Apple Watch Series 10: Everything New and Why It’s Worth the Hype
- Thinner, brighter, and a whole lot smarter—Apple’s latest Watch just got a major upgrade.
- Spoiler: The battery life still needs work, but there’s a lot to love.
- Sleep apnea detection and a bigger display are just the start.
- The Apple Watch 10 packs some surprises—ready to upgrade? Read on.
It’s been ten years since Apple introduced its first smartwatch, and the expectations for these wrist-worn gadgets have grown significantly since then. From simple step counters and basic smartphone notifications, the Apple Watch has evolved into a robust health companion and productivity tool.
The latest in this line, the Apple Watch Series 10, is being hailed as Apple’s most refined smartwatch to date. With a slimmer profile, enhanced health tracking features, and improved display technology, it’s clear that Apple’s vision for its smartwatch has matured. But how much has really changed?
What’s New in the Apple Watch Series 10?
The Series 10 debuts in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm, with your choice of aluminum or titanium, the latter replacing stainless steel. The 46mm titanium model I tested, paired with the new Milanese Loop, felt more like a premium timepiece than a piece of tech—an impression that Apple seems keen to push further.
Key Upgrades:
- Thinner Design: At just 9.7mm, this is the thinnest Apple Watch ever.
- Larger Display: Despite being slimmer, the Series 10 boasts more screen space than even the bulkier Ultra 2.
- Brighter, Wide-Angle OLED Screen: Apple claims the screen is 40% brighter when viewed at an angle, making it easier to check the time with a quick glance.
- Improved Speakers: Apple has boosted the sound quality for calls and audio playback, though it’s not exactly a replacement for your AirPods.
Photo via Hodinkee // The Apple Watch might look the same as 10 years ago, but everything inside has changed.
Battery Life: A Familiar Trade-Off
Unfortunately, the battery life remains the same at 18 hours, which is still a weak spot for the Apple Watch lineup. While competitors offer battery life stretching to days or even weeks, Apple’s sleek design seems to come at the expense of more juice.
“The thinner profile is great, but I would trade a millimeter or two for a few extra hours of battery,” I found myself thinking during my week with the device. On the upside, it does charge faster, reaching 80% in just 30 minutes.
The thinner profile is great, but I would trade a millimeter or two for a few extra hours of battery.
Fitness Features: A Game-Changer for the Serious Athlete
Apple has clearly doubled down on fitness with the Series 10, and the updates in watchOS 11 are the centerpiece of this. Among them is Training Load, a new metric that evaluates how your body is handling workouts based on heart rate, sleep, and other factors. Unlike competitors like Garmin and Oura, Apple keeps it simple, offering a percentage that shows how much you’re exerting yourself relative to your baseline.
Photo via CNET // The two sizes of Apple Watch: 42mm and 46mm.
Training Load Breakdown:
- Tracks biometric data like heart rate, sleep, and respiratory rate.
- Provides a daily exertion rating from “Well Below” to “Well Above” your usual capacity.
This level of detail is something athletes will appreciate, although casual users may find it a bit technical. For runners and serious exercisers like myself, it’s a welcome addition, offering more insights than previous models.
Using the Series 10 for Workouts
During my marathon training, the Series 10 performed well, even on my final long run. Starting with 94% battery, I was able to track a full 20-mile run (around 3.5 hours), relax at the beach for an hour, and commute back home before the battery dropped to 45%.
However, strength training posed some challenges due to the smaller profile. While pushups and presses caused the dial to dig into my hand, switching to a silicone Solo band helped ease the discomfort.
Health Features: WatchOS 11’s Big Leap
Aside from fitness, health remains a top priority for Apple. One of the most notable new features is the ability to detect sleep apnea. Using the accelerometer, the Watch monitors disturbances in your sleep, which can provide vital data for those at risk of the condition.
It’s important to note, however, that this is not a diagnostic tool but a way to alert wearers and their healthcare providers to potential issues.
Is the Apple Watch Series 10 Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re an iPhone user, the Apple Watch Series 10 continues to be the best smartwatch you can buy. Its integration with the iPhone ecosystem, premium design, and robust health tracking make it the go-to choice for most users. The slimmer profile and improved display are welcome changes, but the lack of battery improvements may leave power users wanting more.
Final Verdict:
- Pros: Sleek design, larger display, better sound, advanced fitness features.
- Cons: Battery life remains unchanged at 18 hours.
For the fitness enthusiast or iPhone loyalist, the Series 10 is an excellent choice, but casual users might not find enough here to justify upgrading from the previous generation.
Recommended by the editors:
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