Weibo leaker “Instant Digital” claims the Apple Watch Series 9 will be “basically unchanged” compared to the current model, other than a performance boost from the wearable’s S9 chip.
In a post shared earlier today, the leaker said we can expect the Apple Watch Series 9 to be a minor upgrade. The refresh will apparently focus on an update of the device’s S-series chip, which should provide a notable performance improvement. However, the rest of the device will basically be the same as the Apple Watch Series 8.
The S6, S7, and S8 chips Apple has used in previous Apple Watch models all feature 32GB of storage and dual-core CPUs with the identifier T8301. The S6, S7, and S8 are based on Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, which was used in the iPhone 11 lineup, and manufactured using TSMC’s 7nm process.
Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman has said the S9 chip will be based on the A15 Bionic chip. The new chip should bring significantly improved performance and efficiency. This should improve both app launching and also possibly improving battery life. The S9 chip is also expected to be used in the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra, which will also debut later this year.
Earlier this week, another leaker said the Apple Watch Series 9 will be available in a new pink color option for the aluminum model. Leaker ShrimpApplePro also said the Series 9 will feature the same design as the current Apple Watch Series 8 and will be available in 41mm and 45mm case sizes.
The leaker also said that the second-generation Apple Watch Ultra will be available in a black titanium case option, repeating previous comments from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The Ultra will also be offered in its current “Natural” titanium finish, says the leaker.