Compare the Apple Watch Series 9 to the Apple Watch Series 8
New: the Apple Watch Series 10
In September 2024, Apple launched the new Apple Watch Series 10. Due to this, the Apple Watch 9 and Watch 8 aren't or are less available. The Apple Watch 10 has a larger screen with rounded corners. Thanks to this, you can see the screen well from every angle.
Apple Watch 9 vs Apple Watch 8
- Control with a double tap of your index finger and thumb.
- More energy-efficient and faster thanks to the new S9 chip
- Brighter screen in bright sunlight
- Also available in 4G
Comparison of the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch 8
| Apple Watch 9 | Apple Watch 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 41 and 45mm | 41 and 45mm |
| Processor | S9 chip | S8 chip |
| Battery life | 1 day | 1 day |
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, RED, pink, gold, silver, graphite | Midnight, Starlight, RED, gold, silver, graphite |
| 4G internet connection | Yes | Yes |
| Control with 1 hand | Yes | No |
Processor and screen
Watch 9: faster S9 chip and brighter screen
Thanks to the new S9 chip, your Apple Watch 9 is faster. In addition, you can scroll through all your apps more smoothly than with its predecessors. You can also control your Watch with 1 hand if you quickly tap your index finger and thumb together. This way, you can answer your phone or pause music on your Watch while your hands are full. With a brighter screen, you can also view notifications on your Watch in bright sunlight.
Watch 8: older S8 chip and less bright screen
The S8 chip of the Apple Watch 8 is the same chip as in the Apple Watch 7 and 6. This makes the Apple Watch 8 less fast and smooth than the Apple Watch 9. You also can't control your Watch 8 with 1 hand. As a result, you have to free up your hands before you control it. The screen is also less bright.
Colors and size
Watch 9: new pink color
The Apple Watch 9 is available in the familiar sizes of 41 and 45mm. The aluminum Watch 9 has the standard colors Midnight (black), Starlight (white gold), silver, and RED, and a new pink color. The Watch 9 also has a more luxurious stainless steel version in graphite, gold, and silver. Unlike with its predecessor, you can now choose the size of your Sport Band in advance. You can choose from a silicone Sport Band, Milanese watch strap, or a fabric Sport Loop.
Watch 8: stainless steel and aluminum version
The Apple Watch 8 hardly differs from the Apple Watch 9 in appearance. These smartwatches are also available in 41 and 45mm. You can choose from the colors Midnight, Starlight, silver, and RED. In addition, the Series 8 also has a stainless steel version. These Watch models are available in exactly the same colors as the Apple Watch 9, namely graphite, silver, and gold. You receive 2 Sports Bands in different sizes included with your aluminum Watch 8. This way, it always fits on your wrist.
WatchOS 10
Apple announced WatchOS 10 during the Apple Keynote in September 2023. Thanks to this software update, many apps will get a new look. You can also set widgets from various apps. This way, you can use the entire screen of your Watch. The Apple Watch 9 launched with WatchOS 10. This means you can use all the new functions right away. The Apple Watch 8 will also receive the update to WatchOS 10. This update will be available for this model at the end of 2023.
Conclusion
The main difference between the Watch 9 and Watch 8 is the S9 processor. This makes the Watch 9 work faster and more energy-efficiently. It also has a new double-tap function with your thumb and index finger. With the brighter screen, you can also see your Watch 9 in the bright sunlight. The Watch 9 has a new pink color, but otherwise the series are similar.
