# Apple Watch Series 9: All You Should Know
The **Apple Watch Series 9** was revealed at Apple’s **Wonderlust event** in September 2023. While it features a design similar to previous models, it brings significant enhancements, such as a **new S9 chip**, a **brighter display**, and **carbon-neutral options**. Nevertheless, the smartwatch encountered a **temporary sales prohibition in the US** due to a patent conflict.
Here’s everything you should be aware of regarding the **Apple Watch Series 9**, covering its **features, specifications, pricing, and availability**.
—
## **Apple Watch Series 9 Sales Ban in the US**
In December 2023, Apple indicated the potential need to **cease sales** of the Apple Watch Series 9 in the US due to a **legal contention** with Masimo, a company focused on medical technologies. The **US International Trade Commission (ITC)** determined that Apple had violated two of Masimo’s **blood oxygen patents**.
– **December 18, 2023:** Apple temporarily halted sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the US.
– **January 2024:** A US Appeals Court **suspended the import prohibition**, permitting sales to restart.
– **January 18, 2024:** The court **rejected Apple’s appeal**, compelling the firm to **eliminate the blood oxygen feature** from new units sold in the US.
– **2028:** Apple might reinstate the **blood oxygen monitoring feature** once the patent expires.
At present, customers can still acquire **Apple Watch Series 9 models featuring blood oxygen tracking** from third-party sellers such as **Amazon, Walmart, and Target**.
—
## **Design and Display**
The **Apple Watch Series 9** keeps the same **41mm and 45mm case sizes** as the Series 8 and Series 7. However, it presents a **brighter display** with a peak brightness of **2,000 nits**, making it more readable in bright sunlight.
### **Colors Available**
– **Aluminum Models:** Starlight, Midnight, Silver, (PRODUCT)RED, and Pink
– **Stainless Steel Models:** Gold, Silver, and Graphite
—
## **Apple’s First Carbon-Neutral Device**
The Apple Watch Series 9 serves as Apple’s **initial carbon-neutral device**, aligning with the company’s **Apple 2030** environmental aspirations.
– **100% clean energy** used for both manufacturing and product usage
– **30% of materials** sourced from recycled or renewable origins
– **50% reduction in air transport emissions**
For a **carbon-neutral Apple Watch**, customers must select an **aluminum model paired with a Sport Loop band**.
—
## **Performance: Enhanced S9 Chip and U2 Ultra Wideband Chip**
The **S9 SiP (System in Package)** is Apple’s most advanced Apple Watch chip to date, delivering **enhanced performance and greater efficiency**.
### **Notable Features of the S9 Chip**
– **Double Tap Gesture:** Users can operate the watch by tapping their **thumb and index finger** together twice.
– **On-Device Siri:** Siri commands are processed directly on the watch, resulting in **quicker and safer** interactions.
– **Enhanced Brightness:** The new chip provides **twice the brightness** while ensuring **all-day battery longevity**.
### **Second-Generation Ultra Wideband (UWB) Chip**
– **Precision Finding for iPhone 15:** Assists in locating a misplaced iPhone with **haptic feedback and visual cues**.
– **HomePod Feature:** Automatically activates **Now Playing** when in proximity to a HomePod.
—
## **Health and Fitness Functions**
Although the **Apple Watch Series 9** does not bring new health sensors, it still includes a **wide array of health-tracking capabilities**.
### **Health Monitoring Sensors**
– **Heart Rate Monitoring** (alerts for high and low heart rates)
– **ECG App** (identifies irregular heart rhythms)
– **Temperature Monitoring** (for cycle tracking and sleep analytics)
– **Fall Detection & Crash Detection**
– **Blood Oxygen Monitoring** (not present in the new US models)
### **New Sleep Apnea Detection (watchOS 11.1 Update)**
In **watchOS 11.1**, Apple introduced **sleep apnea detection**, using the watch’s **accelerometer and heart rate sensors** to monitor breathing irregularities.
– The **FDA endorsed** this function in 2024.
– Available in **the US and Canada**, with additional regions expected to follow.
—
## **Battery Life and Charging**
Apple Watch Series 9 offers an **18-hour battery life** (extending to 36 hours in Low Power Mode). It also includes **fast charging**, enabling users
