The all-new Apple Watch Series 10 is the slimmest Apple Watch yet. With a bigger screen, longer battery life, improved water resistance, and a titanium finish upgrade, it’s now a serious alternative to Apple Watch Ultra. But despite all these sporty new features, Apple Watch Series 10 looks more refined than ever, with an elegant new polished aluminum look. Recent new Apple Watch rumors suggest Apple may continue refining its design even further in future models.
“It’s the thinnest Apple Watch ever, with our largest and most advanced display in a sleek, lightweight, all-metal case that comes in gorgeous new finishes of aluminum and polished titanium,” said Apple COO Jeff Williams during Monday’s taped “It’s Glowtime” event. “The design of Series 10 is truly a milestone of watchmaking.”
Apple Watch Series 10 — Everything you need to know
The Series 10 gets a bigger display without the Ultra’s bulk
Apple Watch Series 10 is getting a serious size boost, with a much bigger screen. The Series 10’s display is easier to see, too, thanks to wide-angle OLED, making it appear 40% brighter when viewed at an angle. And the new screen refreshes once a second in sleep mode, so the second hand can keep ticking, even when the display goes to sleep.
Despite the bigger screen, Apple Watch Series 10 isn’t bulkier. In fact, the aluminum model is actually 10% lighter than Series 9. For the first time, Cupertino shaved a few millimeters off its thickness — it’s 10% thinner. This size reduction doesn’t come at the expense of the battery, either. Apple says the Series 10 offers “all day” 18-hour battery life. This may be thanks to the re-engineered speaker, which is now 30% smaller.
Apple Watch Series 1o refreshes a classic look
This year’s new smartwatches come in two new finishes: polished aluminum and a more-expensive titanium (instead of stainless steel). This, combined with the thinner design, provides a fresh twist on the classic Apple Watch look. But apart from this, Series 10 brings no major design changes. At this point, anyone still dreaming Apple will one day release a flat-sided Apple Watch looks set for disappointment.
According to Apple, a new jet black aluminum finish is polished using silicon nanoparticles. Then a 30-step anodization process bonds organic dye to the housing. In addition to the new jet black color option, Series 10 also comes in a throwback rose gold option.
The back of the Apple Watch Series 10 also received some attention, with an all-new metal back plate that integrates the antenna into the housing and enables faster charging.
To complement the new shiny metal look, Apple added a new watch face called Reflections that mimics a metal surface, reflecting ambient light as you move the watch.
Photo: Apple
Go deeper with improved water resistance in Apple Watch Series 10
The Series 9’s water-resistance rating only made it good for shallow activities like swimming. Series 10 can go deeper — up to 6 meters — and adds the ability to measure water temperature. To take advantage of these features, Apple will bring the Depth app, previously exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra, to the Apple Watch Series 10. Plus, Apple announced a new Tides app for surfing and outdoor water sports.
Apple’s latest health feature is a snoozefest
If, like me, you snore loudly, it could be a sign you’re suffering from sleep apnea. This disease affects your breathing while you sleep, making you feel tired when you wake up. Apple Watch Series 10 offers a new feature that can detect sleep apnea. It can flag potential sleep problems so you can visit your doctor and receive treatment if you need it.
Apple Watch Series 10 also offers improved ECG testing accuracy, Apple says.
Photo: Apple
The new S10 processor is faster than ever
On the processor front, new watch packs an upgrade to the latest S10 Apple silicon. But in a surprise move, it seems the Apple Watch Ultra 2 — upgraded with a new black titanium finish — remains stuck on last year’s S9 processor. Sure, the S9 seems plenty fast for pretty much anything you use your watch for. But it’s an odd look for Apple’s premium Ultra watch to look out of date next to its cheaper Series 10 cousins.
One significant benefit of the processor upgrade is its new neural engines offer improved background noise suppression, making it easier to take phone calls from your wrist, if that’s your thing.
Are you tempted?
Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399 for the 42mm model in aluminum with GPS only. The 46mm model starts at $429. Adding cellular networking adds $100 to the price tag. The aluminum watches come in silver, rose gold or jet black.
The upgraded titanium model starts at $699 for the 42mm size. The 46mm model starts at $749. They come with both GPS and cellular, in gold, slate or natural titanium finishes.
If you are tempted by a shiny new Apple Watch Series 10, preorders open today. You should get your order in early to receive your watch on launch day: Friday, September 20.
