The Apple Series 10 smartwatch was supposed to be a game-changer. Many of us hoped for a design overhaul akin to the iPhone X, which redefined the iPhone lineup years ago. Instead, what we got feels more like an evolution than a revolution. And yet, despite the lack of jaw-dropping changes, there’s still a lot to unpack. After spending a couple of weeks with the Series 10, I’ve realized that the devil—and the delight—is in the details.
So let’s break it all down, feature by feature, and see if this iteration of Apple’s iconic smartwatch is worth your time (and money).
A Familiar Design, with Subtle Refinements
If you were expecting the Apple Series 10 to look radically different, you might be a little disappointed. Apple didn’t reinvent the wheel—or, in this case, the squircle. The Series 10 retains the familiar curved edges and rectangular face that have defined the Apple watch since its inception. However, it’s slightly thinner and lighter, which makes it feel more comfortable on the wrist.
The aluminum model is 10% lighter, while the new titanium option (replacing stainless steel) shaves off 20% of the weight. This change is most noticeable if you’re upgrading from an older model like the Series 6 or SE. Apple has also introduced a Jet Black finish that looks sleek but, based on past experiences with similar finishes, might be a scratch magnet.
The display is another highlight—it’s not just bigger but also brighter. The 46mm model, for instance, matches the screen size of the Apple Watch Ultra, making it ideal for those who value screen real estate. The new LTPO 3 display can drop its refresh rate to 1Hz, allowing the always-on display to show a continuously moving second hand without draining the battery. It’s a small touch, but one that makes the watch feel more like, well, a watch.
watchOS 11: The Real Star of the Show
A big chunk of what makes the Series 10 feel new comes down to watchOS 11, which is also available on older models. Still, a few features are exclusive to the Series 10 due to hardware requirements.
One of the standout additions is the Vitals app, which aggregates metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen levels, and sleep duration into a single score. Think of it as Apple’s answer to Garmin’s Body Battery. It’s a feature that’s genuinely helpful for tracking overall wellness, but its accuracy will depend on consistent use over time.
Another major feature is sleep apnea detection, which uses the accelerometer to monitor irregular breathing patterns. This is groundbreaking for a smartwatch, especially since it just received FDA approval. Combined with training load tracking for fitness enthusiasts, the Series 10 becomes an even better tool for those serious about their health.
Health and Fitness Features
Apple has always leaned heavily into the health and fitness narrative with its smartwatches, and the Series 10 continues this trend. Here’s what’s new and noteworthy:
- Water Temperature Sensor: While niche, this addition is aimed at swimmers and divers who want more data about their aquatic activities. It’s not something I’ve used extensively, but it’s there if you need it.
- Faster Charging: With the included charging puck, you can go from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes. This is a game-changer for anyone who’s ever forgotten to charge their watch before bed and wanted to use it for sleep tracking.
- Improved Speaker: The redesigned speaker system is 30% smaller but louder and clearer. For the first time, you can play music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly from the watch. It’s not exactly audiophile-quality, but it’s functional enough for quick use.
Apple Series 10 vs. Apple SE
The Apple Watch SE remains a popular entry-level option, especially at its $250 price point. So, how does the Series 10 stack up?
- Display: The Series 10’s screen is significantly larger and brighter than the SE’s, making it easier to read text, interact with apps, and use features like the built-in keyboard.
- Materials: While the SE sticks with aluminum, the Series 10 offers a titanium option with a sapphire crystal display for added durability. That said, most people buying an SE aren’t looking for premium finishes.
- Health Features: This is where the Series 10 pulls ahead. The SE lacks ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and sleep apnea detection. For users who want robust health tracking, the Series 10 is the better choice.
- Battery Life: Both models promise 18 hours of battery life, but the Series 10’s faster charging makes it more convenient.
The SE still has its place, particularly for first-time smartwatch buyers or parents looking for a kid-friendly option with cellular connectivity. However, for anyone looking to future-proof their purchase, the Series 10 offers more value.
Daily Usability
Where the AppleSeries 10 truly shines is in the small, thoughtful improvements that make it more enjoyable to use daily:
- Music detection: The watch can now recognize music playing around you and identify the song directly from your wrist. It’s Shazam, but faster.
- Voice isolation: Whether you’re in a noisy environment or even taking a call in the shower, the Series 10 filters out background noise for clearer communication.
- New gestures: The double-tap gesture lets you answer calls, scroll through menus, or pause/play music without touching the screen. It’s intuitive and makes interacting with the watch feel more fluid.
The Ecosystem Lock-In Problem
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Apple watch remains its tight integration with the iPhone. If you’re considering switching to an Android device, the watch becomes a glorified fitness tracker with limited functionality. This is particularly frustrating when other premium smartwatches, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, offer broader compatibility.
Verdict: Should You Buy the Series 10?
The Apple Series 10 watch is undeniably an impressive piece of tech. Its larger display, faster charging, and advanced health features make it the most capable Apple watch yet. However, it’s not the revolutionary leap some of us were hoping for.
If you’re upgrading from a Series 4, 5, or even 6, the jump to the Series 10 will feel significant. But for those with a Series 8 or 9, the improvements might not be compelling enough to justify the cost.
Ultimately, the Series 10 feels like Apple saying, “This is the Apple Watch for the foreseeable future.” It’s polished, powerful, and practical—but it’s not perfect. Whether that’s enough for you will depend on how much you value incremental upgrades and whether you’re already locked into the Apple ecosystem.