The Apple Watch Series 9 has arrived, bringing a mix of familiar design elements and notable upgrades. In this blog, we will explore the pricing of the Apple Watch Series 9 in Canada, its features, and why it's worth considering.
Price of Apple Watch Series 9 in Canada
The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at approximately CAD 549 for the 41mm GPS aluminum model and CAD 699 for the GPS + Cellular version. Prices vary based on size (41mm or 45mm) and materials (aluminum or stainless steel). For those opting for stainless steel, the price begins at CAD 999 and goes higher depending on the strap choice. Keep in mind that additional features like Cellular connectivity and premium straps will increase the cost.
For customers in Canada, Apple offers financing options to make the Series 9 accessible to a broader audience. Additionally, trade-in programs allow users to exchange their older models for credit towards a new purchase.
Design and Display
The Apple Watch Series 9 retains the elegant, square-shaped design familiar to Apple Watch enthusiasts. It is available in two case sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The aluminum model features an Ion-X glass display, while the stainless steel version is equipped with durable sapphire crystal glass.
The standout feature of the display is its Always-On Retina LTPO OLED screen, offering a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, making it twice as bright as its predecessor. This enhancement ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. The curved edges and seamless integration of the display with the casing add a touch of sophistication.
Color options for the aluminum cases include:
- Midnight
- Starlight
- Silver
- (PRODUCT) RED
- A new Pink variant
Stainless steel cases come in:
- Silver
- Gold
- Graphite
The watch’s WR50 certification means it can be submerged up to 50 meters underwater, and the IP6X dust resistance ensures durability in harsh environments.
Performance: The S9 SiP Chip
A significant upgrade in the Apple Watch Series 9 is the new S9 SiP (System in Package) chip. Based on the A15 Bionic architecture, this dual-core processor features 5.6 billion transistors, offering 60% more power than the previous generation.
Key performance improvements include:
- A 4-core Neural Engine for machine learning tasks at twice the speed.
- Faster and more responsive Siri, now capable of processing requests directly on the watch without requiring Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity.
- Improved precision finding for iPhone, thanks to the upgraded ultra-wideband (UWB) chip.
- A new double-tap gesture for seamless interaction—users can control the watch by tapping their index finger and thumb together.
Moreover, the Series 9 introduces 64GB of storage, doubling the capacity of its predecessors, making it the first significant storage upgrade since the Apple Watch Series 5.
Health and Fitness Features
The Apple Watch Series 9 remains a leader in health monitoring with its robust set of sensors:
- Optical heart rate sensor
- Electrical heart rate sensor (for ECG)
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Temperature sensing
- Irregular rhythm detection
- Low cardio fitness alerts
A standout addition is the mental health tracking feature, allowing users to monitor their mental well-being over time. Combined with WatchOS 10’s enhanced health apps, the Series 9 ensures comprehensive health tracking.
For fitness enthusiasts, the watch includes:
- Enhanced cycling metrics, including power zones.
- New hiking features such as elevation profiles.
- A variety of watch faces, including the Solar Analog and Nike Globe options.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life remains consistent with the previous generation, offering up to 18 hours of normal usage and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. The Series 9 supports fast charging via a USB-C magnetic cable, but exact charging speeds have not been disclosed.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Connectivity options include:
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
- Built-in GPS with support for multiple navigation systems, including Glonass and Galileo
Smart features have seen significant upgrades:
- Siri’s improved dictation accuracy, now 25% better than on Series 8.
- Smart Stack functionality, allowing for quick access to relevant widgets.
- Integration with Apple Fitness+, with a complimentary three-month subscription for new users.
Limitations
While the Apple Watch Series 9 offers numerous advancements, there are some limitations:
- No titanium case option.
- Lack of multiple device pairing, restricting the watch to a single iPhone connection.
- Battery performance, though reliable, remains unchanged from previous models.
Why Choose the Apple Watch Series 9?
The Apple Watch Series 9 is perfect for those seeking an all-in-one wearable with advanced health features, improved performance, and a sleek design. Its price in Canada is competitive, given the features it offers, making it a worthwhile investment for tech enthusiasts and fitness-focused users alike.
With its blend of aesthetics, performance, and functionality, the Apple Watch Series 9 is a standout choice in the smartwatch market. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or exploring the Apple Watch for the first time, the Series 9 delivers an exceptional experience.
FAQs
Apple Watch Series 6
Q: Is the Apple Watch Series 6 still a good option in 2024?
A: While it’s a few generations old, the Series 6 offers excellent health features, including blood oxygen monitoring and ECG, making it a reliable and affordable choice.
RBC Apple Watch
Q: Does RBC offer financing or rewards for Apple Watch purchases?
A: RBC often provides financing options and reward points for Apple Watch purchases through their credit card programs. Check with RBC for current offers.
Apple Watch Bands
Q: Are Apple Watch bands interchangeable across all models?
A: Yes, most bands are interchangeable between models of the same case size (e.g., 41mm or 45mm).
Apple Watch 9
Q: What are the standout features of the Apple Watch Series 9?
A: The Series 9 introduces the S9 SiP chip, double-tap gesture, 64GB storage, and a brighter display, making it a significant upgrade.
Apple Watch 10
Q: When is the Apple Watch Series 10 expected?
A: Apple typically releases new models annually. Stay tuned for announcements around September.
Apple Watch Series 3
Q: Can the Apple Watch Series 3 run the latest WatchOS?
A: The Series 3 is no longer supported for updates beyond WatchOS 8, limiting its functionality compared to newer models.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
Q: What is the Apple Watch Ultra 3?
A: While details are speculative, the Ultra 3 is expected to target extreme sports enthusiasts with advanced durability and features.
How to Unpair Apple Watch
Q: How do I unpair my Apple Watch?
A: Open the Watch app on your iPhone, select your watch, and choose “Unpair Apple Watch.” Follow the on-screen instructions.
Apple Watch 8
Q: Is the Apple Watch 8 worth buying in 2024?
A: With many features similar to the Series 9, the Apple Watch 8 remains a solid choice, especially if you find it at a discounted price.
How to Reset Apple Watch
Q: How do I reset my Apple Watch?
A: Go to Settings > General > Reset on your watch. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings.” Ensure your data is backed up before resetting.
