Let’s talk about the latest bit of kit from Apple for your wrist – the Apple Watch Series 10. I’ve had my hands on (or rather, wrist) a fair few gadgets over the years, from monstrous gaming laptops to high-refresh-rate displays, and while a smartwatch might seem a bit different from my usual fare, the engineering and performance aspects still pique my interest. Apple calls it the “ultimate device for a healthy life”. Let’s see if it lives up to the billing, especially for those considering an upgrade.
Key Takeaways
- The design is thinner and lighter than previous models, and it features the biggest display yet on an Apple Watch. The display is also notable for its brighter off-angle viewing.
- It includes new health features such as sleep apnea detection and the Vitals app for overnight metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, and wrist temperature. Note that the Blood Oxygen feature is currently disabled in the US.
- Powered by the new S10 SiP chip, which improves performance and enables features like the Double Tap gesture and faster on-device Siri.
- While the official battery life remains at up to 18 hours (or 36 in Low Power Mode), real-world usage varies. However, it now features faster charging.
- It’s a worthwhile upgrade for users coming from older models, particularly Series 7 and earlier, who will see significant improvements in performance and features.
The Design
Apple has really leaned into making the Series 10 feel… well, new, even if it looks broadly similar to what we’re used to. It’s the thinnest Apple Watch to date, measuring a mere 9.7mm thick, which is a millimetre thinner than the Series 9. It’s also lighter, with aluminium cases weighing up to 10% less than the Series 9, and the new titanium cases dropping almost 20% compared to the stainless steel Series 9. On the wrist, that thinner profile and lighter weight really do make it more comfortable, particularly for things like sleep tracking.
The Display
They’ve also tweaked the case size slightly, moving to 42mm and 46mm options. This, combined with more rounded corners and a wider aspect ratio, allows for the biggest display seen on an Apple Watch yet. We’re talking about up to 30% more active screen area than models like the Series 6.
While the raw brightness remains the same as the Series 9 at 2,000 nits, the Series 10 uses a new Wide Angle OLED technology that makes it up to 40% brighter when viewed off-angle. This is particularly noticeable when comparing it to older models. The Always-On Retina display is still here, but now it can show the seconds hand ticking even when your wrist is down, updating every second. The screen also features a new ‘Ionic Glass’ design that tapers further down the edge.
New Chip
Inside, the Series 10 is powered by the new S10 SiP (System in Package). This new chip is designed for performance, power efficiency, and intelligence. It enables features like faster on-device Siri and the Double Tap gesture. There’s also a new neural network running on the built-in 4-core Neural Engine for voice isolation, which helps suppress background noise during calls, making your voice clearer in noisy environments.
Health & Fitness
On the health and fitness front, Apple continues to add capabilities. A significant new feature in the Series 10 is sleep apnea detection, which works by monitoring breathing disturbances overnight. This is rolled into new sleep metrics in watchOS 11. You still get the familiar features like the Blood Oxygen app (though it’s currently disabled), ECG app, and notifications for high and low heart rates, irregular rhythms, and low cardio fitness. The temperature sensor, introduced in previous models, is also present.
For those who like to get wet, the Series 10 includes a depth gauge supporting depths up to 6 meters (20 feet) for activities like snorkelling, and a water temperature sensor for swimming. It maintains the standard 50m waterproofing. While Apple includes basic activity and workout tracking, some serious fitness enthusiasts note that while things like optical heart rate sensing and GPS performance are generally top-notch, Apple’s native workout app still does some GPS track smoothing. Features like detailed training load metrics are starting to appear in watchOS 11, though some feel Apple could be more transparent about their calculations compared to platforms like Garmin.
Battery Life
Now, the hot topic with smartwatches is often battery life. Apple officially rates the Series 10 for up to 18 hours on a standard charge, or up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. However, real-world experiences seem to vary. Some users report phenomenal battery life, getting over 14 hours and still having 60% left with the Always-On Display (AOD) on. Others find it lasts much less, sometimes losing 10% per hour or being down to 30-40% by 5 pm. Some manage to charge it for short bursts (20-30 minutes) while showering and find it lasts through the day and night, even with sleep tracking.
One user with a 46mm model reported charging once every two days after disabling AOD and sleeping with it. Another user found that tracking workouts, especially with downloaded music streaming via AirPods, significantly impacts battery life, reporting a 40% loss on a 90-minute run. Compared to the Ultra 2, the Series 10’s battery life is less, with the Ultra 2 rated for 36 hours normally and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Faster charging is a welcome addition, with Apple claiming an 80% charge in 30 minutes.
Other Features
Other notable features include Precision Finding for iPhone, helpful if you’ve misplaced your phone. The improved speaker system not only lets you take calls but now also play media directly from the watch. Standard safety features like Crash Detection and Fall Detection are still present.
Materials & Finishes
The Apple Watch Series 10 comes in a range of materials and finishes. The aluminium cases are available in Silver, Rose Gold, and a new polished Jet Black. There are also polished titanium versions in Natural, Gold, and Slate, which are marketed as carbon-neutral. The titanium versions are almost 20% lighter than the stainless steel of previous generations.
Who Is It For?
Who is the Series 10 for? Apple seems to be targeting users with older models, realistically Series 7 and earlier. The incremental hardware changes make the upgrade appealing after a few years. If you’re coming from a much older watch like a Series 3, the performance and features will feel like a massive leap. If you need the absolute best battery life or extreme ruggedness for sports and adventures, the Ultra 2 is still the top-tier choice.
However, for most iPhone users, the Series 10 hits a sweet spot, offering the latest health and safety features, a better display, and improved design at a more approachable price point than the Ultra. Skipping the titanium Series 10 for the Ultra 2 is recommended if wrist size isn’t an issue, as the price difference is smaller and you get more features with the Ultra 2. The Apple Watch SE remains the budget option, lacking features like the always-on display, ECG, Blood Oxygen, and temperature sensing, but still providing core Apple Watch experience and features like Fall and Crash Detection.
Should You Upgrade?
The Apple Watch Series 10 brings some solid, albeit iterative, updates. The thinner, lighter design and larger, brighter display make it feel great on the wrist. Features like sleep apnea detection and faster charging are genuine improvements. While the official battery life remains the same as previous standard models, real-world usage varies, and it still falls short of the Ultra’s endurance.
However, with faster charging, daily top-ups are less of a hassle for many users. For anyone looking to upgrade from an older Apple Watch (Series 7 or earlier) or picking up their first, the Series 10 offers a compelling package of features, performance, and design, making it the best Apple Watch for most people right now. If you’re coming from a Series 9, the differences are less pronounced unless the thinner design or sleep apnea detection are major selling points for you.
