The release of the Apple Watch Series 8 was underwhelming, as it didn’t offer significant upgrades compared to the Apple Watch Series 7. The new features included a newer-generation S8 chip and a body temperature sensor, which has limited use cases. However, for those upgrading from older models, the Series 8 was still a worthwhile improvement.

The upcoming release of the Apple Watch Series 9 is expected to be unveiled in the fall, along with the iPhone 15. While there is no confirmed information on the Series 9, there are several features that enthusiasts are hoping for. One particular feature that has been long-awaited is currently uncertain if it is feasible this year. Nevertheless, it remains on top of the wishlist for many Apple Watch fans. A recent report indicates that Apple may have reached a significant milestone that could make this feature a reality sooner rather than later.

As per a February 2023 report from Bloomberg, Apple engineers have developed a proof of concept for noninvasive blood glucose monitoring technology that uses “silicone photonics” and “optical absorption spectroscopy” to measure glucose levels. The technology involves using lasers to emit specific wavelengths of light into the skin, where interstitial fluid with glucose can be absorbed, and the reflected light is detected by a sensor on a wearable like the Apple Watch to determine glucose concentration. Apple is collaborating with TSMC to produce silicon photonic chips for this technology.

It is important to note that this is only a proof of concept, and it is unlikely that it will be included in the Apple Watch Series 9 this year. However, there have been significant advancements in this area, and it is hopeful to see it in future models. As the writer is still using an Apple Watch Series 5, the development of better blood glucose monitoring technology has been a long-awaited feature.

Longer battery life

The Apple Watch Series 8 has always been a one-day smartwatch, but with the Apple Watch Ultra getting approximately twice the battery life, shouldn’t Apple try to do better? In the review of the Apple Watch Series 8 by Mobile Editor Joe Maring, he typically had 30% to 40% battery left at the end of the day, and after tracking sleep, there would be around 23% battery left.

The Series 8 has fast charging speeds, allowing you to go from zero to 80% in about 45 minutes, so if your battery is low, it doesn’t take long to get it back to full. Nonetheless, it would be great to see Apple extend the battery life a bit with the Series 9, not necessarily to the impressive 36-plus hours of the Apple Watch Ultra, but maybe to somewhere in the 20-plus-hour range. This would at least eliminate the need to charge it by the end of the day.

A focus on scratch-resistant glass

Apple has always emphasized the crack-resistant features of its iPhone and Apple Watch devices, highlighting the Ceramic Shield on the iPhone and the Ion-X or sapphire crystal displays on the aluminum or stainless steel Apple Watches. However, the focus on scratch resistance has been less pronounced. Even though Apple claims that the Ceramic Shield is both crack- and scratch-resistant, some users have reported scratches on their iPhone 12 Pro.

To prevent such issues, some have resorted to using screen protectors. While some Apple Watch models, such as the titanium Apple Watch Series 5, have proven to be relatively scratch-free, newer aluminum Apple Watch models may not be as scratch-resistant.

For the upcoming Apple Watch Series 9, users are hoping for better scratch-resistance and improved durability against cracking. While the Apple Watch Ultra has received more attention in terms of durability, consumers are looking forward to seeing more durability enhancements in the Series 9.

Improved security with biometrics

At present, Apple Watch users can only secure their devices with a passcode, either simple or more complex. The Apple Watch can also be unlocked by an iPhone in proximity, and the Wrist Detection feature ensures that the device stays locked when not being worn if a passcode has been enabled.

While these features are functional, there is room for improvement. Users are always on the lookout for more secure methods of authentication, and one way Apple could enhance security on the Apple Watch is by incorporating biometrics. For example, a Touch ID sensor located in the Digital Crown or side button would be an excellent addition.

Passcodes are not foolproof, and iPhones currently offer either Touch ID or Face ID as an extra layer of protection. Incorporating biometrics on the Apple Watch would provide an additional level of security, and users would have the option to enable it or not.

Better body temperature sensors

Apple has introduced body temperature sensors in its Apple Watch Series 8. However, the sensors have limited functionality. Although the temperature sensors can be used by anyone, their primary purpose is to assist with ovulation tracking for family planning. As a result, only around half of the population will find this feature helpful.

Apart from cycle tracking, users can monitor their body temperature by wearing the Series 8 for at least five days to establish a baseline, and then accessing the Wrist Temperature section in the Health app.

However, as noted in reviews, while the temperature metrics are interesting, Apple does not provide any guidance on interpreting the data. The temperature data only indicates how many degrees higher or lower a person’s temperature is compared to the established baseline. It can be challenging for the average user to determine what actions to take with this information.

Looking ahead, it is hoped that Apple will introduce better temperature sensors in the Series 9, including the ability to display actual temperature in numbers, or even provide assistance in determining if changes in temperature are indicative of illness.

A brighter display

The Apple Watch Series 8 has an always-on Retina display with a brightness of up to 1000 nits. However, the Apple Watch Ultra offers a brighter display with 2000 nits brightness, highlighting a significant difference between the two models.

Even though I do not have the Series 8, my Series 5 also has a 1000 nits brightness, and I can find it difficult to read the display in bright sunlight. Therefore, I believe that Apple should increase the brightness further on the Apple Watch Series 9. While it may not need to be double the brightness of the Series 8, increasing it to around 1500 nits would be a welcome improvement. By doing so, users will be able to read their Apple Watch display much more easily, even in bright sunlight.