While we weren’t privy to much information about the Apple Watch Series 10 leading up to Apple’s recent hardware event, it turned out to be a surprisingly well-kept secret. Now that it’s officially launched, and I’ve had the opportunity to use it, I can confidently say the tight-lipped secrecy was worth it.
At first glance, the Apple Watch Series 10 doesn’t appear dramatically different from the Apple Watch Series 9. It retains the familiar squircle display, Digital Crown, and watch band system. Rumors had hinted at a complete redesign for the watch’s tenth anniversary, but that didn’t materialize. However, don’t let the familiar design fool you. The Series 10 houses some significant hardware enhancements, even if they aren’t immediately obvious.
One of the most notable changes is the watch’s slimmer profile. The Apple Watch Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch ever, measuring 10% thinner than the Series 7, 8, and 9. It’s also noticeably lighter. The aluminum case is up to 10% lighter than the Series 9, while the new brushed titanium case is nearly 20% lighter than the stainless steel Series 9.
Initially, these hardware changes didn’t stand out when I was using the Series 10 alone. Having worn an Apple Watch Ultra 2 for most of the year, I’m accustomed to a lighter and thinner device. However, when I held the Series 10 side-by-side with a Series 9, the difference in sleekness was unmistakable. While the photos may not highlight this change, it becomes apparent when you wear the watch yourself.
Alongside making the Series 10 slimmer and lighter, Apple also increased the display size. The Apple Watch Series 10 now boasts the largest display ever on an Apple Watch, even surpassing the Apple Watch Ultra 2. You get about 9% more display area compared to the Series 9, and though it may not sound like much, it’s enough to fit more content on the screen at once. For example, when reading a long text message or email, you can see an extra line of text on the display compared to the Series 9. It’s a small gain, but a welcome one.
What impresses me even more than the larger screen size is Apple’s new wide-angle OLED panel. This technology allows the Series 10 to emit more light at wider angles than before, significantly improving off-angle viewing. In a demo showcasing the Series 10 next to the Series 9, the Series 10 screen appeared remarkably brighter and clearer from various angles. Since I often look at my Apple Watch from an angle rather than head-on, this enhancement makes perfect sense. This new OLED panel also allows certain watch faces to display a ticking second hand/counter on the always-on display, a nice touch.
Another hardware change is the speaker grille. It features a new design compared to previous generations of Apple Watches and, for the first time, can play music and podcasts. It delivers surprisingly loud sound, and although it won’t replace your AirPods anytime soon, I’m excited to use it to listen to podcasts while doing chores around the house without wearing earbuds.
Admittedly, these changes may seem minor individually, but collectively, they create a compelling upgrade for the Apple Watch Series 10. The lighter and thinner body is impressive, the improved display is fantastic, and the enhanced speaker is a fantastic addition. Coupled with other upgrades like faster charging, sleep apnea tracking, and a depth gauge for water activities, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers a lot to love.
The Apple Watch Series 10 may not be the revolutionary Apple Watch some predicted, but it’s unfair to dismiss it as a minor spec bump. It’s an impressive smartwatch that I eagerly anticipate spending more time with. Preorders for the Apple Watch Series 10 are now live, and regular sales begin on September 20th.
