Apple Watch Series 9 introduced with gesture control support

At the event called Wonderlust, the Apple Watch Series 9 smart watch was presented.

The main innovation of this model was support for a new gesture: double-tapping with the index finger and thumb. This gesture allows you to interact with the watch according to the situation: answer and end a call, set an alarm, control the camera, or open a list of active applications. The watch will also receive one of the chips watchOS 10 - including the ability to transfer a contact card when two watches are nearby.

The watch received the Apple S9 chipset - the first major upgrade since 2020. In addition to increased performance, it offers double the power of the Neural Engine compared to the previous generation. This made it possible to process requests for Siri directly on the device, and dictation was almost a third more accurate. The processor itself has become 60% more powerful.

The screen remained without major changes - with the exception of brightness. The maximum is now 2000 nits (twice as bright as the Series 8) and the minimum is 1 nit, reducing vision strain in the dark.

Due to the more energy-efficient chip, additional functions did not cost autonomy: Series 9 will last 18 hours without recharging. By the way, the cobalt in the battery is now 100% recycled.

The standard sport straps have now been replaced with FineWoven, a new textile option made from 68% recycled materials. Nylon options will also remain, but Apple will no longer work with leather.

Like the previous generation, the watch will be offered in 41 and 45 mm sizes. Prices start at $399 for the Wi-Fi model and $499 for the LTE version. We're talking about aluminum models: steel watches will be more expensive. Pre-orders are already open, the new items will go on sale on September 22.