Apple Watch Series 10 review: Slim design, larger screen, improved user experience

Of course, the new hardware includes all the Apple Watch features introduced in recent years, including Crash Detection, double-tap gestures, better performance, and more.

Larger and thinner design

The Apple Watch Series 10 is clearly an evolution of the original Apple Watch. It's not a radical new design like the Ultra and Ultra 2. However, the new design is a milestone in thinness. The Series 10 marks the fourth case design in the Series line. Each case design has evolved over three product release cycles:

1. Apple Watch, Apple Watch Series 1/Series 2, Apple Watch Series 3
2. Apple Watch Series 4, Apple Watch Series 5, Apple Watch Series 6
3. Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Series 9
4. Apple Watch Series 10

At first glance, people might not even realize that this is a new design. However, when you hold it in your hand, you will see that the thinness is quite obvious. There is no difference between the old and new models when viewed from the side.

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The Apple Watch Series 10 will fit your wrist better, giving it a more modern, premium, and sleek look. Even the Digital Crown has been shrunk to fit the slim profile. This is in contrast to the Digital Crown on the Apple Watch Ultra, which has gear-like edges and a crown guard around it.

Using new materials

I've only had a quick look at the new titanium Apple Watch Series 10 models, and if you like the sleek look of stainless steel, the lighter titanium bezel with the same reflective qualities is great.

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This is the first aluminum Apple Watch with a glossy finish. Previously, all aluminum watches had a matte finish. The jet black Apple Watch Series 10 is reminiscent of the jet black iPhone 7 Plus from 2016.

The Ion-X display isn't as scratch-resistant as more expensive sapphire models, but it's a sharp design nonetheless.

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Speaking of bands, many current Apple Watch customers will be happy to know that their current bands are still compatible. For example, the band from the 42mm Apple Watch Series 2 will work with the 46mm Apple Watch Series 10.

Faster charging speed, longer battery life

Apple Watch Series 10 takes sleep tracking to the next level with sleep apnea tracking. Sleep apnea tracking is also available on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in watchOS 11.

The Apple Watch Series 10 has a big advantage over the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in fast charging. The Series 10 is rated to charge from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes. That's faster than the 45 minutes on the Series 9 and 60 minutes on the Ultra 2.

When you want to wear your watch all day and all night, every second counts. The Series 10 can also charge enough to track sleep after just eight minutes of charging. Battery life is 18 hours, which is slightly longer than the Apple Watch Series 9. However, the thicker Apple Watch Ultra lasts for 36 hours.

Detecting sleep apnea

Sleep apnea tracking requires data from at least 30 sleep sessions to provide detailed information.

Tracking sleep apnea won't be a definitive answer. Instead, Apple Watch will alert users to the possibility of sleep apnea. The data provided by Apple Watch is intended to be a useful signal. Apple hopes that this data will help people see a specialist in a timely manner, who will then recommend a traditional sleep test.

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If tracking sleep apnea can lead to improved quality of life, it may be worth buying an Apple Watch. Customers can learn more about their sleep status in the Health app on iPhone.

Blood oxygen sensor

Apple is relying on the Apple Watch accelerometer, the processing power of the chip inside, and extensive sleep research. The company is banking on this accelerometer-based method to detect sleep-disordered breathing.

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The only thing to know for customers in the US is that the blood oxygen sensor is currently not working, which for some upgrades means losing access to that data point after moving to a Series 6 or later.

The Apple Watch Series 10 isn't the Apple Watch Ultra, but they're similar in some ways. One has a beautiful design and holds its own when it comes to battery life. The other is a solid sports watch that can last for days.

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The Apple Watch screen has grown over time. The Series 10 is the same size as the Series 3. The need for a larger screen puts the Series 10 in a position to compete with the Apple Watch Ultra.

Samuel Daniel

Update 27 September 2024