Hands On with the Apple Watch 10

The newest Apple Watch Series 10 was released on September 20, 2024, and I've had the pleasure of testing all the new and not-so-new features announced during Apple's fall 2024 event, "It's Glowtime." While there is much to love, the watch is by no means perfect. This article will help you figure out if you should upgrade to the Apple Watch 10.

Design-wise, the Apple Watch Series 10 isn’t all that different from the previous Series 9. The larger version of the Series 10 is 46 mm but actually has an even larger screen than the 49 mm Apple Watch Ultra 1 and 2, thanks to a curved design that maximizes the Series 10 display. The smaller version, which I got, is 42mm and isn't a lot larger than the Apple Watch Series 6, but it is significantly thinner and lighter. Since I switched from the original Apple Watch Ultra to the smaller Apple Watch Series 10, I am delighted with the size, weight, and design that makes me forget I'm even wearing the watch - a nice change from having my tiny wrists weighed down with the 49 mm Apple Watch Ultra for two years. Despite having a larger display, the Modular Ultra and Wayfinder watch faces are not available on the Apple Watch 10, which is frustrating.

The only truly new feature is the Sleep Apnea Detection, but keep in mind that Apple made it available on the Apple Watch Series 9, too, so if you have last year's model, there really isn't a lot of reason to upgrade. Apple has been trying to perfect its Sleep Apnea Detection feature for years, so this is a huge breakthrough. Just keep in mind that the watch does nothing beyond detecting that a user has Sleep Apnea, so you'll still have to see your primary physician and potentially require medical-grade devices to manage it.

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A lot of the other "new" features on the Apple Watch 10 are not actually new, while others are software updates rather than hardware improvements. The Depth app is new to Apple Watch 10 but was available on the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2. The downside of the app on the Apple Watch 10 is that it doesn't have the same scuba diving features that its rugged counterparts have. So, while you can do lots of water-surface activities like snorkeling, it won't replace a diving computer like the Ultra can. That being said, the Oceanic+ app that turns your Apple Watch Ultra into a diving computer is now available for the Apple Watch 10, just with limited features. So, the Apple Watch 10 can definitely not replace an Apple Watch Ultra or Ultra 2 in terms of features and functionality.

watchOS 11 brings a lot of new updates to any compatible Apple Watch, including the new Series 10. This includes the Tides app, Vitals app, Smart Stack, and a much easier way to exit Sleep mode. Vitals is an especially exciting app for anyone who wants a new way to track their overall health and fitness, but it is not unique to the Apple Watch Series 10. In fact, watchOS 11 is available on Apple Watch 6 and newer models, including Apple Watch SE (2nd generation). So, if these are the updates you are most excited about, just update your current watch instead of buying a whole new one. That being said, many Apple Watch users like to buy a new watch every two or three years, so if you have a Series 8 or earlier model, the Series 10 is a great watch to upgrade to; just don't expect a completely new smartwatch experience.

My favorite thing about the Apple Watch 10 is the quick charging. This watch charges faster than any other Apple Watch, which is a relief for someone who gave up the 36+ hours of battery life on the Apple Watch Ultra for a much tinier watch. While the Apple Watch 10 does need to be charged every day, sometimes twice if you use it a lot, you can also charge it up to 80% in just 30 minutes and can get 8 hours of normal use (such as sleep tracking) in just 15 minutes. So if battery life is standing in your way from removing the literal shackle that is the Apple Watch Ultra, the charging speed makes up for the significantly shorter battery life. Then again, many users love their Ultra or Ultra 2 and are not bothered by the size or weight. I recommend going to an Apple Store and trying them on before you make your final decision.

Conclusion

I love my Apple Watch 10 and have absolutely no regrets despite the slight downgrade from an Apple Watch Ultra. If you want to upgrade to this model from a Series 8, you'll probably be happy despite the lack of exciting new features. Picking out the right watch is an extremely personal choice, and while some users are still happy wearing their Apple Watch 6 and only missing out on Sleep Apnea Detection, Blood Oxygen app, Temperature sensing and ovulation estimates, and Crash Detection, which is available on newer iPhones anyway. If these features are important to you, then buy the new Apple Watch 10. If not, wait and see if next year's model has more new features that suit your needs.

Final Verdict

If you have the Apple Watch Series 9, there is absolutely no reason for you to upgrade to the Series 10. If you have the Series 8 or earlier, the upgrade will give you new features and really fast charging despite the thinner and lighter design. Switching from the Apple Watch Ultra to the Apple Watch Series 10 was a great choice for me, but it is considered a downgrade. The "best" Apple Watch model right now is the Apple Watch Ultra 2, but the cost and size make it unappealing to many users who might prefer the Series 10.