The Apple Watch Series 10 arrived with a lot of hype, promising a significant upgrade. While the initial impression might suggest a mere cosmetic refresh, the Series 10 delivers real improvements that elevate the user experience.
A Slimmer and More Refined Design
Visually, the Apple Watch Series 10 closely resembles its predecessor, the Series 9. The iconic square display, Digital Crown, and interchangeable watch band system remain unchanged. However, a subtle yet impactful change lies in the watch’s overall size. Apple claims the Series 10 is 10% thinner and lighter than the Series 9, and this difference is noticeable on the wrist. The Series 10 feels noticeably more compact, fitting flusher against the skin for a more comfortable wear.
Another notable design change is the polished aluminum finish option. While the matte silver and rose gold finishes remain, the new Jet Black variant offers a glossy, reflective look. This subtle detail adds a touch of elegance, making the watch feel even more premium.
A Brighter Display and More Powerful Speaker
Despite its smaller size, the Apple Watch Series 10 boasts a larger display. The 41mm size has been bumped up to 42mm, while the 45mm case is now 46mm. This slight increase in size allows for an extra line of text in notifications and apps, enhancing readability.
However, the real star is the new wide-angle OLED display. This technology significantly improves off-axis viewing angles, making the screen up to 40% brighter than the Series 9 when viewed from an angle. Whether glancing at a notification or navigating a map in direct sunlight, the screen remains clear and vibrant.
Another notable change is the addition of a speaker on the Apple Watch Series 10, allowing you to play music and podcasts directly from the watch. While the sound quality might not be audiophile-grade, it’s a convenient feature for listening to podcasts during chores or activities where wearing headphones is inconvenient.
Health and Fitness Features
The Apple Watch Series 10 retains the same health sensors as its predecessor, offering a comprehensive suite of fitness tracking features. You can still close your activity rings, track various workouts, and utilize the excellent Apple Fitness+ platform.
A notable new addition is sleep apnea detection. Using the watch’s accelerometer, the feature analyzes your breathing patterns during sleep and alerts you if it detects possible signs of sleep apnea. However, it’s crucial to remember that this feature is intended for detection purposes only and not as a diagnostic tool.
While the sleep apnea detection is a welcome addition, it’s available for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 through a software update. This makes the Series 10 less compelling for those already owning a Series 9 or Ultra 2.
One significant omission on the Apple Watch Series 10 is blood-oxygen tracking. This feature, which was a staple since the Series 6, is unavailable in the US model due to patent infringement lawsuits. This omission might be a deal-breaker for some users, especially considering that it’s a common feature on most modern smartwatches.
Battery Life and Charging
The Apple Watch Series 10 offers decent battery life, lasting for around 24 hours with typical usage. However, this is in line with previous models, and other smartwatches like the Google Pixel Watch 3 offer significantly longer battery life.
The Series 10 does, however, benefit from faster charging. While the Series 9 promised 80% battery in 45 minutes, the Series 10 achieves this in just 30 minutes. This is a significant improvement and makes it easier to top up the battery quickly.
Overall Impression
The Apple Watch Series 10 delivers a refined and polished smartwatch experience. The sleeker design, brighter display, and faster charging are notable upgrades that elevate the overall user experience.
However, the absence of blood-oxygen tracking in the US model might make the upgrade less enticing for some users. If you’re a current Apple Watch owner with a Series 6 or newer, the Series 10’s lack of this crucial feature might make it a less desirable upgrade.
For those looking for a new smartwatch or are upgrading from an older model, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers a compelling and refined experience. Just be aware of the blood-oxygen tracking limitations before making a decision.
