Get ready for the Apple Watch Series 10, expected to launch on September 20, 2024, alongside the iPhone 16 and AirPods 4 series. Apple is set to shake things up with a bigger display, slimmer design, and a more powerful chip. Whether you’re an Apple enthusiast or simply looking for the latest in smartwatch tech, the Series 10 promises exciting new features and improved performance.
Also known as the Apple Watch X, Series 10 promises a pretty radical change as far as screen size when it comes out next month and as we look back over the last decade of Apple watches, we expect something BIG. We’re all hoping the Watch Series 10 lives up to its substantial expectations with the expanded display size, better processing power, and health sensor potential.
Series 10: Bigger, Faster, And More Capable
A New Era of Size
Apple is embracing larger displays for its flagship smartwatch. The smaller Series 10 will jump from 41mm to 45mm, matching the size of last year’s larger model. The larger model itself will now be a substantial 49mm, bringing it closer to the Apple Watch Ultra’s territory.
Model | 2023 Size | 2024 Size |
---|---|---|
Smaller Apple Watch | 41mm | 45mm |
Larger Apple Watch | 45mm | 49mm |
This shift towards bigger screens suggests Apple sees value in providing more real estate for interactions and information. While it might not please everyone, particularly those who prefer smaller wearables, it’s likely Apple has data backing this decision.
Slimmer and More Powerful
Despite the increase in display size, the Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to be thinner than its predecessors. This should help balance the larger dimensions and maintain a sleek look on the wrist.
Under the hood, a new S10 chip will power the Series 10. It’s anticipated to bring performance enhancements, particularly in its Neural Engine, potentially paving the way for advanced AI features on the device.
Release and Pricing
The Apple Watch Series 10 is set to debut alongside the iPhone 16 next month. While official pricing hasn’t been announced, it’s reasonable to expect it to align with or slightly exceed the current Series 9 pricing.
With its bigger displays, improved performance, and potential for new AI-driven capabilities, the Apple Watch Series 10 is shaping up to be a significant upgrade. Apple enthusiasts and smartwatch fans alike will undoubtedly be eager to see what this next generation has to offer.
Short Summary:
- The Series 10 will feature larger displays, expanding from 41mm to 45mm and from 45mm to 49mm.
- Despite initial rumors of a major redesign, it appears to be a modest update mimicking the Series 9.
- Health monitoring features such as blood pressure and sleep apnea detection face development delays.
The highly anticipated launch of the Apple Watch Series 10 is just around the corner, with expectations for its release set alongside the iPhone 16 in September 2024. This smartwatch marks a significant milestone as Apple approaches ten years in the wearable technology sector. Here’s everything we know so far about the Series 10, including design changes, health features, expected specifications, and pricing.
What Will the New Apple Watch Be Called?
While many speculate whether Apple will label the upcoming device as the “Apple Watch Series 10” or opt for the more modern “Apple Watch X,” the prevailing assumption leans towards the former. The name “X” has a thought-provoking historical context, stemming from the success of the iPhone X, which was a key release in Apple’s history.
According to sources, the term “Apple Watch X” could still find footing among fans, reinforcing the notion that Apple could incorporate significant changes akin to those released with the iPhone X. However, “Apple Watch Series 10” retains more clarity, especially as the brand aims to maintain consistent naming conventions.
Design: Bigger Is Better
Recent leaks suggest that the Apple Watch Series 10 will boast larger displays than its predecessors. The smaller model will transition from a 41mm case to a 45mm one, while the larger version will grow from 45mm to 49mm, increasing the screen sizes significantly. Reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicate these adjustments aim to enhance user experience, especially for individuals interested in more substantial screen real estate for readability and app usage.
Even though there were initial rumors of a full redesign featuring a thinner casing and a new band attachment mechanism, further insights imply that the changes may not be as radical as first thought. Instead, the design will more closely resemble that of the Series 9 with greater emphasis on display size, positioning the Apple Watch to compete more effectively against models like the Apple Watch Ultra.
“The connectors for the next generation of Apple Watch are completely redesigned, which means existing bands may not fit,” commented leaker KosutamiSan, who has historically provided insight into Apple products.
Processor Upgrades: Hairpin Turns Ahead
As the Apple Watch Series 10 approaches its launch, the presence of a new processor—likely dubbed the S10—hints at boosted performance. Reports suggest this chip will enhance machine learning capabilities and could serve as a foundation for integrating future AI features into the device.
While the Apple Watch has been historically inconsistent in processor upgrades, the urgency to enhance speed and efficiency has never been more profound. The Series 10 aims to provide improved processing power that would not only cater to existing health features but also facilitate future innovations.
New Health Sensors: Ambitions Amidst Challenges
The Apple Watch has long positioned itself as a leader in promoting personal health and fitness, and the Series 10 promises additional health monitoring features. Anticipated sensors for monitoring blood pressure and sleep apnea have made headlines, stirring interest and high hopes among health-conscious consumers.
However, according to industry insiders like Mark Gurman, both features might not be entirely ready for the Series 10 debut. Testing hurdles have raised questions about the reliability of the blood pressure sensor, while legal challenges with Masimo Corp around blood oxygen measurement functionalities have put the sleep apnea sensor on the back burner.
“There have been particular concerns about the blood pressure feature working properly with the new Series 10 design,” Gurman stated, casting doubt on the immediate availability of these features.
In the meantime, rumors indicate the watch will also retain existing functionalities, which include:
- High and low heart rate notifications
- Irregular rhythm notifications
- Temperature sensing
- Emergency SOS
- International emergency calling
- Fall detection and crash detection
Despite facing challenges with introducing new health features, the introduction of these existing health monitoring capabilities ensures the watch remains relevant in the rapidly evolving market for smartwatches.
Battery Life and Connectivity: The Ongoing Quest
As users have demanded improvements in longevity, Apple must rise to the occasion with enhancements in battery life for the Series 10. Currently, the Apple Watch has maintained approximately 18 hours of lifecycle, regardless of expanded functionalities. If rumors prove true, users may expect even better battery management with the new display technologies incorporated in this smartwatch.
watchOS 11: A Fresh Take
On the software side, watchOS 11 is poised to invigorate the Apple Watch experience, introducing new Smart Stack widgets, refined app interfaces, and additional health-related features. This update promises seamless compatibility with both the new Series 10 and older models, maintaining usability across the diverse Apple Watch user base.
Expected Release Date and Pricing
With a historical precedent for unveiling Apple Watch models alongside the iPhone, the Series 10’s launch will ccur on September 9, 2024. Following the announcement, pre-orders should start almost immediately, allowing consumers to reserve their devices for delivery a week or so later.
As for pricing, it’s likely that the Apple Watch Series 10 will maintain the same pricing structure as previous iterations:
- Apple Watch Series 10 (41mm, GPS only) – $399
- Apple Watch Series 10 (45mm, GPS only) – $429
- Apple Watch Series 10 (41mm, GPS + cellular) – $499
- Apple Watch Series 10 (45mm, GPS + cellular) – $529
While further rumors suggest possible changes in color options, including new hues for aluminum and stainless steel versions, Apple traditionally rolls out some familiar variations. Therefore, fans may expect to see:
- Aluminum: Starlight, Midnight, Silver, (PRODUCT)RED
- Stainless Steel: Gold, Silver, Graphite
Will the Series 10 Be Worth the Upgrade?
Considering the competitive landscape and Samsung’s consistent innovation, the Apple Watch Series 10 needs to offer significant improvements to attract consumers seeking the latest technology. If the health tools are launched successfully, the watch could be highly valuable for users wanting to actively monitor their well-being. However, given the recurring challenges with rolling out major features and technological hurdles, some may find it wise to wait for future Apple Watch iterations to see how Apple addresses these issues.
FAQs
Does Apple Watch Come with a Charger?
Your Apple Watch comes with the Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger to USB-C Cable (compatible with Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch Series 9 only) or the Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Cable (for other models). You can also use a MagSafe Duo Charger or Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock (sold separately).