A Decade in the Making: What to Expect from the Apple Watch Series 10
- Ten years of Apple Watch—what’s brewing for the big anniversary?
- New look, bigger screen—rumor mill’s buzzing about Series 10’s redesign.
- Health upgrades? Don’t hold your breath—big features might be MIA.
Ten years. That’s how long it’s been since the world first laid eyes on Apple’s groundbreaking wearable. Now, as the company gears up for its annual fall event—appropriately dubbed "It’s Glowtime"—we find ourselves on the cusp of the Apple Watch Series 10 (or perhaps, the Apple Watch X). Here’s a look at everything we know as the big reveal looms.
The Big Date: September 9, 2024
September 9 holds a special place in Apple’s history. It was on this day in 2014 that the original Apple Watch made its debut. Fast forward to today, and Apple is set to unveil its latest iteration, the Series 10, marking a full decade of innovation in wearables.
- Event Date: September 9, 2024
- Preorders Expected: Friday following the event
- Official Launch: September 20, 2024
Photo via NotebookCheck // A concept image of what Apple's upcoming Apple Watch Series X might look like. This image is a 3D-rendered image.
Price Predictions: A Familiar Range
When it comes to pricing, Apple tends to stick to a formula that works. The Series 9 started at $399 for GPS-only and $499 for GPS+Cellular, with the Apple Watch Ultra at $799. As for the Series 10, expect a similar pricing structure unless significant upgrades are in store.
- Series 10 GPS-only: ~$399
- Series 10 GPS+Cellular: ~$499
- Apple Watch Ultra Line: ~$799
Design & Display: A Thinner, Larger Evolution?
Rumors are swirling about the Series 10’s design, and if they’re true, we’re in for the most significant redesign since the Series 7. Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the Series 10 will feature a thinner body, which could pave the way for a larger, 2-inch display—an upgrade from the current 1.7-inch screen.
What Might Be New:
- Thinner Body: Possible reduction in thickness for a sleeker look.
- Larger Display: Rumored 2-inch screen, a size bump from the Series 9.
- New Sizes: Potential introduction of a 49mm size, moving the current 45mm to the smaller end of the spectrum.
- MicroLED Display: Some reports suggest a shift from OLED to MicroLED, though others contradict this. We might see a more power-efficient OLED instead.
- New Band System: Mark Gurman of Bloomberg hints at a magnetic band attachment, which could signal the end of compatibility with older Apple Watch bands.
Under the Hood: Specs & Health Tracking
The Series 9 introduced the S9 chip, offering faster performance and features like on-device Siri and the Double Tap gesture. Naturally, we expect the Series 10 to build on this with an even more powerful chip.
Health Features—A Waiting Game:
While sleep apnea and hypertension detection have been on the wishlist, Apple’s progress in these areas has been hampered. Mark Gurman reports that "serious snags" have delayed these features, potentially pushing them to future models. The ongoing legal battle with Masimo over blood oxygen technology complicates matters further, leaving these much-anticipated health features in limbo.
Battery Life: More of the Same?
Apple hasn’t made leaps in battery life for its mainline watches in recent years, sticking with the 18-hour claim for the Series 9. The Apple Watch Ultra, with its 36-hour life, set a new standard, but don’t expect the same from the Series 10. Unless the rumored size increase brings a larger battery, it’s likely that battery life will remain consistent with what we’ve seen before.
The Current Outlook:
- Expected Battery Life: ~18 hours, with potential for slight improvement.
- Low Power Mode: Extends usage to around 36 hours.
Photo via WIRED // The Apple Watch Series 9, Apple's current latest-generation smartwatch, running on watchOS 10.
Software & Longevity: The WatchOS 11 Connection
If the Series 10 launches as expected, it will come with watchOS 11. Apple’s track record suggests this model could enjoy around five years of software updates, aligning with the longevity seen in previous models.
Final Thoughts: A Decade in the Making
As Apple prepares to celebrate ten years of the Apple Watch, the Series 10 represents both a milestone and a turning point. Whether it's the design overhaul, potential new health features, or the continued refinement of its software, this release could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Apple's wearable journey.
With the September 9 event just days away, anticipation is at an all-time high. Will the Apple Watch Series 10 live up to its decade-long legacy? We’ll find out soon enough.
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