Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Review: Are the New Watches Worth an Upgrade?

It's that time of year again when Apple unveils a number of new products, including two Apple Watch models and the iPhone 15. 

Now, you might be confused, trying to decide between the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. You're not alone in this dilemma. These latest releases, touted as game-changers, might leave you wondering if the upgrades are truly worth it. Here we dive into the specs, features, and prices to help you decide whether to switch to the newest models or stick with what you have.

Release Dates

Since Apple entered the wearable tech market back in 2015, it's been a game-changer for the industry. While Apple's watches from last year were top-notch, this year's releases seem more like a cash grab than a genuine upgrade. It's almost as if Apple copied the previous model's specs sheet and made a few token changes.

We're talking about the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, both announced on September 12th and available starting September 22nd 2023.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the freshest addition to the Apple Watch family, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 marks the second generation of a newer lineup that Apple kicked off last year.

What’s New

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 introduce just a couple of tweaks not enough to justify upgrading to them as agreed by most reviews.

Let’s walk you through these changes and you’ll see why the reviews are on point.

The most significant improvement comes from the new S9 SiP, coupled with a Neural Engine, which, according to Apple, makes these watches a blazing 30% faster compared to the Apple Watch Series 8. But did users really complain about the speed of last year's watches? No, because there were no speed issues. So, this isn't a compelling reason to upgrade.

These watches also introduce an innovative "Double Tap" feature, allowing you to perform actions without touching the screen. To activate it, simply tap your thumb and index finger together twice, giving you control over primary button functions like answering calls or turning off alarms. This feature comes in handy whether you're in the middle of enjoying a burger or dealing with wet hands.

Another noteworthy feature is the On-Device Siri. This means Siri is now available directly on your watch and works even without an internet connection. Siri can also handle tasks like opening apps or fetching health data tracked by the watch.

Apple has also boosted the brightness of these watches by 1000 nits. The Apple Watch Series 9 boasts 2000 nits of brightness, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 gives a 3000 nit output.

Lastly, these watches come equipped with the U2 ultra-wideband chip, making it significantly easier to locate a lost iPhone.

However, this feature only works with iPhone 15, making it less relevant for most users. Older Apple watches also did a decent job of tracking your iPhone's location. Hence, it's not a compelling enough change to consider upgrading, especially if you don't own an iPhone 15.

Apple Watch Series 9 & Apple Watch Ultra 2: Price

The Apple Series 9 watch starts at A$649 for the aluminum case when purchased directly from Apple. Interestingly, the price hasn't seen a significant change from last year's Apple Watch Series 8.

However, if you opt for the more robust stainless steel case, the cost jumps to A$1199. This is where Apple Watch Series 8 proves to be a better pick, as it comes for just A$829 from Phonebot.

On the other hand, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes with a fixed price of A$1399, regardless of the band you choose. In comparison, last year's Apple Watch Ultra came with a price tag of A$1299 and can be found at even lower prices if you purchase it from refurbished sellers. Given that the new Ultra 2 offers only minor upgrades over its predecessor, it might be wise to stick with the older and more affordable version.

Apple Watch Series 9 & Apple Watch Ultra 2: Specs

Apple Watch Ultra 2 vs Watch Ultra: Is it worth the upgrade?

Let's be honest, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is more of a minor spec bump than a substantial upgrade. The noteworthy changes include the new chip, improved brightness, and the addition of the Double Tap feature. Aside from these, there's virtually no difference between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and its predecessor, the Apple Watch Ultra. Both watches share the same dimensions, weight, build, water resistance, battery life, and display size and panel.

With these facts in mind, the decision on whether to upgrade or not becomes quite clear. If you already own an Apple Watch Ultra, it's wiser to hold off on switching to the pricier Ultra 2.

Apple Watch 9 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2: Which should you buy?

Similar to the Ultra 2, the Apple Watch Series 9 doesn't offer significant improvements over the Series 8 and even the Series 7 making it hard to justify an upgrade. The spec sheets for all three watches are nearly identical, with only a few minor changes. Therefore, if you already own a Series 7 or 8, it's advisable to stick with what you have.But what if you're considering buying an Apple Watch for the first time? Even in that scenario, the older models are a solid investment, as they match the latest models in terms of specs and come at a much more budget-friendly price.

However, if you're specifically choosing between the Apple Watch 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, your decision should come down to your budget and personal preference. If you're seeking the best specs, and budget isn't a concern, then the Ultra 2 is the way to go without a second thought. But if you're working with a tighter budget, the Apple Watch Series 9 remains a solid and more affordable option.

FAQs 

Should I upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra 2? 

Neither the new Apple Watch Series 9 nor the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers a significant upgrade over their predecessors. If you already have the prior generation, it's challenging to justify an upgrade. This is especially true for the Ultra, considering its starting price of A$1399.

Is the Apple Watch 9 worth it? 

If you already have a Series 7 or Series 8, then Series 9 won’t feel much different to you so it's better to hold onto it. However, if you're a first-time buyer or have an older model, the Series 9 watch is a good choice.