Apple Watch Series 10 Review: This is It?

Introduction

The anticipation surrounding the 10th Generation Apple Watch was palpable, especially given its historical significance akin to the iPhone 10, which reset Apple’s design language. As I watched the slow evolution of the previous Apple Watch models—Series 8 and Series 9—I anticipated a significant update with the release of the Series 10. After a week of using the Apple Watch Series 10, it appears that my expectations for a transformative redesign were not met. The Series 10 is primarily an incremental upgrade.

Design and Build

The physical changes are subtle: the Series 10 is slightly thinner, lighter, and larger. The aluminum model has been reduced in thickness and weight by approximately 10%. For the higher-end models, stainless steel has been replaced with titanium, resulting in a 20% decrease in weight. The screens have also been enlarged, providing more visible content and a more comfortable fit on the wrist. If you were to observe it closely, it almost resembles last year's model, albeit with refined features.

There are some noteworthy internal refinements, such as a new single-piece metal back and a re-engineered speaker that's 30% smaller. Despite these enhancements, the design remains largely unchanged, reminiscent of the Pixel Watch, especially in the way the edges are rounded and with the introduction of a new jet black color.

Apple has boasted that the larger 46 mm model of the Series 10 now matches the screen size of the Apple Watch Ultra, promoting how this enlarged display allows for more text and information. While earlier I never noticed a significant benefit from the screen size increase, this time it’s evident as the workout modes now display one extra line of vital statistics.

New Features

The Series 10 ships with WatchOS 11, which introduces new features that some older models will also receive through software updates. However, here are the key features exclusive to the Series 10:

1. New Speaker: The redesigned speaker allows for media playback directly from the watch. While you wouldn't want to be that person playing music out loud on a hike, it’s a nice addition for those moments when headphones are forgotten.

2. Updated LTPO 3 Display: This display technology allows for a dynamic refresh rate that can dip as low as 1 Hz, letting the second hand display continuously without depleting battery life. Its improved off-axis viewing angles enhance usability while sneaking glances at the watch.

3. Water Temperature Sensor: The new sensor is positioned to provide temperature readings, although personal experience in deep water may vary.

4. Faster Charging: Using the included charging puck, you can achieve about 65% battery in half an hour. This upgrade allows for a quicker power boost, especially convenient for sleep tracked users.

Final Thoughts

Despite the new S10 chip inside the watch, performance improvements are hardly noticeable, with the new chip mainly optimizing existing capabilities. The major highlights for the Series 10 are, therefore, the larger display and quicker charging capabilities.

As Apple presents this as a major redesign in their various keynotes, it’s likely that this design will carry Apple Watches through the next five to ten years. Future upgrades may be limited, with minimal design shifts expected. Features such as a rotating bezel or a circular shape that many speculated about have not materialized, leading to questions regarding the long-term innovation path for the Apple Watch line.

In conclusion, if you own an older Apple Watch model from Series 4 to Series 7, the Series 10 stands out as a worthy upgrade. However, if you already own a newer model, you might find yourself asking if this new offering is actually worth switching to.

Keywords

• Apple Watch Series 10
• Incremental Upgrade
• Design Changes
• Larger Display
• Faster Charging
• New Features
• WatchOS 11
• Water Temperature Sensor
• New Speaker

FAQ

Q: Is the Apple Watch Series 10 a significant upgrade over the Series 9?
A: No, the Series 10 is primarily an incremental update with few design changes and mostly improved features.

Q: Can I play media directly from the Apple Watch Series 10?
A: Yes, the redesigned speaker allows for media playback directly from the watch without needing headphones.

Q: What are the major new features exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 10?
A: Key new features include a redesigned speaker, an updated LTPO 3 display, a new water temperature sensor, and faster charging capabilities.

Q: Should I upgrade to the Series 10 from an older model?
A: If you own an older model (Series 4 to Series 7), the upgrade might be worthwhile due to improvements in display and charging speed. If you already have a newer model, it may not be essential.

Q: Will the Apple Watch Series 10 design change in the future?
A: Based on Apple’s presentation, the Series 10 design is expected to remain for the next several years, with only incremental updates anticipated moving forward.