Table of Contents
TechRadar Verdict
After using the Apple Watch Series 10 for a week, it’s evident that while the design remains familiar, there are significant improvements. For instance, the larger screen provides better viewing angles, enhancing the overall experience.
Apple Watch Series 10: One-Minute Review
At first glance, the Apple Watch Series 10 may appear similar to the Series 9 or Series 8, but a closer inspection reveals significant hardware upgrades.
The standout feature of the Series 10 is its larger display, offering excellent viewing angles. Whether checking the time or notifications, you can easily view them from almost any angle.
The watch is still available in two sizes, but for 2024, they are slightly larger — now 42mm and 46mm, compared to the previous 41mm and 45mm. Despite the size increase, the Series 10 remains comfortable on the wrist.
Powered by the S10 chip and running watchOS 11, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers a fast and smooth experience, with the upgraded chip making it feel future-ready.
Though the Series 10 doesn’t feature a larger battery, Apple has improved the charging speed. Users can expect about 20 hours of battery life, even during active workouts and sleep tracking. This model represents a more modern approach to the classic Apple Watch experience.
Apple Watch Series 10: Specs
| Component | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, Second-generation ultra-wideband chip, and LTE (Optional) |
| Price | From $399 / £399 / AU$649 |
| Dimensions | 42mm x 36mm x 9.7mm (42mm), 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm (46mm) |
| Weight | 30g for the 42mm or 36.4g for the 46mm |
| Case/Bezel | Aluminum with a metal back or Titanium |
| Display | 42mm Always-On Retina LTPO3 display Wide-angle OLED at 374 by 446 or 46mm lways-On Retina LTPO3 display Wide-angle OLED at 416 by 496 |
| GPS | L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou |
| Battery Life | 42mm Always-On Retina LTPO3 display Wide-angle OLED at 374 by 446 or 46mm always-On Retina LTPO3 display Wide-angle OLED at 416 by 496 |
| Connection | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, and LTE (Optional) |
| Water Resistance | WR50 and IP7X |
Apple Watch Series 10: Price and Availability
Despite the introduction of two larger sizes, the Apple Watch Series 10 maintains the same starting prices as the Series 9 aluminum models. The 42mm aluminum version with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth starts at $399 / £399 / AU$649.
You can choose from aluminum options in rose gold, silver, or jet black, with the jet-black variant being especially striking in person.
The Apple Watch Series 10 is now available for purchase, with its official launch date on September 20, 2024.
Apple Watch Series 10: Design
- The new display steals the show, especially on the 46mm size
- Overall, a thinner build means the Series 10 protrudes less
- Your existing bands will still work and are easy to attach
With the Apple Watch Series 10, design takes center stage. Although it closely resembles the Series 9, there are notable changes that make it stand out.
Unveiled on the 10th anniversary of Apple’s first-generation Watch, the Series 10 maintains the classic rounded square shape but now features a display that stretches closer to the edges. This design tweak gives it a sleeker look with sides that taper off, enhancing its overall appearance.
The Series 10 is available in two larger sizes: the 42mm replaces the previous 41mm, and the 46mm replaces the 45mm. While the difference of just 1mm might not seem significant, anyone upgrading from the Apple Watch 7, 8, or 9 will notice the change.
Display technology has seen a significant upgrade. The new wide-angle OLED display increases the viewing angle and brightness, making it easier to read from various perspectives.
You can control the Apple Watch Series 10 through touch, the Digital Crown, or the rectangular button on the right side of the watch.
I’ve been testing the 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 in Jet Black, which features a glossy aluminum finish reminiscent of the Jet Black from the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. The Series 10 also comes in other aluminum colors and, for the first time, a polished titanium option.
In addition to the larger screen, the Series 10 is 1mm thinner than its predecessors, giving it a slimmer, more streamlined look. It feels lighter on the wrist and has a sleeker profile. Like the Ultra 2, it features a bezel-less glass front.
The back of the watch has been redesigned with metal, offering a more seamless and refined look. The sensor stack remains the same, continuing to provide a range of health features.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 10 retains its familiar design while introducing key improvements. The larger display and slimmer profile make it more comfortable and stylish to wear.
- Design score: 4 / 5
Apple Watch Series 10: Features
- It’s running watchOS 11 out of the box, finally letting you customize Activity goals.
- Sleep apnea detection is supported here and also works on the Series 9 and Ultra 2
- Voice isolation for calls is a useful feature.
The Apple Watch Series 10 comes equipped with watchOS 11 out of the box, introducing several exciting updates. One standout feature is the improved Smart Stack, which enhances the widget experience.
Previously, the Smart Stack displayed useful widgets like Now Playing for music, weather forecasts, or Activity Rings. With watchOS 11, it now supports Live Activities from your iPhone, allowing you to receive real-time updates directly on your wrist. For example, you can track your Uber or Lyft ride, see how far away your driver is, or monitor your arrival time—all with a glance at your watch.
This feature is incredibly useful, and it works with various iPhone Live Activities apps. I especially enjoy the larger 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 screen, as it allows me to read emails, iMessages, and news articles with more lines of text, providing a clearer view of what’s happening. This trend mirrors what Google has done with the Pixel Watch 3, leaving Samsung to catch up with its Galaxy Watch.
With watchOS 11, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers new features to help you manage your activity and health. You can now adjust your daily fitness goals, allowing you to take a rest day without breaking your streak. The Training Load feature provides insights into how your workouts impact your body over time, while you can still easily track steps, calories burned, and exercise minutes.
However, due to an ongoing legal dispute in the United States, Blood Oxygen (SpO2) monitoring is currently unavailable on the Apple Watch Series 10. While the Blood Oxygen app remains, it displays a message stating it’s no longer available. This feature continues to work in countries like Australia or the United Kingdom, and other health features like heart rate tracking, ECGs, and skin temperature sensing remain functional.
A noteworthy addition is Sleep Apnea Detection, available on the Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9, and Ultra 2. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, this feature detects Breathing Disturbances through accelerometer readings and a custom algorithm. If detected, you’ll receive a notification on your wrist, along with additional details in the Health app on your iPhone or iPad. While not a diagnosis, it encourages users to consult a doctor or specialist.
The Apple Watch Series 10 also features a noticeably larger speaker on the left side, allowing it to maintain the same sound output as the Series 9 despite a 1mm thickness reduction. With this upgrade, you can now play music, audiobooks, and podcasts directly from the watch. While the sound quality is decent, for the best experience, it’s recommended to use AirPods or your iPhone. This upgrade is exclusive to the Series 10 and is not available on older models.
For users who enjoy making calls from their smartwatch, the Series 10 introduces a new neural network with a built-in microphone that identifies your voice and minimizes background noise. I tested this while walking through a busy lobby, and my friend thought I was in a quiet room. I also made a call during a Bruce Springsteen concert in Asbury Park, and my dad heard me clearly, despite the surrounding noise.
Another great feature is Double Tap, which lets you answer calls, start voice dictation, or control music playback by pinching your thumb and index finger together. This feature is just as fun and useful on the Series 10 as it is on the Series 9 and Ultra 2, making it easier to use the watch when your hands are occupied.
Features score: 4 / 5
Apple Watch Series 10: Performance
- No performance boost year-over-year, but it is still a zippy experience
- Fast charging is faster with the same charging puck
- New watch faces take advantage of the new wide-angle display
The Apple Watch Series 10 is powered by the custom S10 processor, which ensures smooth performance across the large display, watchOS 11, and all the watch’s features. It delivers fast performance, making it a solid choice within its price range.
Despite not offering groundbreaking performance improvements, the Series 10 handles both first-party and third-party apps with ease. Apps open quickly, and tasks like writing messages or using translation apps are straightforward and efficient.
One of the standout features of the Apple Watch Series 10 is the new Flux watch face, which displays the time vertically with customizable colors. Instead of a traditional second hand, it uses a ticker line that moves upward, thanks to the watch’s 1Hz refresh rate.
The Series 10 tracks a variety of workouts, such as indoor cycling, outdoor walking, strength training, and yoga, with results consistent with top competitors like the Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, Pixel Watch 3, and Galaxy Watch.
In terms of battery life, Apple hasn’t promised any major improvements. The 42mm and 46mm Series 10 models last around 18 hours in standard mode and 36 hours in low-power mode, depending on usage.
If you’re planning to use sleep tracking, you’ll need to charge the watch during the day or before bed. Fortunately, the faster charging feature, enabled by an internal coil, allows you to go from 0% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a 20-watt charger.
While the Series 10 battery won’t last for multi-day use like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 or some Garmin models, it comfortably provides around 20 hours of use with moderate to demanding activities.
- Performance score: 4 / 5
Apple Watch Series 10: Should I Buy?
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 |
| Value | 4/5 |
| Design | 4/5 |
| Features | 4/5 |
| Performance | 4/5 |
Buy it if…
You have an older Apple Watch.
If you’re using an Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8, upgrading to the Series 10 will bring several exciting improvements. These include a larger display and enhanced power efficiency thanks to the new S10 chip. However, keep in mind that Blood Oxygen tracking will not be available for users in the U.S..
You want a sleek, sophisticated smartwatch.
The Jet Black Series 10 stands out with its sleek and sophisticated design. The polished titanium models are equally stunning. This smartwatch blends elegant aesthetics with top-tier performance and a large display, making it a standout choice.
Don’t buy it if…
Do you want something more rugged?
The Series 10 features a completely glass front with no raised edge, which may not make it the ideal choice for rock climbing or other rugged activities. If you’re into outdoor adventures, the more durable Apple Watch Ultra 2 would be a better fit.
You don’t need all the bells and whistles.
The second-generation Apple Watch SE is a great choice if you can do without the always-on display or electrocardiogram (ECG) capability. Plus, it remains fully compatible with watchOS 11.
You have an Apple Watch Series 9
Unless you specifically want a larger display or a slimmer design, the overall experience of the Apple Watch Series 10 is quite similar to the Series 9. If you purchased the Series 9 earlier in its launch cycle, it may still support Blood Oxygen tracking.
Apple Watch Series 10: How I tested
I’ve been reviewing smartwatches for years, covering multiple generations of the Apple Watch, and have owned one since the very first model.
For testing, I tracked various workouts like yoga, indoor cycling, and outdoor walks, comparing the results with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, Series 9, Galaxy Watch 7, and Pixel Watch 3. I also explored the new Activity Ring customizations in watchOS 11.
To evaluate Series 10’s wide-angle display, I tested it in different lighting conditions, including bright outdoor sunlight and indoor fluorescent lighting. Additionally, I carefully monitored battery performance throughout my usage.
I also tested various apps, made numerous calls, and experimented with multiple watch faces to assess the Series 10’s overall functionality and user experience.
First reviewed September 2024.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 10 is a refined and impressive evolution in the Apple Watch lineup, boasting a sleek design, expansive display, and solid performance, all powered by the S10 chip.
That said, the Series 10 doesn’t bring a massive performance leap over the Series 9 or Ultra 2. If you’re already using one of these models, the upgrades may feel incremental—unless you specifically want a thinner build or a larger screen.
For those seeking premium features like an always-on display and ECG capabilities, the Series 10 is a fantastic choice. However, if you need a more rugged smartwatch for extreme outdoor activities, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 might be the better fit.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a stylish, well-balanced, and feature-rich smartwatch, delivering a powerful combination of health tracking, design, and performance, making it a top contender in the wearable tech market.
