Is Apple Watch Series 9 Worth Buying in 2025
Introduction
The Apple Watch Series 9, released in 2023, brought notable improvements over its predecessors, including a faster S9 chip, brighter display, and new Double Tap gesture for hands-free controls. As of 2025, this model is still among the best smartwatches you can buy, and thanks to its Certified Refurbished price starting at $250, it’s a great deal for those who want a high-performance smartwatch at a lower cost.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Apple Watch Series 8 is also an excellent alternative, now available for $195 in the Certified Refurbished market. While it lacks some of the newer features of the Series 9, it still supports the latest watchOS version in 2025 and offers premium health-tracking capabilities at a lower price point.
So, is the Apple Watch Series 9 still worth buying in 2025? Or should you save money and go for the Series 8 instead? Let’s break it down.
About Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 introduced several advancements that refined the Apple Watch experience. It retains the iconic design of previous models but enhances usability, speed, and efficiency with key upgrades:
- S9 Chip – Delivers 30% faster processing compared to the S8 chip.
- Brighter Display – 2,000 nits peak brightness, double that of the Series 8, making it easier to see in sunlight.
- On-Device Siri – No need for an internet connection to use basic Siri commands, leading to faster responses.
- Double Tap Gesture – Control the watch with a quick tap of your index finger and thumb, making interactions more seamless.
- U2 Ultra-Wideband Chip – Offers more precise location tracking with the Find My app.
- 64GB Storage – Double the storage of Series 8, allowing more apps, music, and offline content.
With all these refinements, the Apple Watch Series 9 remains a top-tier smartwatch in 2025, offering longevity and performance improvements over earlier models.
Key Features of Apple Watch Series 9
1. S9 Chip – Faster and More Efficient
The S9 chip is a significant performance boost over the S8 chip in the Apple Watch Series 8. With a 30% faster GPU and improved energy efficiency, the watch operates smoothly even with demanding tasks like real-time fitness tracking and third-party apps.
2. Brighter Always-On Display
With 2,000 nits peak brightness, the Series 9’s Retina display is twice as bright as the Series 8 and four times brighter than the Series 7. This makes it much easier to read notifications, fitness stats, and time under direct sunlight.
3. Double Tap Gesture – Hands-Free Control
One of the most unique features introduced with the Apple Watch Series 9 is the Double Tap gesture. By tapping your index finger and thumb together, you can:
- ✅ Answer or end calls.
- ✅ Navigate menus.
- ✅ Control music playback.
- ✅ Stop timers or alarms.
This is an incredibly useful feature for situations where touching the screen isn’t practical, such as when exercising or cooking.
4. On-Device Siri – Faster and More Reliable
Unlike previous models that required an internet connection for Siri, the Series 9 features on-device Siri processing for faster and more reliable voice commands. This means you can set timers, launch workouts, or control smart home devices instantly without needing Wi-Fi or cellular.
5. U2 Ultra-Wideband Chip – Improved Location Tracking
The Apple Watch Series 9 includes an updated Ultra-Wideband (U2) chip, which offers better Find My tracking, allowing you to locate your iPhone with extreme precision, even indoors.
Performance and Software Support
One of the biggest advantages of buying an Apple Watch Series 9 in 2025 is its long-term software support.
- ✅ Expected watchOS Updates Until 2030+ – Apple typically supports its smartwatches for at least seven years, meaning the Series 9 will continue receiving updates for years to come.
- ✅ watchOS 11 & Beyond – The Series 9 is optimized for the latest watchOS versions, ensuring continued feature support and security updates.
- ✅ Future-Proofing – If you're looking for a smartwatch that won’t feel outdated anytime soon, the Series 9 is the best investment.
By comparison, the Apple Watch Series 8 will also continue receiving updates, but likely for a shorter period than the Series 9.
Cheaper Alternative – Apple Watch Series 8
If you're on a budget but still want a powerful smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 8 is a fantastic alternative. As of 2025, Certified Refurbished Series 8 models start at just $195, making it $55 cheaper than the Series 9 while still offering premium features.
Key Differences Between Apple Watch Series 8 & 9
- ✅ Same Display Size & Design – The Series 8 and Series 9 have identical 41mm and 45mm Retina displays.
- ✅ watchOS Updates Until 2029+ – The Series 8 is still receiving software updates, making it a future-proof choice.
- ✅ S8 vs. S9 Chip – While the Series 9 is 30% faster, the Series 8 is still very capable, handling fitness tracking, notifications, and apps with ease.
- ✅ No Double Tap Gesture – The Series 8 lacks the Double Tap feature introduced in the Series 9.
- ✅ No U2 Ultra-Wideband Chip – The Series 8 has the U1 chip instead of the U2, meaning less precise location tracking.
At $195 in the Certified Refurbished market, the Apple Watch Series 8 offers 95% of the features of the Series 9 but at a lower price. If you're not concerned about the latest processor or Double Tap gestures, this is the best budget-friendly Apple Watch in 2025.
Specs Comparison – Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Apple Watch Series 8
If you're debating between the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 8, comparing them side by side can help you decide.
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Series 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2023 | 2022 |
| Software Support | Expected updates until 2030+ | Expected updates until 2029+ |
| Processor | S9 (30% faster than S8) | S8 |
| Display | 1.69" (41mm) / 1.9" (45mm) Retina | 1.69" (41mm) / 1.9" (45mm) Retina |
| Brightness | 2,000 nits peak brightness (2x brighter) | 1,000 nits peak brightness |
| Double Tap Gesture | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Ultra-Wideband Chip | U2 (better Find My tracking) | U1 |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Fast Charging | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Health Sensors | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Temperature, Heart Rate | ECG, Blood Oxygen, Temperature, Heart Rate |
| Storage | 64GB | 32GB |
| Certified Refurbished Price (2025) | Starts at $250 | Starts at $195 |
✅ Verdict: The Apple Watch Series 9 is the better buy for future-proofing, performance, and new features. However, for those on a tighter budget, the Apple Watch Series 8 still delivers a premium experience at a lower price.
Price and Availability in 2025
If you're looking for the best deal on an Apple Watch, here’s how pricing compares in the Certified Refurbished market in 2025:
| Model | Certified Refurbished Starting Price (2025) |
|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 6 | $140 |
| Apple Watch Series 7 | $160 |
| Apple Watch Series 8 | $195 |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | $250 |
Availability Notes
- 🔹 Limited Stock – Since Apple Watches hold their value, older models sell out quickly. If you're considering the Series 9 or Series 8, it’s best to buy sooner rather than later to avoid price increases.
- 🔹 Price Fluctuations – Prices may vary based on condition, demand, and availability. The Series 8 is more budget-friendly, but the Series 9 is the better long-term investment due to longer software support.
Which one should you buy? If you want the latest Apple Watch with the best performance and features, the Series 9 is worth it at $250. However, if you want similar features for less, the Series 8 at $195 is an incredible value in 2025.
Where to Buy
If you're looking to buy an Apple Watch Series 9 or Series 8 at the best price in 2025, it's important to know where to shop for a reliable, high-quality device.
1. Certified Refurbished Marketplaces (Best Option)
For secure purchases with warranty coverage, we recommend Certified Refurbished platforms like:
- ✅ Apple Certified Refurbished – Directly from Apple, but prices are usually higher.
- ✅ UpTrade – Offers market-low prices from Certified Professional Resellers with transparent condition ratings.
- ✅ Amazon Renewed & Best Buy – Trusted sources, but inventory can be limited.
💡 Why Choose Certified Refurbished?
- ✔ Thoroughly tested for battery life, display, and functionality.
- ✔ Comes with a warranty, ensuring peace of mind.
- ✔ Guaranteed working condition, unlike standard used devices.
2. Retailers Offering New or Open-Box Apple Watches
If you prefer a brand-new Apple Watch, consider:
- ✔ Apple Store – Full retail price with an official warranty.
- ✔ Best Buy / Target / Walmart – Sometimes offer discounted open-box models.
3. Avoid Secondary Marketplaces (High Risk)
We do not recommend buying from:
- ❌ eBay / Craigslist / Facebook Marketplace – High risk of scams, fake listings, and unreliable battery life.
- ❌ Unauthorized third-party sellers – No guarantee of condition, authenticity, or software updates.
💡 Best Tip:
For the lowest price on a Certified Refurbished Apple Watch, check out UpTrade, where you can compare Series 9 and Series 8 prices from trusted sellers.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 9 is absolutely worth buying in 2025. As Apple’s latest smartwatch, it offers:
- ✅ Blazing-fast S9 chip for 30% better performance.
- ✅ Double Tap Gesture for hands-free convenience.
- ✅ Brighter display with 2,000 nits of peak brightness.
- ✅ Long-term software support (expected through 2030+).
At $250 in the Certified Refurbished market, the Series 9 is a fantastic investment for those who want future-proof technology and the best Apple Watch experience.
However, if you're on a budget, the Apple Watch Series 8 at $195 is still a powerful smartwatch with most of the same features. While it lacks the S9 chip and Double Tap, it remains an excellent value in 2025.
👉 Final Verdict:
- 💡 Buy the Series 9 if you want the best performance and long-term updates.
- 💡 Buy the Series 8 if you want a nearly identical experience for $55 less.
For the best deals on Certified Refurbished Apple Watches, explore UpTrade, where you can find trusted sellers, transparent pricing, and quality assurance.
About UpTrade
At UpTrade, we make it safe and easy to buy Certified Refurbished Apple Watches, MacBooks, iPhones, and more at the lowest market prices.
Why Buy from UpTrade?
- ✔ Certified Devices Only – No risks of buying from unknown sellers.
- ✔ Market-Low Prices – Get better deals than major retailers.
- ✔ Quality Guarantee – Every device is inspected, tested, and rated.
- ✔ Warranty & Returns – Shop with confidence knowing you’re covered.
By choosing Certified Refurbished from UpTrade, you save money and the environment while still getting top-tier Apple products.
🚀 Start saving today and find the best deals on Apple Watch Series 9 & Series 8 at UpTrade!
