Changes from Watch 7 to Watch 9

By peter, 23 September, 2023

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

I have an Apple Watch 7 and wonder if it is worth updating to the new Apple Watch 9.

I use Voiceover and am wondering if there is any benefit to updating.

Thanks.

--Pete

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Comments

By Andy Lane on Friday, September 22, 2023 - 20:21

So the Apple Watch 9 has a couple of extras. Double tap gesture with thumb and index finger. The 8 introduced a better more accurate gyroscope and accelerometer and a thermometer that we don’t seem to have access to and only appears to work when we’re in bed. The 9 brings an Approximately 10% faster SIP (processor) and thats all I can think of. I don’t think it’s worth it if you’re happy with the performance of your current watch but if you find it a little slow then maybe the processor is worth the upgrade. Oh the 9 has a brighter screen but that might not be interesting to you. The 8 also introduced edge to edge screen and crash detection. I don’t know if any of those features are compelling enough to spend £400. For me the processor is the most interesting.

By peter on Friday, September 22, 2023 - 20:21

Thanks. Your comments are very helpful. That was sort of what I was expecting. Mostly I was curious if I would notice the difference in responsiveness when using Voiceover, but if the processor is only 10% faster that isn't much. The main features I like the watch for are the fall detection (since I am often alone in the house when exercising on my treadmill!), it would be nice to keep track of my pulse when exercising, and I wouldn't have to keep taking the phone out of my pocket just to check the time or read incoming texts. Also, from what I understand, there is a mode on the watch that will let one tell the time silently using haptic feedback.

--Pete

By Andy Lane on Friday, September 22, 2023 - 20:21

It’s a bit tricky to get it working until you’ve practiced a little but the way to do it is to double tap the screen with 1 finger while the watch is asleep. You can change the speed of the vibrations in accessibility settings.

By Holger Fiallo on Friday, September 22, 2023 - 20:21

I think I can get that for my 7. That is what the apple store says anyway. Hope is so. I want the 9.