What to expect from Apple's next-gen smartwatch

The countdown is on to the Apple Watch Series 9. With Apple's next-gen smartwatch expected to arrive this fall, we're tracking down rumors and speculating about the improvements we'll see over the Apple Watch Series 8.

Apple has released a new Apple Watch every year since the original, so unless the company breaks tradition, the Apple Watch Series 9 will be announced in the late summer or early fall of 2023. Chances are, the Series 9 will launch alongside the iPhone 15.

While we've seen plenty iPhone 15 rumors, we haven't heard much news about the upcoming Apple Watch. That said, we're guessing the Apple Watch Series 9 will get upgrades for health tracking, communication and safety. It could also sport a different design, or exclusive features thanks to watchOS 10. 

Currently, there aren't signs pointing to additional Apple Watch models, such as another Apple Watch SE or follow-up to the premium Apple Watch Ultra. But that could change as we learn more about the Apple Watch 9. In the meantime, here is everything we know about the upcoming Apple Watch.

• A new fabric strap could be offered alongside the Apple Watch 9 at launch.
• Mark Gurman claims the Apple event will be on September 12, but the details may be in flux
• A report says that the Apple Event will be on September 12 or 13, which is when we should see the Apple Watch 9 launch
• Word is that the Apple Watch 9's performance will be its biggest perk

Apple Watch Series 9 possible release date

The Apple Watch release date has not been nailed down, but a report in Bloomberg says that the Apple Event will likely take place September 12 or September 13. Another source says September 13, but Gurman later clarified that September 12 was more likely.

Apple Watch pre-orders could begin as soon as September 15 and then go on sale September 22, if it follows the same pattern predicted for the iPhone 15.

The question remains whether the Apple Watch Series 9 will launch alongside other smartwatches. We've already heard some rumors about the Apple Watch Ultra 2, though it's currently believed to be coming in 2024. 

Apple Watch Series 9 price speculation

Until we hear a rumor suggesting otherwise, we're under the impression that the Apple Watch Series 9 will be the same price as the Apple Watch Series 8. The current-gen Apple Watch has a starting price of $399 for the 41-millimeter, GPS-only model. The price is $499 for the GPS + cellular version. The 45-millimeter size, meanwhile, will starts at $429 and goes up to $529 for cellular support.

There are two additional Apple Watch models available now, including the $799 Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE (2022), which starts at $249. If Apple doesn't announce any other smartwatches besides the Series 9, we expect the Ultra and SE will remain in the lineup for at least another year. 

Apple Watch Series 9 design rumors

There aren't any Apple Watch Series 9 design rumors yet, though we're not necessarily convinced the design is due to change in any major way. The Apple Watch Series 4, Series 5 and Series 6 all have virtually the same design. So, if Apple is following a similar routine, the Apple Watch Series 9 should look like the past two Apple Watch models.

The Apple Watch Series 7 introduced a larger and brighter display with thinner bezels, but there's nothing noticeable design-wise that differentiates the Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Apple Watch Series 7 besides color options. That said, it's possible the Apple Watch Series 9 will come in exclusive colors. Who knows? It could even come in another size option besides the current 41mm and 45mm options. 

We believe it's less likely the Apple Watch will get the long-rumored flat-edged redesign now that the Apple Watch Ultra exists. The Apple Watch Ultra has a flat, 49mm display — comparing the Apple Watch Series 8 vs. Apple Watch Ultra, the Ultra is a far more substantial watch.

Leaker ShrimpApple Pro corroborated this theory, claiming that the the Apple Watch Series 9 design isn't discernibly different from the Apple Watch 8 on the outside. They also claim it'll be available in 8 colors. The aluminum model will apparently be available in Midnight (black), Starlight (cream), Product Red, silver and pink. The Stainless Steel version may be a little more spartan, with gold, graphite (dark gray) and silver models.

We'd expect the same existing array of straps and bands to fit the Apple Watch 9, but Apple may also have come up with a new fabric strap with a buckle to offer users instead. 

Apple Watch Series 9 spec and battery life rumors

Rumors are starting to rise about the Apple Watch Series 9's specs, and they also bode well for battery life expectations. Reports from Bloomburg's Mark Gurman and leaker Instant Digital suggest the Apple Watch 9 will feature the A15 chip from the iPhone 13. This would not just ramp up performance, but also deliver a boost on battery life thanks to efficiency gains from the jump to a 5nm manufacturing process.

But we aren't hearing much beyond that. It would be great if the new Watch borrows the Emergency SOS via satellite feature from the iPhone 14, for example. It could also get a new sensor inside, either related to health or movement. The Apple Watch Series 8 skin temperature is the most recent sensor innovation, but there's certainly demand for things like blood glucose or blood pressure monitoring. 

As far as battery life is concerned, we know better than to hope for an Apple Watch that lasts as long as a Fitbit or Garmin watch. While the new Apple Watch low power mode does help with stamina, 18 hours is still the baseline estimate. 

Should you wait for Apple Watch Series 9?

The short answer is no, you shouldn't wait for the Apple Watch Series 9. Right now, it makes sense to get the Apple Watch Series 8, the Apple Watch SE (2022) or even the Apple Watch Ultra, if you want the most premium Apple Watch experience possible. Whichever you choose, there's little sense in waiting several months for the next Apple Watch to come out.

That said, you should bookmark this page for the latest updates on the Apple Watch Series 9. As we get closer to its eventual launch, we could hear tips and rumors about upgrades that matter to you.