The Apple Watch Series 9 is Apple’s flagship smartwatch, introduced in late 2023. It continues the classic Apple Watch design but adds a faster S9 processor, a new double-tap gesture, and an even brighter always-on display (up to 2000 nits). In the Philippines, Series 9 is available from Apple and authorized resellers like Power Mac Center, with local pricing reflecting its premium status. In this review, we cover everything Filipino buyers need to know about Series 9: release date, specs, pricing, colors, and how it compares to newer models.
Apple Watch Series 9 Release Date
Apple unveiled the Series 9 at its September 12, 2023, event (alongside the iPhone 15 series). Pre-orders started immediately, and the official release date in the Philippines was September 22, 2023. Since launch, Series 9 has been available through Apple’s official stores and partners. Initial demand was strong, especially for the new color options, but supply has been stable in major cities. As newer models roll out, some retailers may phase out Series 9, but it is still widely sold in 2023 and 2024 across the Philippines.
Apple Watch Series 9 Price in the Philippines
At launch, the Apple Watch Series 9 carried a premium price tag. The 41mm GPS-only model started around ₱28,990, and the 45mm GPS-only model about ₱31,490. Adding cellular to either size added roughly ₱3,000–₱4,000. The stainless steel editions (all GPS+Cellular) were much higher: around ₱37,990–₱39,990 for 41mm, and about ₱41,990 for 45mm at release.
| Model (GPS/Cellular) | 41mm Price | 45mm Price |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (GPS) | ≈₱28,990 | ≈₱31,490 |
| Aluminum (GPS+Cellular) | ≈₱31,990 | ≈₱34,490 |
| Stainless Steel (GPS+Cellular) | ≈₱37,990 | ≈₱41,990 |
Over time, discounts have appeared. Authorized resellers have offered the 41mm GPS aluminum model for around ₱20,490 (down from ₱28,990) and the 45mm for ₱26,990 after promotions. The 45mm stainless steel has even been seen on sale (for example, around ₱23,200 at Power Mac Center after discounts).
Despite deals, Series 9 is still costlier than budget options. It competes with the Apple Watch SE (starting ~₱16,000) and the now-discontinued Series 8. In the Philippines, you can buy Series 9 from Apple’s official channels or from retailers like Power Mac Center and iStore, which typically have similar pricing. Many buyers opt for installment plans or trade-in credits to make it more affordable.
Apple Watch Series 9 Specs
The Series 9 is powered by Apple’s S9 SiP, a 64-bit dual-core processor with a 4-core Neural Engine. This chip (similar to the A16 in iPhones) offers about a 30% speed boost over the Series 8’s chip. The watch includes 64 GB of storage and runs watchOS 10, which introduced the Smart Stack home screen, redesigned apps, and new fitness features.
Key specifications:
- Display: Always-On Retina OLED (edge-to-edge) with up to 2000 nits peak brightness. Text and notifications are clear even in bright sunlight.
- New Gesture: Double Tap – tap your index finger and thumb twice to answer calls, pause timers, or play/pause media without touching the screen.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi; GPS+Cellular models support LTE/5G for calls and data without a phone nearby.
- Health & Safety: Includes the standard sensors – optical heart rate, electrical heart (for ECG), and blood oxygen. It also has a temperature sensor for advanced cycle tracking. Features like Heart Rate alerts, AFib notifications, Sleep Tracking, Fall Detection, and Crash Detection are present.
- Battery: Rated for 18 hours of use. A new Low Power Mode extends this to up to 36 hours. The Series 9 fast-charges to 80% in about 45 minutes, so a full charge is roughly one hour.
- Durability: Swim-proof (50m water resistance) and dust-resistant (IP6X).
Compared to Series 8, Series 9’s improvements are mostly under the hood: faster chip, significantly brighter display, on-device Siri that understands health data (workouts, temperature), and the double-tap. Physically, it’s the same design and dimensions. Apple has also made the aluminum models carbon-neutral (when paired with the new Sport Loop band).
Apple Watch Series 9 Sizes
The Series 9 comes in 41mm and 45mm case sizes. These refer to the vertical height of the watch case. The main differences are physical size and screen area:
- 41mm: Smaller display (~326×410 pixels, ~904 sq mm). Lightweight (about 32–39 grams depending on aluminum vs. stainless). Designed for smaller wrists (fits ~130–200mm). Battery capacity is slightly smaller, though Apple’s 18-hour estimate is the same.
- 45mm: Larger display (~352×448 pixels, ~1220 sq mm). Heavier (39–51 grams). Fits ~140–245mm wrists. Offers a bit more screen space, making text and complications larger. The larger size also houses a slightly larger battery, which can yield longer life in practice.
Both sizes share the same 10.7mm thickness and have the same features. Which one you choose is personal preference: 41mm for a sleek, compact look and comfort (especially for sleep tracking), or 45mm for maximum screen area and slightly better battery endurance. In the Philippines, the 45mm models have historically carried a higher price (often ~₱6,000–₱7,000 more) than the 41mm.
Apple Watch Series 9 41mm
The 41mm Series 9 is ideal for users with smaller wrists or those who prefer a less obtrusive watch. It has a very lightweight aluminum case in any of the new colors (Starlight, Pink, etc.). Despite being smaller, it still offers all the features of Series 9: ECG, blood oxygen, double-tap gesture, etc. The smaller screen means less text fits at once, but watchOS adapts layouts accordingly. Battery life is similar on paper, though a heavy user of the always-on display might see it drain a bit faster.
This model appeals to sleep-tracking users and people who felt the 45mm (or Series 8’s 44mm) was too large. It wears like the old 40mm models, which many found comfortable. In the Philippines, discounted prices have made the 41mm even more attractive (one retailer lists the sale price around ₱20,490).
Apple Watch Series 9 45mm
The 45mm Series 9 offers the biggest display Apple Watch has had (outside of Ultra models). The screen area is about 11% larger than the 41mm, so apps and notifications look a bit bigger and clearer. It’s still thin (10.7mm) but has a stronger presence on the wrist. The larger watch can hold more pixels and a larger battery (though both models are rated 18h, the 45mm will see slightly longer life in real use).
The 45mm case comes in the same colors as the 41mm, with stainless steel versions weighing substantially more (over 50g). Users who do a lot of reading, productivity, or who simply like larger screens will prefer the 45mm. It’s often chosen by athletes or those who pair the watch with larger iPhones. Pricewise, the 45mm usually carried a premium over the 41mm: even now, on sale, it’s typically several thousand pesos more.
Apple Watch Series 9 Colors
Series 9 introduced a new Pink aluminum finish and continued popular options. Available case colors by material:
- Aluminum (Ion-X glass, matte finish): Starlight (pale gold/silver), Midnight (deep blue-black), Silver, Pink, and (PRODUCT)RED. The “Pink” is a soft, rosy gold.
- Stainless Steel (sapphire crystal, polished finish): Silver, Graphite (dark gray), and Gold.
(There is no titanium variant for Series 9; titanium is exclusive to the Ultra line.) Each case color can be matched with various bands. Filipinos often favor the classic Silver and Graphite, but the new Starlight and Pink aluminum have been very popular, especially in fashion-conscious markets. Starlight, in particular, is a blend of silver and light gold that looks elegant on many skin tones.
Apple Watch Series 9 Materials
Series 9 is offered in Aluminum and Stainless Steel cases:
- Aluminum: Lightweight (~32–39g depending on size and cell). Comes in all five aluminum colors above. The back is ceramic/sapphire, and the front glass is Ion-X (plastic-based), which is sturdy but can scratch more easily than sapphire. Aluminum models only come with GPS (Cellular is extra).
- Stainless Steel: Heavier (42–52g). Always includes Cellular. Comes in Silver, Gold, and Graphite. The front glass is sapphire, which is highly scratch-resistant, and the case has a glossy finish. Steel models are much pricier (over ₱40k new).
The choice depends on style and budget: aluminum is sporty and budget-friendly, steel is shiny and premium. In PH, the steel Series 9s were often only sold with cellular, which boosts the price further.
Apple Watch Series 9 Starlight
Starlight is the name of one of the new aluminum colors. It’s essentially a warm, very light gold tone (imagine a star-like shimmer). On the watch, it looks like a champagne/gold color that isn’t as yellow as traditional gold. Many local reviewers note it as a top pick for a gender-neutral goldish color.
Importantly, Apple has certified any Starlight aluminum Series 9 paired with the new Sport Loop band as carbon-neutral (part of its environmental goals). The box and band use recycled, fiber-based packaging. Starlight appeals to buyers who want a subtle metallic look without going full yellow gold. It’s particularly popular among those who previously liked the old “gold” or silver finishes.
Apple Watch Series 9 vs Series 10
Apple’s Series 10 (released in fall 2024) made some notable upgrades over Series 9. Key differences:
- Display & Size: Series 10 comes in 42mm and 46mm (slightly larger), with Apple’s biggest screen yet. It’s the thinnest watch ever and uses a new wide-angle OLED that’s ~40% brighter at an angle. Series 10 also introduced a new Jet Black aluminum color (very glossy). Series 9 is slightly thicker and still 41/45mm.
- Chip & Performance: Series 10 has the S10 SiP; Series 9 has S9. Both have 64GB of storage. Real-world speed is similar for everyday tasks, but Series 10 may have a slight edge and longevity for future updates.
- Health Sensors: Series 10 added a body temperature sensor capable of new features (like blood pressure or sleep apnea detection in the future). It also has depth and water temperature sensors for advanced swim features. Series 9 lacks these. Both have ECG, SpO2, etc.
- Battery & Charging: Both are rated for 18 hours. Series 10 charges much faster (80% in 30 min vs Series 9’s 45 min). So a quick top-up is more effective on Series 10.
- Software: Series 10 ships with watchOS 11 (eye-tracking capabilities, etc). Series 9 runs watchOS 10 (also upgradable).
- Price: As the newer model, Series 10 launched at higher prices. Series 9 has since become cheaper, making it a value pick if you don’t need the latest extras.
Quick Comparison Table:
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Series 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Case Sizes | 41mm, 45mm | 42mm, 46mm |
| Display | Always-On OLED (2000 nits) | Bigger OLED, brighter at angle |
| New Gesture | Double Tap | Double Tap + Eye tracking (watchOS 11) |
| New Sensors | – | Depth & Temp (sleep apnea feature) |
| Battery | 18h normal, 36h low power, 45-min to 80% charge | 18h normal, faster charge (80% in 30m) |
| Colors (Aluminum) | Starlight, Midnight, Silver, Pink, RED | Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver (no red) |
| Chip & OS | S9 + watchOS 10 | S10 + watchOS 11 |
| Launch Price (41mm GPS) | Lower (existing) | Higher (new model) |
In short, Series 10 brings a bigger, thinner display and a few new health features, but Series 9 remains a powerful watch with all core functionality. For most users, Series 9 offers nearly the same day-to-day experience, often at a lower price now that it’s no longer the newest model.
Apple Watch Series 9 Box
The Series 9 comes in a compact box that highlights Apple’s eco-friendly approach. Inside, you’ll find:
- The watch head with one half of the Sport Band attached. (Apple provides two band pieces so you can fit small or large wrists – you swap in the correct one.)
- The other half of the Sport Band (so you have both S/M and M/L pieces).
- A Magnetic Fast Charging USB-C Cable (about a meter long).
- A small packet with a Quick Start guide and warranty information.
Notably, there is no power adapter in the box, as with recent Apple products. You must supply your own USB-C wall charger or plug it into a Mac or power bank. The packaging itself is made of 100% recycled fiber. The watch and band are nestled in molded trays, and the cable is looped underneath.
Overall, the box contents are minimalist – just what you need to start using the watch. Apple’s streamlined packaging (fiber board instead of plastic) means less waste, aligning with its carbon-neutral goals. After unboxing, you have your watch and band ready to wear, and a cable to charge it.
