Apple’s recent iPhone 16 event unveiled the much-anticipated Apple Watch Series 10, introducing several significant upgrades over the previous Apple Watch Series 9. As Apple celebrates the landmark 10th series of its renowned wearable, it’s clear that this year’s update is more than just a simple iteration.
The transition to the Apple Watch Series 10 symbolizes a noteworthy milestone, marking the first time the series number has entered double digits. Speculations and rumors hinting at major changes have been rife, and many of these expectations have been met and exceeded. This update introduces substantial improvements after a period of relatively subtle enhancements in preceding years.
One of the most noticeable changes comes in the form of size options. The Apple Watch Series 10 now offers 42mm and 46mm models, up from the Series 9’s 41mm and 45mm. While this size increase might seem minor, it represents a significant upgrade at this scale. The Series 10 also features more rounded corners and a wider aspect ratio for the display, resulting in larger screens without excessively increasing the overall case size. Additionally, Apple has switched from stainless steel to titanium for its premium models, enhancing both durability and weight reduction.
The latest Series 10 continues the Apple Watch’s tradition of water resistance, maintaining a swim-proof design rated for depths of up to 50 meters. Apple has also achieved a slimmer profile with the Series 10, reducing the thickness to 9.7 millimeters compared to the Series 9’s 10.7 millimeters.
In terms of display technology, the Apple Watch Series 10 boasts an Always-On Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED display. This screen can reach up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness, matching its predecessor but improving viewing angles. The display’s edge-to-edge design is protected by Ion-X front glass in the aluminum models, while titanium versions use a sapphire front crystal for enhanced scratch resistance.
Under the hood, the Series 10 is powered by the S10 SiP, a 64-bit dual-core chip designed for a slimmer form factor. This is an evolution from the S9 SiP found in the Series 9, both featuring a four-core Neural Engine and the W3 Apple wireless chip. Notably, the Series 10 also includes a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, opening new possibilities for location-based features.
Health and fitness monitoring remain at the heart of the Apple Watch Series 10, building on the strong foundation of its predecessor. The Series 10 introduces sleep apnea detection, capable of monitoring breathing irregularities during sleep—a feature that could be life-changing for many users. Additionally, the new model includes a depth gauge and water temperature sensor, catering specifically to water sports enthusiasts.
Battery life remains consistent with the Series 9, promising up to 18 hours of usage or 36 hours in Low Power Mode. However, charging speed has improved, allowing the Series 10 to reach 80% in just 30 minutes, compared to 45 minutes for the Series 9.
The Apple Watch Series 10 maintains the 64GB storage capacity, offering ample space for apps and media. It also supports a double-tap gesture for interaction without touching the screen, a feature popularized by the Series 9 and enhanced through software updates.
Pricing for the new models starts at $399 for the 42mm aluminum version and $429 for the 46mm. The GPS + Cellular models come in at $499 and $529, respectively. Titanium variants start at $699 for the 42mm model and $749 for the 46mm. Color options have been refreshed, with the aluminum models available in Rose Gold, Silver, and Jet Black, and the titanium versions offered in Gold, Slate, Natural, and Silver for Hermes editions.
The Apple Watch Series 10 represents a significant upgrade, appealing both to new customers and those considering stepping up from earlier models. While Series 9 owners may not feel an immediate need to upgrade, the Series 10’s advancements make it a compelling choice for anyone looking to experience the latest in smartwatch technology.
The Apple Watch Series 10 is now available for order through major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, offering an impressive array of new features and enhancements that solidify its position as a leading wearable in today’s market.