The MacRumors Show: Should You Buy the Apple Watch Series 9? - MacRumors
Skip to Content

The MacRumors Show: Should You Buy the Apple Watch Series 9?

On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we discuss the latest Apple Watch models, who should upgrade, and consider whether it is worth waiting for the rumored "Apple Watch X."


After spending several days with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, we discuss our initial experiences with the new devices, their design, and some of their standout features such as the Action button and USB-C port. We also return to the matter of Apple's FineWoven accessories, which appear to have been received relatively poorly by customers.

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 feature brighter displays, a Double Tap gesture for touch-free control, the S9 chip, locally processed Siri for faster responses and access to health data, the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for Precision Finding and deeper HomePod integration, and 64GB of storage. We talk through some of our favorite features of the new devices and weigh up who should consider upgrading.

On a related matter, we take a look at the "Apple Watch X," a complete overhaul of the device expected to launch next year. It is rumored to feature thinner casings, larger displays, microLED technology, larger batteries, blood pressure monitoring, and a new mechanism for connecting bands.

Listen to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Castro, Google Podcasts, or your preferred podcasts app. You can also copy our RSS feed directly into your podcast player. Watch a video version of the show on the MacRumors YouTube channel.


If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up for our discussion about Apple's new FineWoven accessories, some of our favorite iPhone 15 features, and who should consider upgrading.

Subscribe to ‌The MacRumors Show‌ for more episodes, where we discuss some of the topical news breaking here on MacRumors, often joined by exciting guests like iJustine, Jon Rettinger, Andru Edwards, Kevin Nether, Arnold Kim, Ben Sullins, Marcus Kane, Christopher Lawley, Frank McShan, David Lewis, Tyler Stalman, Jon Prosser, Sam Kohl, Quinn Nelson, John Gruber, Federico Viticci, Sara Dietschy, Luke Miani, Thomas Frank, Jonathan Morrison, Ross Young, Ian Zelbo, and Rene Ritchie. You can also head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread to engage with us directly. Remember to rate and review the show, and let us know what subjects you would like the podcast to cover in the future.

Popular Stories

TMRS 211 Duo Debate Thumb

The MacRumors Show: Is the iPhone Duo Actually Worth It?

Friday September 18, 2026 9:15 am PDT by
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we revisit the iPhone Duo debate, early impressions of the AirPods 5, and the merits of Apple's latest iPhone and Apple Watch upgrades. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos Apple's first foldable iPhone continues to divide opinion, with much of the discussion centering on whether its larger inner display justifies the...
TMRS 213 Welcome Home Event Thumb

The MacRumors Show: Apple's Smart Home Products Are Coming

Friday October 9, 2026 8:36 am PDT by
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we look ahead to Apple's recently announced October 13 event and its expected push into the smart home market, including a dedicated home hub, the HomePod mini 2, and a new Apple TV. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos Apple is expected to introduce its first smart home hub, a new HomePod mini, and an updated Apple TV...
TMRS 212 18 Pro Cameras Thumb

The MacRumors Show: Tyler Stalman Talks iPhone 18 Pro's Camera

Friday September 25, 2026 8:58 am PDT by
Photographer and videographer Tyler Stalman joins us on this week's episode of The MacRumors Show to examine whether the iPhone 18 Pro's camera is a compelling reason to upgrade, how its new features affect everyday shooting, and what photographers gain or give up with the iPhone Duo. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos The iPhone 18 Pro's Main camera combines a...

Top Rated Comments

sw1tcher Avatar
40 months ago

The MacRumors Show: Should You Buy the Apple Watch Series 9?
Cliffs: No 😁
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
40 months ago

I think you would have gotten $50-$70 more on Swappa/Craigslist.
Not worth the hassle to make a couple extra bucks.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
40 months ago

If you have a series 3 or lower and don't want an Ultra? Yes.

Any other model? No.
I’m sitting with a 4 and thinking I’d better just wait for the 10/X. I want all of the features of the models above, but think I can wait until this battery life is less than 80% capacity. (I’m at 93% currently.)

I definitely appreciate your comment.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
40 months ago
I just bought a Series 8 last December, so no. I really want to see blood pressure measurement first, and optionally blood glucose monitoring.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
40 months ago
I went from the eight to the nine for the much improved twice as bright screen plus Apple gave me $190 for my eight
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
guzhogi Avatar
40 months ago

What I do not get is — the ONE feature Apple touts as big news (double tap)…
Yeah, a few features Apple touts as major new features (like this and the dynamic island on newer iPhones) seems so… meh and "Seriously?" to me.

…is not ready at the roll-out
Seems like this describes *WAY* too many features Apple has announced the last few years. Always announced at WWDC, but takes several months to actually release it.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again (and yes, I realize I'm probably 1 of only few who think this way): I really wish they'd skip a year between major product announcements. For its various OSes, redo as many low level frameworks & OS functions as possible in Swift like they did going from Core Data > SwiftData, and then rebuild the OS and then built-in/1st party apps with these new frameworks. Fix bugs along the way of course, but do a major new WWDC or whatever presentation 2 years after the last one. Have a real big, massive change & reason to upgrade instead of a "meh" upgrade.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
Apple 'Welcome Home' Launch: Everything to Expect Tomorrow
Apple 'Welcome Home' Launch: Everything to Expect Tomorrow
2 hours ago
You Can Now Set Up Your iPhone Duo Pre-Order - Do It Before Friday
You Can Now Set Up Your iPhone Duo Pre-Order - Do It Before Friday
2 hours ago
Apple Plans Two-Day Event to Showcase Trio of New Macs and iPad Mini
Apple Plans Two-Day Event to Showcase Trio of New Macs and iPad Mini
3 hours ago
Apple and Pokémon Tease Special Pikachu-Themed Beats Pill Speaker
Apple and Pokémon Tease Special Pikachu-Themed Beats Pill Speaker
3 hours ago
Apple Announces 'Indie Games Week' on App Store
Apple Announces 'Indie Games Week' on App Store
5 hours ago
Amazon Discounting 2026 MacBook Pro by as Much as $600 This Week
Amazon Discounting 2026 MacBook Pro by as Much as $600 This Week
5 hours ago
Apple Watch Ultra 1 vs. Ultra 4 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?
Apple Watch Ultra 1 vs. Ultra 4 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?
5 hours ago
Apple Watch SE 3 Available From Just $199.99 on Amazon
Apple Watch SE 3 Available From Just $199.99 on Amazon
5 hours ago
Tim Cook Visits China for the Third Time in 2026
Tim Cook Visits China for the Third Time in 2026
6 hours ago
OLED iPad Mini Could Be $200 More Expensive Than Current Model
OLED iPad Mini Could Be $200 More Expensive Than Current Model
8 hours ago
Apple Launches Special Edition AirPods 5 in India
Apple Launches Special Edition AirPods 5 in India
9 hours ago
New Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini 2 Pre-Orders Expected to Begin This Week
New Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini 2 Pre-Orders Expected to Begin This Week
16 hours ago
New Apple TV 4K, HomeView, and HomePod Mini: 16 Details Just Leaked
New Apple TV 4K, HomeView, and HomePod Mini: 16 Details Just Leaked
1 day ago
New Entry-Level iPad Not Expected Until Early 2027
New Entry-Level iPad Not Expected Until Early 2027
1 day ago
Apple Plans Major iPhone Duo Retail Showcase, But Supply Will Be Limited
Apple Plans Major iPhone Duo Retail Showcase, But Supply Will Be Limited
1 day ago
Apple TV 4K Getting A19 Chip and a Potentially Easier-to-Find Siri Remote
Apple TV 4K Getting A19 Chip and a Potentially Easier-to-Find Siri Remote
1 day ago
New Mac Mini and Mac Studio Receive Up to $200 Price Cuts at Amazon
New Mac Mini and Mac Studio Receive Up to $200 Price Cuts at Amazon
1 day ago
Apple HomeView Smart Hub to Ship in Mid-November in Four Colors
Apple HomeView Smart Hub to Ship in Mid-November in Four Colors
1 day ago
New Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini to Ship on October 30
New Apple TV 4K and HomePod Mini to Ship on October 30
1 day ago
AirPods Max 2 Available for $429 in All Colors on Amazon
AirPods Max 2 Available for $429 in All Colors on Amazon
1 day ago
Rumor: Apple to Announce New Partnership With ADT
Rumor: Apple to Announce New Partnership With ADT
2 days ago
AirPods 5 vs. AirPods 5 With Wireless Charging Case Buyer's Guide
AirPods 5 vs. AirPods 5 With Wireless Charging Case Buyer's Guide
2 days ago
Accessory Deals This Weekend: Save on TVs, Headphones, and Smart Home Gear
Accessory Deals This Weekend: Save on TVs, Headphones, and Smart Home Gear
2 days ago
Apple's All-New Home Hub Will Be Revealed October 13: What to Expect
Apple's All-New Home Hub Will Be Revealed October 13: What to Expect
2 days ago
Apple Announcing HomePod Mini 2 Next Week With These New Features
Apple Announcing HomePod Mini 2 Next Week With These New Features
2 days ago
A New Apple TV 4K is Finally Coming on Tuesday
A New Apple TV 4K is Finally Coming on Tuesday
2 days ago
Top Stories: Apple's 'Welcome Home' Launch on October 13 and More
Top Stories: Apple's 'Welcome Home' Launch on October 13 and More
2 days ago
Apple Stores Will Add Your Name to iPhone Duo's Startup Screen
Apple Stores Will Add Your Name to iPhone Duo's Startup Screen
3 days ago
SpaceX Inches Closer to Becoming a U.S. Carrier
SpaceX Inches Closer to Becoming a U.S. Carrier
3 days ago
Apple Potentially Behind 'HomeView' Trademark Filed Alongside 'homeOS' Last Year
Apple Potentially Behind 'HomeView' Trademark Filed Alongside 'homeOS' Last Year
3 days ago