iPhone nearby.

Health features include blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, heart rate notifications, sleep tracking and mindfulness features. It also tracks daily activity and workouts, and it supports fitness goals and various exercise types. Fall Detection and Emergency SOS are included. Water resistance is rated to 50 meters.

Case size

45mm

Case material

Aluminum

Band

Midnight Sport Band, size M/L, fluoroelastomer, pin-and-tuck closure

Display

Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, 2,000 nits brightness

Processor

S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor

Storage

64GB