I will say I’m already trying to figure out how to not have my ultra2 go dim at night, I do need the brightness myself, and I love the features.

Don’t have a frame of reference, this is my first Apple Watch. Went ultra for the bigger screen and better battery myself. Loving it so far!

The se is 109 dollars. I’d start there and if you like it, upgrade in a few years.

I chose the 8 a week ago, due to the 9 simply not having enough new in comparison the 8. Might as well save the money and spend them on peripherals. Next year, we’ll see what the X/10 has to offer.

If you will use double tap and/or dictate a lot of texts to Siri, I’d say the 9 is worth it for you! I will also say that due to Apple’s annual release cycle for the watch, they really focus on one or two features every year, so if a new feature doesn’t excite you, the last years model sis basically the same. This year did include a chip upgrade, which facilitates the better integrated double-tap and on-board Siri. Going back to the 6, it got a new chip, S7 got a new screen, S8 got (moon) cycle tracking, so the 7 and 8 are basically the same to me(n).

I tend to buy older refurbished electronics lately, and that allowed me to afford a gold stainless sterl S7 for less than the holiday sale pricing of an aluminum 8 right now. So if you think you might like the nicer finish/durability of stainless or titanium case over the double-tap and Siri of the 9, maybe I might suggest budgeting more for the case than the newer model?

SE2 works great for most people

I bought my S6 a few months back and I’m super happy, but I already knew it mostly use the tracking functions and time. I don’t know what I’d use a double tap for, but if you think you really need it then go for it I guess, but older apple watches are just fine too tbh.

I guess the tap is nice instead of having to use our nose like every other person, and yes just get the 9 and you won’t regret it

I would get the Apple Watch Series 9 if I could afford it

The series 8 and 9 are the same size. I would check out Apple’s site for refurbished ones, you can get a good deal on a refurb (essentially new) one there. Just got a 45mm Series 8 for $320.

I bought an s9 as my first AW, was largely swayed by double tap as a new exclusive feature. But when I tried it out I was quite disappointed, it didn’t work well for me and it wasn’t quite how I imagined (ie you can’t have your watch by your side and double tap to pause music).

I returned the S9 and am trying out a refurb s8 now. Still feeling out if that was the right choice, it was certainly a lot cheaper though.

It’s not that much brighter after time you won’t notice a thing. I think as a first one and if you want to save money buy series 7 used. They are sooooo cheap now and still plenty of life in them and exactly the same functionality except double touch and temperature sensor that’s it. Don’t go lower as it’s not the best for battery life,was memory, problems with updates and slow charging. I’m using series 7 fine refuse to upgrade as there is no difference for me to spend money on the same thing it just doesn’t make a sense. The whole watch even looks the same …. I was so hyped for event and now do disappointed

I feel like you might as well get the latest and greatest when it comes to tech, tech stuff gets outdated so quickly! Says the person who still had a series 3 watch haha

If you can wait till next year then wait. It’s rumored to be a big redesign with a new band system , making the old ones obsolete .

You can get a refurbished series 7 for cheap now also. The assistive touch which was replaced by the finger tap is good enough . Apple Watch power users have been using that feature for years

Just to be clear, because sometimes it really isn’t obvious, but you do use an iPhone that supports iOS 17?

I never had a smartwatch before. Got myself an ultra2. Just for size and design. My wife has the series 9 in 45mm. Also first smartwatch.

I was a bit hesitant but after a while I started loving it. It’s almost essential now.