Apple Watch Series 9: Key Rumors About the Next Update to Apple’s Smartwatch Line
Apple has long been the leader in the smartwatch market, holding an undisputed reign for many years. As 2023 unfolds, anticipation builds for the next generation of the company’s iconic watch. Over the years, Apple has continuously upgraded the Apple Watch, adding an always-on display in 2019, blood oxygen monitoring in 2020, a larger display in 2021, and a temperature sensor in 2022.
However, this year’s update is expected to be incremental, considering that last year Apple introduced the premium Apple Watch Ultra and the second-generation Apple Watch SE. Currently, rumors surrounding the Watch Series 9 remain limited.
New Sensors
According to a Bloomberg report from February, the main new feature expected for the Apple Watch is non-invasive, continuous blood glucose monitoring. Currently, checking blood glucose requires pricking the skin to collect a blood sample. Apple is reportedly researching a method using a silicon photonic chip for a measurement process known as optical absorption spectroscopy, which would allow blood glucose levels to be checked without drawing blood. While significant progress has reportedly been made, the technology still needs to be miniaturized to fit into a wearable device. If Apple succeeds, this feature could make the Apple Watch indispensable for millions of families affected by diabetes.
MicroLED Display?
The Apple Watch adopted an OLED screen long before the iPhone, and now rumors suggest the Apple Watch may be the first to get another display upgrade. According to Bloomberg, Apple’s in-house MicroLED displays are expected to debut on the next Apple Watch Ultra, likely arriving in 2024. Previous rumors pointed to 2023 as the year MicroLED would appear in Apple Watches. This shift reflects Apple’s strategy to reduce dependence on external tech partners—specifically Samsung and LG—as the company seeks to manufacture more components in-house.
Launch and Price
Apple has launched a new generation of the Apple Watch every year since its debut. If Apple stays on schedule, the Apple Watch Series 9 is likely to launch in the fall of 2023 alongside the iPhone 15 series.
Nothing has been confirmed about the starting price of the Apple Watch Series 9. However, the price has remained consistent for several years, at least in the U.S., and it is expected to stay the same in 2023. The Apple Watch Series 8 currently starts at $399.
What We Expect
We anticipate the Apple Watch Series 9 will include all the features found in the Watch Series 8. These include the always-on display, various sizes, and finishing options. We also expect the Watch Series 9 to come with an updated processor (possibly the S9) and support for the next version of its operating system, WatchOS 10. We’re hopeful for an increase in battery life as well, which was missing in the Watch Series 8.