Apple Watch Series 9 Could be Powered by New A15-Based Processor

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple’s upcoming Apple Watch Series 9, which will debut this fall, is expected to boast a new processor based on the A15 chip that Apple first used in its iPhone 13 lineup. Gurman shared the information through his new Power On Discord channel.

The current Apple Watch Series 8 uses a two-year-old S8 chip, which, along with the S7 in the Apple Watch Series 7 before it, is merely a repackaged version of the S6 that debuted in the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020, and it does not provide any performance or battery improvements.

Gurman says the Apple Watch Series 9 chip will be a “new processor,” and when asked whether the new chip would be based on the A15 chip he replied that would indeed be the case.

A chip based on A15 technology would likely provide improved performance and efficiency improvements for Apple Watch Series 9 users. The new chip should bring quicker load times for apps and data, while also offering improved battery life.

The new chip will likely be required for some of the new and improved features we can expect from watchOS 10. Apple is rumored to be working on an overhaul of the watchOS 10 interface, focusing on a new widget system.

Most analysts expect that the Apple Watch Series 9’s design will be mostly similar to the design of the Apple Watch Series 8, with no major design changes. However, if Gurman’s information is accurate, we should see a speed boost thanks to the new and more powerful A15-based chip.

As for the changes in the watchOS 10 layout, the anonymous Twitter account @analyst941 says the new layout will be much easier to navigate than the current grid and list views and the new operating system will have additional iOS-like features, including app folders. The tweeter isn’t sure if the new layout will be available as a third option or will simply replace the grid display as the default display option.

@analyst941 also said that Apple is working on allowing users to pair their Apple Watch with multiple Apple devices, including their iPad or Mac, as well as pairing it with their iPhone. While an Apple Watch can currently be paired only to a single iPhone, it is possible to pair more than one Apple Watch with a single iPhone.

Once an Apple Watch is paired to an iPhone, it can then be used by the user to unlock their Mac computer, as well as authenticate passwords and apps, and authorize Apple Pay transactions. Apple Watch owners can also use the wearable with an iPad or Apple TV logged into the same Apple ID to track Fitness+ workout routines on a larger screen.

Gurman said in April that watchOS 10 will be the biggest Apple Watch software update since the first version of the OS was released in 2015. Gurman has also predicted that watchOS 10 will be a “major” update with “bigger enhancements” and an “updated interface.”

Apple is expected to show off watchOS 10 alongside iOS 17, iPadOS 17, macOS 14, and tvOS 17 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) Keynote on June 5th.

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]