Apple Watch Series 9 Might Finally Upgrade Processor: Same Chip as iPhone 13?

Apple Watch Series 9 might finally get its much-awaited upgrade, an entirely new processor, once it debuts later this year. It is reportedly based on the same chip on the iPhone 13 models, which also powers the non-Pro iPhone 14.

The Cupertino-based tech giant has been clinging to the same system-on-chip (SOC) for its wearables for several years.

Apple Watch Series 9 Processor Upgrade

But this time, things are about to change. As per Engadget, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg disclosed that the iPhone maker is reportedly gearing up to deliver a significant upgrade for the next-generation Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is likely to flaunt a "new processor," the journalist, who gives weekly updates on Apple stuff, told his subscribers in his recent "Power On" newsletter.

Apple has technically powered its watches with the same processor since 2020 when the Series 6 first saw the light of day. The Series 7, which hit the shelves in 2021, and the current Series 8, also feature the A13 Bionic-based chip.

Although the latest model rocks new features like crash detection and temperature sensor, it still runs on the same processor. Even the first-ever Apple Watch Ultra interestingly came with the old SOC, despite its additional functionalities like Depth Gauge.

But after its three-year run, the Cupertino giant plans to upgrade its next-generation Apple Watch. Gurman says that the Series 9 could introduce an A15 Bionic-based SOC, which first got the shimmer of the spotlight during the release of iPhone 13 models.

Here's What to Expect From the New A15 Bionic-Based Chip

According to XDA Developers, the Bloomberg journalist kept mum about the possible performance upgrades that the new processor might bring to the table. Instead, Gurman only revealed that it might be based on the A15 Bionic chip.

But despite that, Mac Rumors suggests that the processor upgrade offers improved speeds, leading to faster load times for the next-gen Apple Watch.

On top of that, the new chip could also bump up its overall efficiency, which should extend its battery life compared to its older siblings. And as such, the Series 9 could provide users a smoother performance. They might get to use it for several days without charging it.

Besides possible performance upgrades, it remains to be seen if the next Apple Watch will deliver new features. Meanwhile, the renowned tech firm has yet to announce its release date. It may take several months more before the Apple Watch Series 9 hits the market.