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Apple Watch Series 9 is still a fast, capable smartwatch in 2026, with ECG, temperature sensing, an always-on display, 64GB of storage, and current watchOS support. It is no longer the default best buy, however: buy a Series 9 refurbished or used only when its price is substantially below a Series 10 and its battery health is verified.

That distinction matters because the Series 9 is a 2023 premium model that Apple no longer sells as part of its main retail lineup. The hardware remains modern; the value equation has changed.

Key takeaways

  • Apple Watch Series 9 remains compatible with watchOS 27 as of August 2026, although Apple has not guaranteed a fixed number of future major updates.
  • The Series 9 has ECG, temperature sensing, a third-generation optical heart sensor, Crash Detection, Fall Detection, and sleep-apnea notifications where supported.
  • Apple rates Series 9 battery life at up to 18 hours normally or 36 hours in Low Power Mode, but battery health is the most important variable on a used unit.
  • A refurbished Series 9 becomes attractive when it is substantially cheaper than a Series 10; paying nearly the same price for the older watch is poor value.
  • The Apple Watch SE 3 is the better new budget choice for notifications, fitness, sleep, and safety features when ECG is not required.
  • Apple Watch Series 11 is the safer long-term purchase for buyers who want a new watch, a fresh battery, and the longest likely support runway.

What is Apple Watch Series 9 like in 2026?

Apple Watch Series 9 is still leading among discounted older Apple Watches, but it is not leading the entire 2026 Apple Watch market. The Series 9 remains responsive, feature-rich, and supported, while its discontinued status, aging battery, and newer alternatives make the purchase dependent on price.

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Apple introduced Series 9 in September 2023 at a U.S. starting price of $399. Its important upgrades included the S9 SiP, 64GB of storage, on-device Siri, Double Tap, a brighter display, and updated health sensors. Apple’s Series 9 launch announcement documents those original specifications and pricing.

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Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + LTE) 45MM Midnight Aluminum Case Black Sport Band (Renewed)
  • S9 SiP Processor: Advanced processor improves overall performance and enables on-device Siri functionality.

In August 2026, the sensible question is not simply whether Series 9 is good. The useful question is whether the specific Series 9 listing is cheap enough, clean enough, and healthy enough to justify buying an older discontinued wearable.

What are the Apple Watch Series 9 specifications?

Category Apple Watch Series 9
Introduced September 2023
Case sizes 41mm and 45mm
Case depth 10.7mm
Processor S9 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor
Neural engine Four-core Neural Engine
Storage 64GB
Display Always-on Retina LTPO OLED
Brightness Up to 2,000 nits; minimum brightness of 1 nit
Health sensors ECG, third-generation optical heart sensor, temperature sensing, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient-light sensor
Navigation sensors Compass and always-on altimeter
Battery rating Up to 18 hours of normal use
Low Power Mode rating Up to 36 hours
Fast charging Up to 80% in approximately 45 minutes
Water and dust resistance 50-meter water resistance under ISO 22810:2010 and IP6X dust resistance
Minimum listed iPhone iPhone XS or later
Minimum listed software iOS 17 or later and watchOS 10 or later for the listed compatibility baseline
Software status in August 2026 Compatible with watchOS 26 and watchOS 27

These specifications come from Apple’s Apple Watch Series 9 technical specifications, with software compatibility also confirmed through Apple’s Apple Watch and iPhone compatibility information and Apple’s later watchOS 27 compatibility clarification reported by MacRumors.

How does the Series 9 design and display hold up?

The Series 9 keeps Apple’s familiar rounded-square design in 41mm and 45mm cases. The design is comfortable for everyday wear, sleep tracking, and workouts, and the established Apple Watch band ecosystem makes replacements and size-matching straightforward.

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Apple sold Series 9 in aluminum and stainless-steel versions. Aluminum models use lighter Ion-X glass, while stainless-steel models use more scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The trade-off is weight: approximate aluminum case weights range from 31.9g for the 41mm GPS model to 39.0g for the 45mm GPS + Cellular model. Stainless-steel versions are heavier and typically cost more on the secondary market.

The always-on LTPO OLED Retina display remains one of the Series 9’s strongest features. Its rated maximum brightness of 2,000 nits is particularly useful for outdoor workouts, bright-sun notifications, maps, and visible complications. A 1-nit minimum brightness also makes the display less intrusive in dark rooms.

Ion-X glass is a reasonable durability compromise, but aluminum Series 9 models are more vulnerable to scratches than stainless-steel models with sapphire crystal. Inspect a used screen carefully for scratches, cracks, dead pixels, touch problems, and signs of impact before buying.

Series 9 has 50-meter water resistance under Apple’s stated standard, not waterproofing. The rating is intended for activities such as ordinary swimming under appropriate conditions, not diving, high-impact water sports, or careless use of an old or damaged watch. Water resistance can decline after physical damage, aging, or repair.

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Is Apple Watch Series 9 still fast enough?

Yes. The S9 SiP keeps Series 9 fast enough for notifications, apps, workouts, Apple Pay, music, navigation, and normal watchOS use. The four-core Neural Engine also enables features such as on-device Siri and Double Tap.

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Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant
  • A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
  • KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
  • GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
  • SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
  • A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.

The practical difference between a healthy Series 9 and a Series 8 is not a dramatic change in every tap. Series 9 feels like a refined, modern Apple Watch rather than a completely different class of device. The S9 matters most for continued software support and features that depend on newer processing hardware.

What do on-device Siri and Double Tap do?

On-device Siri can handle certain requests without sending the request to the internet, including logging supported health information. That is useful for recording a workout or health entry while away from a network, although Siri’s capabilities still depend on the request and software context.

Double Tap lets a user perform supported actions by tapping the index finger and thumb together on the watch-wearing hand. The gesture is convenient when the other hand is occupied, but Double Tap is not, by itself, a compelling reason for a Series 8 owner to upgrade.

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Series 9 also includes 64GB of storage. The capacity is generous for apps, music, podcasts, and offline content, and it reduces the storage pressure found on older Apple Watch generations.

What health and fitness features does Series 9 include?

Apple Watch Series 9 includes the premium health and fitness features most buyers expect from a mainstream Apple Watch. The feature set includes:

  • ECG readings through the ECG app.
  • High- and low-heart-rate notifications and irregular-rhythm notifications.
  • A third-generation optical heart sensor.
  • Temperature sensing and Cycle Tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates.
  • Sleep stages, sleep tracking, Medications, and sleep-apnea notifications where available.
  • Workout tracking, heart-rate zones, custom workouts, multisport workouts, and running metrics.
  • Noise monitoring, compass, always-on altimeter, Backtrack, and waypoint features.
  • Fall Detection and Crash Detection.

Apple’s Series 9 feature notes and technical specifications explain the hardware and the availability qualifications attached to these functions.

These features provide measurements, trends, notifications, and screening-related information; they are not a medical diagnosis system. Do not describe Apple Watch as detecting heart attacks, diagnosing sleep apnea, or replacing a clinician. ECG, irregular-rhythm notifications, cycle features, and sleep-apnea notifications can vary by country, region, age, device configuration, software, and regulatory approval. Check Apple’s watchOS feature-availability list if a specific health function matters to the purchase.

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Is Series 9 battery life good enough for sleep tracking?

Apple rates Apple Watch Series 9 for up to 18 hours of normal use, up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode, and up to 80% charge in approximately 45 minutes. Those are Apple’s test-condition ratings, not a guarantee for every combination of cellular use, workouts, brightness, temperature, and battery age.

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Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] Silver Aluminum Case with Storm Blue Sport Band S/M (Renewed)
  • WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 9 — Your essential companion for a healthy life is now even more powerful. The S9 chip enables a superbright display and a magical new way to quickly and easily interact with your Apple Watch without touching the screen. Advanced health, safety, and activity features provide powerful insights and help when you need it. And redesigned apps in watchOS give you more information at a glance.
  • CARBON NEUTRAL — An aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 paired with the latest Sport Loop is carbon neutral. Learn more about Apple’s commitment to the environment at apple.com/2030.
  • ADVANCED HEALTH FEATURES — Keep an eye on your blood oxygen. Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications if you have an irregular heart rhythm. See how much time you spent in REM, Core, or Deep sleep with sleep stages. Temperature sensing provides insights into overall wellbeing and cycle tracking. And take note of your state of mind to help build emotional awareness and resilience.
  • A POWERFUL FITNESS PARTNER — The Workout app gives you a range of ways to train plus advanced metrics for more insights about your workout performance. And Apple Watch comes with three months of Apple Fitness+ free.
  • INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES — Fall Detection and Crash Detection can connect you with emergency services in the event of a hard fall or a severe car crash. And Emergency SOS lets you call for help with the press of a button.

For a new or healthy unit, the charging speed makes overnight tracking practical: charge while getting ready or showering, wear the watch overnight, then charge again during a morning routine. A used Series 9 is different. Maximum battery capacity may have declined enough to make workouts, cellular use, and sleep tracking compete for the same limited runtime.

How do you check a used Series 9 battery?

  1. Open Settings on the Apple Watch.
  2. Tap Battery.
  3. Tap Battery Health.
  4. Check Maximum Capacity.
  5. Look for service warnings and ask whether the watch loses charge unusually quickly during workouts or overnight.
Maximum capacity Buying interpretation
90% or higher Generally attractive if the price and condition are good.
85–89% Acceptable with a meaningful discount.
Below 85% Buy only at a substantial discount and budget for eventual service.
Unknown Treat the battery as a risk, especially on a private marketplace listing.

These battery thresholds are editorial buying guidance, not Apple’s official pass/fail standards. Apple’s battery-health guidance explains where to find battery information and why service decisions depend on the exact model, region, damage, and service provider. Do not assume one universal battery-service price.

What iPhone and software does Series 9 require?

Apple Watch Series 9 requires an iPhone XS or later with iOS 17 or later under Apple’s listed compatibility information. Apple Watch is not compatible with Android phones.

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As of August 18, 2026, Series 9 supports watchOS 26 and is compatible with watchOS 27. Series 9 was initially omitted from an Apple-published watchOS 27 compatibility list, but Apple confirmed compatibility after that omission. Current-generation Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3 models have a newer baseline requirement of iPhone 11 or later with iOS 26 or later.

Series 9’s current support is a meaningful advantage, but current support is not an indefinite promise. Apple has not guaranteed a fixed number of future major watchOS releases, so buyers should regard Series 9 as supported but aging rather than as a new long-term investment.

Should you buy Series 9 or Series 10?

Series 10 is the most important comparison for a Series 9 buyer because it is newer without changing the basic Apple Watch experience. Choose Series 10 when the price difference is small; choose Series 9 when the discount is large enough to compensate for the older battery and shorter expected support runway.

Decision factor Series 9 Series 10
Typical purchase channel in 2026 Used or refurbished New or refurbished
Age Introduced September 2023 Newer generation
Performance class S9 SiP, 64GB storage, Double Tap, on-device Siri Newer hardware and Apple Watch refinements
Display and case 41mm or 45mm; up to 2,000 nits; 10.7mm depth Thinner and lighter design with larger display options
Charging Up to 80% in about 45 minutes Faster charging and newer hardware
Health and outdoor features ECG, temperature sensing, compass, altimeter, safety features Newer display and hardware refinements, with some water-related capabilities depending on configuration
Main buying risk Battery condition, seller quality, discontinued status Higher price
Best choice when prices are close No Yes

Apple’s official Series 9, Series 10, and Series 11 comparison should be used for exact differences because case material, size, region, and software can change feature availability.

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How does Series 9 compare with Series 11?

Series 11 is the safer long-term purchase for someone buying new. Series 11 offers a new battery, current warranty, newer hardware, and the longest likely support runway among the mainstream choices, although Apple has not promised a specific support duration.

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Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS, 45mm] - Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band, S/M (Renewed)
  • S9 SiP Processor: Advanced processor improves overall performance and enables on-device Siri functionality.
Buy Series 9 if… Buy Series 11 if…
You find a clean refurbished or used unit at a steep discount. You want a new watch with a fresh battery and warranty.
You need ECG and the more advanced health-sensor package for less money. You want the safest long-term purchase.
You are upgrading from Series 6, 7, or 8 and accept a discontinued model. You value current design and incremental hardware improvements.
The standard Apple Watch battery routine is acceptable. You prefer to minimize battery-condition uncertainty.

Series 11 is not necessarily a radically faster day-to-day experience than Series 9. The stronger reasons to choose Series 11 are newness, battery condition, warranty, current hardware, and expected support runway. Apple’s current Apple Watch lineup shows how Series 11 fits beside the SE and Ultra models.

Is Series 9 better than Apple Watch SE 3?

The Apple Watch SE 3 is the better new budget watch, while Series 9 is the better feature-rich watch when ECG and premium health sensors matter.

Feature or priority Series 9 SE 3
Processor S9 SiP S10 chip
Storage 64GB 64GB
Display Always-on OLED, up to 2,000 nits Always-on display
ECG Yes No
Temperature sensing Yes Yes
Safety Crash Detection and Fall Detection Crash Detection and Fall Detection
Battery rating Up to 18 hours 18 hours according to Apple’s technical specifications
New-device price signal Discontinued; depends on seller and condition Starts at $229 on Apple’s U.S. product page, observed in August 2026
Best for ECG and the fuller health-sensor package Basic fitness, notifications, sleep, safety, warranty, and lower cost

Apple’s SE 3 technical specifications list the S10 chip, 64GB storage, always-on display, 18-hour battery life, and the U.S. starting price signal. Choose SE 3 if ECG is not important and a new battery and warranty are worth more than Series 9’s additional sensors.

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Should you choose Series 9 or an Ultra?

Choose Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Ultra 3 instead of Series 9 when battery endurance, rugged construction, outdoor navigation, a larger display, and adventure-focused features matter more than compactness and price.

Series 9 is the better everyday watch for most people because it is thinner-looking, lighter in common aluminum configurations, available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, and easier to wear overnight. Ultra models are materially larger and more expensive. Buyers who do not need multi-day-style endurance, rugged outdoor hardware, or extensive cellular use should not pay the Ultra premium.

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What should you check before buying a used or refurbished Series 9?

A used Apple Watch purchase should be evaluated as a combination of watch price, battery condition, service risk, accessories, cellular costs, and return protection. The cheapest listing is not always the cheapest ownership option.

Used and refurbished buying checklist

  1. Check battery health: Use Settings > Battery > Battery Health and record Maximum Capacity.
  2. Confirm Activation Lock is removed: The seller must erase the watch and remove it from the previous owner’s Apple Account.
  3. Complete setup when possible: Pair the watch with your iPhone before accepting a private-sale purchase.
  4. Inspect the display: Check for cracks, deep scratches, dead pixels, touch failures, and uneven brightness.
  5. Inspect the case: Look for dents, corrosion, exposed seams, and evidence of water ingress or a previous repair.
  6. Verify the model: Confirm 41mm or 45mm size, aluminum or stainless steel, GPS or GPS + Cellular, and the included band.
  7. Check cellular status: Confirm carrier compatibility, activation eligibility, and whether the watch is tied to a carrier.
  8. Confirm the charger: A used watch may not include an Apple Watch magnetic fast charger.
  9. Prefer protection: A reputable refurbisher, documented inspection, warranty, and return window are worth paying for.
  10. Price the risk: Include tax, a missing charger, cellular activation, possible battery service, and warranty limitations in the comparison.

Why is Activation Lock so important?

Activation Lock can make a used Apple Watch unusable even when the watch appears to have been reset. The previous owner must remove the watch from their Apple Account; a seller’s statement that the watch is “reset” is not enough. Follow Apple’s Activation Lock removal instructions and verify setup with your own iPhone whenever possible.

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Is an Apple Certified Refurbished unit worth choosing?

An Apple Certified Refurbished unit is generally preferable to an unknown marketplace-refurbished watch when the prices are reasonably close because the buying channel, condition, return terms, and warranty are clearer. The programs are not automatically equivalent: “refurbished” on a marketplace does not mean Apple Certified Refurbished.

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Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant
  • A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
  • KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
  • GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
  • SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
  • A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.

An Apple Certified Refurbished Series 9 45mm GPS aluminum configuration was observed at $269 in the U.S. in August 2026. Treat that figure as a dated configuration-specific price signal, not a permanent Series 9 price. Compare the exact Series 9 listing with Series 10 pricing before checkout.

Who should buy Apple Watch Series 9?

Buyer Recommendation Reason
Value-focused buyer who needs ECG Buy Series 9 if discounted It provides premium health features for less than newer flagship models.
Buyer upgrading from Series 6, 7, or 8 Consider Series 9 The S9, 64GB storage, Double Tap, on-device Siri, and newer support position are meaningful upgrades.
Buyer wanting a new budget watch Choose SE 3 It offers a new battery, warranty, S10 chip, always-on display, and safety features.
Buyer wanting the longest likely support runway Choose Series 11 It is the current mainstream model with new hardware and battery.
Buyer comparing similarly priced models Choose Series 10 or Series 11 The newer watch better offsets battery age and discontinued status.
Runner, diver, or endurance-focused outdoor user Choose Ultra 2 or Ultra 3 The Ultra line is designed around larger battery capacity and rugged outdoor use.
Android-phone owner Do not buy Series 9 Apple Watch requires a compatible iPhone.

Should existing Series 9 owners upgrade?

Most existing Series 9 owners should keep the watch if battery health remains good, current watchOS runs smoothly, and the owner does not need a newer display size, faster charging, or specialized sensors.

Upgrade when the battery has deteriorated, sleep tracking no longer lasts overnight, the owner needs a newer feature unavailable on Series 9, or the owner wants to move to an Ultra for endurance and rugged outdoor use. Double Tap and on-device Siri are useful, but neither feature alone makes an immediate upgrade necessary for a healthy Series 9.

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Final verdict: is Apple Watch Series 9 still leading?

Apple Watch Series 9 is still one of the best older Apple Watches and remains a strong refurbished buy in 2026. The S9 processor, bright always-on display, ECG, temperature sensing, 64GB storage, safety functions, and watchOS 27 support prevent it from feeling obsolete.

Series 9 is not the automatic best buy anymore. Buy it when battery health is documented, Activation Lock is removed, the condition is good, and the total price is substantially below Series 10. Choose Series 11 when the price gap is small or long-term ownership matters most. Choose SE 3 when ECG and the more advanced heart-sensing package are unnecessary. Choose an Ultra when battery endurance and rugged outdoor capability matter more than size and cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple Watch Series 9 still receive watchOS updates in 2026?

Yes. Apple Watch Series 9 supports watchOS 26 and is compatible with watchOS 27 as of August 2026. Apple has not promised a fixed number of future major watchOS releases, so future support beyond the confirmed versions remains uncertain.

What battery health should a used Apple Watch Series 9 have?

A used Apple Watch Series 9 with 90% or higher Maximum Capacity is generally attractive, 85–89% can be acceptable with a discount, and below 85% should be purchased only at a substantial discount with possible battery service included in the budget. These are buying guidelines, not Apple’s official pass/fail standards.

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Does Apple Watch Series 9 work with Android phones?

No. Apple Watch Series 9 requires a compatible iPhone; Apple’s listed baseline is iPhone XS or later with iOS 17 or later. Series 9 does not pair directly with Android phones.

Is Apple Watch Series 9 better than Apple Watch SE 3?

Apple Watch Series 9 is better when ECG and its more advanced heart-sensing hardware matter. Apple Watch SE 3 is the better new budget option for notifications, fitness, sleep, safety features, an always-on display, a new battery, and warranty coverage.

The Bottom Line

Bottom line: Apple Watch Series 9 is still leading among discounted older Apple Watches, not across the whole 2026 lineup. Buy a verified, healthy unit at a substantial discount; otherwise choose Series 10 or Series 11, and choose SE 3 if you do not need ECG.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply. Prices as of November 13, 2026 4:24 am GMT.