Should you buy Apple Watch Series 9 or wait for the Watch X?

In 2023, Apple unveiled the Apple Watch Series 9 alongside the iPhone 15, offering a few improvements to the mix, including a powerful processor. Overall, it was a fairly iterative release, but that’s to be expected. The Series 9 is a great watch in its own right, but the rumor mill is already focused on what comes next. This year’s Apple Watch X is expected to be a big deal.

Although the Apple Watch didn’t arrive until 2015, it was announced in 2014. We’re hoping this means the Apple Watch X will coincide with Apple’s 10th anniversary, even if, technically, the series didn’t become available until a year later. Should you buy the Apple Watch Series 9 or wait for the Watch X? Good question. While it’s way too early for a proper Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch X comparison, we discuss whether it’s worth waiting based on what we know so far.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs Apple Watch X: What are the biggest differences we can expect?

The Apple Watch Series 9 introduced the S9 SoC, which features a four-core neural engine capable of processing Siri commands on the device. This means you can use Siri commands to control the watch without a data connection. Of course, commands that require outside information will still need an active connection. The S9 also facilitates the Double Tap gesture command that allows you control simple actions by double-tapping your index finger with your thumb on your watch hand. This is a fun addition from a usability standpoint and we’re confident Apple will continue to develop more uses for the powerful SoC.

Another major addition to the series is the ultra-wideband U2 chip. This allows you to ping your iPhone 15 from your watch and navigate to within 20 feet of the device’s location. The rest of the changes are mostly software upgrades via watchOS 10 that have since trickled down to older Apple Watch models as well. We expect to see all of these available on the Apple Watch X when it lands.

Rumors suggest Apple is saving its bigger smartwatch innovations for next year. There’s still a lot we don’t know about the Apple Watch X, and it will likely remain that way for a while. Surprisingly though, we know a few juicy details even though the watch is a ways off. Reportedly, Apple will introduce new ways for watch bands to attach, replacing the current slide and lock mechanism. The new system will possibly use magnets, but in a way that has less impact on the case. In turn, this would save space and lead to a thinner watch design.

We’ve also seen rumors that Apple may introduce a microLED display either in the next Apple Watch Ultra model or in the standard Apple Watch X. The switch to microLED would have a few advantages, including better power efficiency, better display quality, and improved durability. That’s because each pixel is individualized in a microLED setup, so if one goes out, the whole screen isn’t affected. However, production issues suggest this change may not arrive after all. Alternative, according to a report from The Elec, Apple may upgrade the OLED display with low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistor (TFT) technology, which is said to further reduce power consumption.

Lastly, Apple may be working to bring blood pressure monitoring to the watch, something that we’ve yet to see from the Apple Watch. Trusted source Mark Gurman also suggests Apple may introduce Sleep Apnea detections. These two improvements would make the device a powerful health companion. Beyond this, we’ve yet to hear any other leaks, but we imagine there are other surprises in store as well.

Should you wait for the Apple Watch X?

It’s rare that we recommend waiting a year or more for a new product, especially when a powerful model is already on shelves. This is one of the few exceptions, especially if you’re absolutely certain you want an Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Series 9 offers some key upgrades over the Series 8, but the changes were mostly iterative. The Apple Watch X on the other hand, is rumored to bring massive changes. Even if you aren’t excited about any of the features that have leaked so far, it’s important to note we are still months away. The fact this much has leaked already points to the possibility of even more exciting new features and additions in order to celebrate the anniversary year in a big way.

What if you’re not an Apple Watch fan? Honestly, if you have an iPhone it’s easily the best watch available. But if you can’t stand Apple’s take on smartwatches, there other watches to consider. For example, the Garmin Venu 3 ($449.99 at Amazon) offers detailed fitness tracking and many of Garmin’s advanced training tools. The Withings ScanWatch 2 ($349.95 at Amazon) is a hybrid device packing fantastic battery life and FDA-approved health tracking tools. Just be aware none of these watches offer the same level of performance or features as the Apple Watch does on iOS. Apple built the Watch specifically for its platform, after all.

Is there any reason to pick up the Apple Watch Series 9 at all?

Stuck on the Apple Watch Series 6 or earlier? These watches are starting to age, and admittedly, the Apple Watch Series 9 could be a worthy upgrade. Just be aware that buying now means you are going to be missing out on more meaningful updates making their way to the Apple Watch next year.

For those who don’t mind losing a little money on the deal, you could buy the Series 9 now and then unload it next year on a platform like Swappa or eBay. Right now, the Apple Watch Series 8 is selling on Swappa for around $275. That’s about $125 less than it cost new.