Apple Watch Series 10: Design Review
The Apple Watch Series 10 introduces the most significant design shift since the Series 7. The Series 10’s screen is up to 9% larger than the Series 9’s, giving an impressive 30% increase in screen area for those upgrading from Series 6 or earlier. The 46mm model offers about 3% more display area than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Apple also included wide-angle OLED technology, making off-angle viewing 40% brighter compared to previous models. This change enhances visibility during activities like biking in bright conditions.
Physically, the Series 10 is Apple’s slimmest watch yet, with a 9.7mm profile (10% thinner than the Series 9) and up to 10% lighter in aluminum versions. The thinner and lighter design feels noticeably comfortable, especially for activities that require wrist movement, such as yoga. Internally, Apple streamlined the architecture by relocating components around the new S10 chip, compressing the speaker to the edges, and integrating a protective mesh cover.
Key Health and Wellness Features
Series 10 introduces sleep apnea detection, a feature with FDA approval available on Series 9 and Ultra 2 as well. The Health app can now provide nightly breathing data, and after 10 nights of use, the watch can alert you of potential sleep apnea. This addition could prove essential for wellness monitoring, particularly as sleep apnea has long-term health implications.
A notable absence, however, is the Blood Oxygen app due to ongoing patent issues with Masimo, a health tech company. Apple’s resolution involved disabling the app in all new Series 10 devices sold in the U.S., a disappointing limitation considering that similar sensors are standard on other premium wearables.
Advanced Features and watchOS 11
Benefiting from Apple’s decade of innovation, the Series 10 includes hallmark features like the Double Tap gesture, a QWERTY keyboard, and extensive health and fitness tracking. Additionally, it brings over the Depth app from the Apple Watch Ultra for shallow dives, a revamped speaker and mic for enhanced call clarity, and the ability to play music directly from the watch speaker—a subtle but enjoyable addition.
watchOS 11 adds a Photos watch face, the Vitals app for health trend insights, and the ability to pause activity rings. These software upgrades enhance customization and make it easier to stay engaged with health goals.
Battery Life and Charging
The Series 10 retains the 18-hour battery life seen in earlier models, though faster charging speeds partially compensate. It can reach 80% in just 30 minutes—significantly quicker than previous models—and provides up to 36 hours in low power mode, a feature especially useful during travel.
price
The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at approximately $399 USD for the base model in aluminum with GPS. The price goes up for models with cellular capabilities, stainless steel, or titanium casing options, and larger screen sizes. This new Series 10 offers a slightly larger display than previous models and introduces the first wide-angle OLED screen, giving clearer off-angle views and improved brightness.
Additionally, the Series 10 maintains the same 18-hour battery life but offers faster charging speeds. Notable features include the FDA-approved sleep apnea detection, enhanced display, and upgraded speaker and microphone system for better call clarity.
Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 10 builds on Apple’s design legacy with a larger, more vibrant display, increased comfort, and refined features that make it a top choice for Apple users. While lacking the longer battery life of the Ultra models, it hits the sweet spot between affordability and premium features, solidifying it as a flagship wearable worth considering.
