The Apple Watch Series 10 has been making waves since its release, with many users praising its refined design and improved features. After spending months with this device, it’s clear that Apple has focused on subtle yet meaningful upgrades rather than revolutionary changes. The Apple Watch Series 10 stands out as possibly the best smartwatch on the market with its brighter display, improved battery life, and enhanced health tracking capabilities.
Users who upgrade from older models will notice immediate improvements in everyday use. The display is notably brighter when viewed from angles, making quick glances at your wrist more useful. The titanium case options have also received praise for giving the watch a more premium look and feel while maintaining comfort during extended wear.
Runners and fitness enthusiasts have particularly benefited from the Series 10 improvements. Though the changes aren’t dramatic compared to the Series 9, the combined refinements in health sensors, battery performance, and outdoor visibility make it a more reliable fitness companion for both casual and serious athletes.
Apple Watch Series 10 Review
The Apple Watch Series 10 marks the biggest design refresh in years, arriving just in time for the 10th anniversary of Apple’s iconic smartwatch. With a thinner and lighter build, a larger display, and new health features like sleep apnea detection, Series 10 delivers meaningful upgrades while retaining the smooth watchOS experience Apple is known for. But does it do enough to justify an upgrade from previous generations? Let’s dive into the ratings.
Feature Ratings (1-5 Scale)
Design and Build Quality: 5/5
Apple refined the Series 10’s case, making it up to 10% thinner and noticeably lighter than the Series 9. The new squared-off edges give it a cleaner, more modern look without straying too far from its recognizable design language. Available in aluminum, stainless steel, and a new lighter titanium, the Series 10 offers an excellent fit and finish, with a more comfortable feel on the wrist.
Display: 5/5
The Series 10 features Apple’s largest and brightest display yet for its regular watch lineup. With slimmer bezels and a screen that’s up to 30% larger than its predecessor, it offers exceptional visibility. It’s also 40% brighter when viewed at an angle, making it easy to read in direct sunlight or while on the move. The Always-On Display remains as crisp and responsive as ever.
Performance and Speed: 5/5
Powered by the new-generation SiP, the Series 10 is blazingly fast. Apps open instantly, animations are fluid, and navigating watchOS 10 is seamless. Whether using Siri, Precision Finding, or running third-party apps, the Series 10 performs effortlessly with no noticeable lag.
Health and Fitness Tracking: 4.5/5
Series 10 expands Apple’s health features with sleep apnea detection and improved heart rate monitoring. It still includes ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, temperature sensing, and advanced sleep tracking. However, it lacks the diving-focused sensors and depth gauge found in the Ultra 2, which may be a downside for extreme athletes. For most users, though, it offers an exceptionally comprehensive health suite.
Safety Features: 5/5
Apple continues to lead in safety with crash detection, fall detection, Emergency SOS, and advanced heart notifications. With the new sleep apnea detection and better integration with the Health app, Series 10 enhances its role as a guardian on your wrist.
Battery Life: 4/5
The Series 10 offers up to 18 hours of standard battery life, with up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. While this hasn’t improved over the Series 9, Apple’s efficient chip ensures consistent performance. Competing devices may offer longer battery life, but Apple’s optimization means you’ll typically get through the day comfortably.
Software and Ecosystem: 5/5
Running watchOS 10 out of the box, Series 10 integrates tightly with the iPhone and Apple’s broader ecosystem. Access to Fitness+, Apple Music, Siri, and third-party apps from the App Store makes the experience seamless. Features like Precision Finding for iPhone 15 and Double Tap gesture control add extra polish and usability.
Water and Dust Resistance: 4.5/5
With a WR50 water resistance rating, the Series 10 is suitable for swimming and general water exposure. It doesn’t offer the same diving capabilities as the Ultra 2, but it’s more than adequate for everyday use. It also retains the IP6X dust resistance rating for durability.
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Starting at $399, the Series 10 delivers premium features, health tracking, and cutting-edge design at a reasonable price point. While it’s not the cheapest option—especially with other models like the SE 2nd Gen and Ultra 2—it offers strong value for those wanting the latest technology without going all-in on an Ultra.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch Series 10 represents the most significant update to the mainstream Apple Watch lineup in years. With its thinner design, brighter and larger display, and expanded health capabilities, it’s a well-rounded upgrade. For those already in the Apple ecosystem, Series 10 is a compelling choice, especially for users of Series 7 and earlier models. While its battery life could be better and it lacks the extreme sport features of the Ultra 2, Series 10 remains the best smartwatch for most people.
If you’re looking for a sleek, powerful, and health-focused smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 10 hits the sweet spot.
Key Takeaways
- The Series 10 offers a brighter display and improved off-axis viewing that makes the watch more useful in outdoor conditions.
- Battery life has been enhanced, allowing for longer use between charges even with health tracking features active.
- The titanium case options provide both better durability and a more premium aesthetic while maintaining all-day comfort.
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Watch Series 10 features a refined design that balances elegance with functionality. It offers significant improvements in both aesthetics and physical construction compared to previous generations.
Comparison with Previous Models
The Series 10 is noticeably thinner than the Series 9, making it more comfortable for daily wear. The screen size has increased while the bezels have shrunk, creating a more immersive display experience.
The watch face has a slightly curved edge that blends seamlessly with the case. This design change helps reduce accidental touches when moving your wrist.
Button placement remains similar to previous models, maintaining familiarity for upgraders. The Digital Crown has been refined with improved haptic feedback, offering better precision when scrolling.
The Series 10 is also more durable against scratches and everyday wear. Its water resistance rating matches previous models, making it suitable for swimming and water activities.
Choice of Materials
Apple offers the Series 10 in two primary case materials: aluminum and titanium. The aluminum option provides a lightweight experience at a more accessible price point, perfect for first-time buyers or casual users.
The titanium version stands out as the premium choice. It’s stronger than aluminum while remaining surprisingly light. The titanium models have been praised as the best-looking Apple Watches to date, with a subtle brushed finish that resists fingerprints.
Color options include midnight, starlight, and silver for aluminum cases. The titanium models come in natural, gold, and slate gray finishes. Each material affects not just appearance but also the watch’s weight and durability.
The manufacturing quality is excellent across all versions, with precise button action and solid construction that feels worth the investment.
Display and Visibility
The Apple Watch Series 10 brings significant improvements to its screen that enhance the user experience. The display offers better clarity and visibility in various lighting conditions while maintaining power efficiency.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Series 10 features a 20% larger display than previous models, creating more room for apps and information. This expanded screen makes text easier to read and interactions more precise.
The OLED display delivers crisp visuals with vibrant colors that make photos and app icons pop. The Always-On display has been improved, allowing users to glance at their watch without raising their wrist to wake it.
The active display area extends nearly to the edges, maximizing screen real estate without increasing the overall watch size. This design choice makes the Series 10 feel modern and immersive.
Text appears sharp and clear, even at smaller font sizes. Watch faces showcase fine details that weren’t as noticeable on older models.
Outdoor Visibility
The Series 10 shines in outdoor environments with enhanced brightness levels that make the screen readable even in direct sunlight. Users no longer need to shade the watch with their hand to check the time on sunny days.
One standout improvement is the better visibility at angles, allowing users to see the display clearly without perfectly aligning their wrist. This off-angle viewing enhancement proves especially useful during workouts or while driving.
The automatic brightness adjustment responds quickly to changing light conditions. Moving from indoors to outdoors triggers a seamless transition in display brightness.
Anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare on the screen, further improving visibility in challenging lighting situations.
Performance and Connectivity
The Apple Watch Series 10 brings notable improvements in both processing power and connectivity options. These upgrades make daily interactions faster and more reliable while ensuring you stay connected wherever you go.
Processor Capabilities
The new S10 SiP (System in Package) chip powers the Series 10 with impressive efficiency. This processor handles tasks like app launching and Siri responses significantly faster than previous models. Opening apps happens almost instantly, and transitions between screens feel smooth and responsive.
The S10 chip also manages battery resources better. It allows the watch to handle complex tasks like on-device processing of health data without draining power. This is especially helpful when tracking workouts or sleep patterns.
Graphics performance has improved too. Watch faces with animations and complications update smoothly, even the more complex ones. The processor handles multiple background processes efficiently, so notifications arrive promptly without lag.
Network and Cellular Performance
The Series 10’s cellular models connect reliably to networks, making them truly independent from your iPhone. Call quality has improved with enhanced microphones and speakers that produce clearer audio in both directions.
GPS accuracy stands out as a major upgrade. The watch pinpoints locations with greater precision, especially important for runners and hikers tracking their routes. Tests show the Series 10 matches dedicated sports watches in mapping accuracy during outdoor activities.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections maintain stability even in crowded signal environments. The watch switches seamlessly between available networks to keep data flowing. This means fewer interruptions when streaming music or receiving messages.
LTE models now connect faster to cellular networks after leaving Wi-Fi range. This quick handoff ensures you don’t miss important notifications when on the move.
Battery Life and Charging
The Apple Watch Series 10 delivers impressive battery performance and significantly faster charging speeds that make daily wear more convenient. The improvements address two common pain points for smartwatch users.
Endurance on a Single Charge
The Series 10 shows remarkable battery life improvements over previous models. Users report having 40-50% battery remaining after a full day of use, which is a notable upgrade. This extended battery life means most users can easily get through a full day without worrying about running out of power.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Series 10 performs exceptionally well. One user ran a marathon and finished the four-hour-plus event with 27% battery still remaining. This makes it suitable for lengthy outdoor activities with GPS tracking enabled.
Many Reddit users have called the Series 10 battery life “phenomenal” compared to earlier models. The extended battery life also supports sleep tracking without needing to charge the watch overnight.
Charging Technology
The Series 10 features dramatically improved charging speeds that change how users interact with their watch. The watch can now reach 80% battery in just 30 minutes of fast charging, compared to 45 minutes with previous models.
This faster charging represents a significant improvement that solves a major pain point for Apple Watch users. If your watch dies, you can get it back to nearly full power during a short break or morning routine.
Consumer Reports notes that the faster charging is particularly beneficial for sleep tracking users, calling it a potential “game changer”. Users can now charge the watch briefly while showering or having breakfast, then wear it throughout the day and night.
Health Features and Sensors
The Apple Watch Series 10 builds on Apple’s health monitoring foundation with significant improvements. The watch offers more accurate sensors and adds new capabilities that make it a powerful health companion for daily wear.
Heart Rate Accuracy and ECG Functionality
The Series 10 heart rate sensor shows impressive accuracy during both rest and exercise. In tests comparing it to medical-grade devices, the watch consistently delivers readings within 2-3 beats per minute of professional equipment.
The ECG function remains a standout feature, allowing users to take medical-grade electrocardiograms directly from their wrist. The process is simple – just place your finger on the Digital Crown for 30 seconds. The Series 10 can detect irregular heart rhythms that might indicate atrial fibrillation.
Users can export these readings as PDFs to share with doctors. This feature has received FDA clearance for detecting certain heart conditions, though Apple emphasizes it’s not meant to replace professional medical devices.
The watch also sends proactive notifications when it detects unusually high or low heart rates, potentially catching issues before they become serious.
Oxygen Saturation and Sleep Apnea Notifications
The blood oxygen sensor (SpO2) measures oxygen saturation levels through your wrist. The Series 10 improves reliability here, with more consistent readings throughout the day and during workouts.
The most significant health addition is the new sleep apnea detection capability. The watch monitors breathing disturbances during sleep and can alert users if patterns suggest possible sleep apnea. This feature tracks your breathing patterns over several nights before making any determinations.
Users receive a simple notification if the watch detects consistent breathing interruptions. Apple emphasizes this isn’t a diagnosis but a prompt to consult healthcare providers.
The improved sensors also deliver more reliable overnight oxygen readings, helping track how well your body maintains oxygen levels during sleep.
General Health Tracking and Activity Rings
The iconic Activity Rings remain central to the Apple Watch experience. The Series 10 tracks steps, distance, calories, and standing hours with excellent precision.
The new Vitals app consolidates important health metrics in one place, showing:
- Nightly resting heart rate
- Overnight respiratory rate
- Wrist temperature trends
- Activity summaries
Sleep tracking continues to improve, with the watch monitoring sleep stages (REM, deep, and light) more accurately. The Series 10 offers practical insights about your sleep patterns rather than overwhelming you with complex data.
The watch also excels at workout detection, automatically recognizing when you’ve started exercising. It supports dozens of workout types with specific metrics for each activity.
Menstrual cycle tracking and mindfulness features round out the health offerings. The Mindfulness app provides guided breathing sessions and reflection prompts to manage stress.
Water Resistance and Outdoor Features
The Apple Watch Series 10 brings impressive upgrades to its outdoor capabilities with enhanced water resistance and better tracking features for various activities. These improvements make it a more versatile companion for active users.
Swimming and Diving
The Series 10 comes with a “swim-proof” design and water resistance rating of 50 meters, making it suitable for pool sessions and shallow water activities. Users can take it for swims without worry.
The watch has a smart water lock that turns on when it detects submersion. This feature protects the device by locking the screen to prevent accidental touches underwater.
New to the Series 10 is its focus on snorkeling. The depth gauge tracks how deep you go during water activities. This function works well for recreational swimmers who want to know their underwater metrics.
It’s important to note that while the watch is rated for 50 meters, this doesn’t mean users can dive to that depth. The rating is for shallow water activities like swimming and snorkeling only.
Hiking and Altitude Tracking
The Series 10 shines as a hiking companion with its improved GPS accuracy. Trails are tracked more precisely than previous models, giving hikers better route information.
Altitude tracking has been enhanced to provide more accurate readings of elevation changes. This helps hikers monitor their climbs and descents with greater precision.
The watch includes a redesigned compass app that works with the altitude sensor. It shows your exact position, elevation, and direction in one easy view.
Battery life during GPS tracking has improved, lasting about 12 hours of continuous tracking. This is enough for most day hikes without needing a charge.
The new Tides app in WatchOS 11 is particularly useful for coastal hikers and beach-goers. It provides accurate tide information to plan water activities safely.
Software and Compatibility
The Apple Watch Series 10 runs on the latest WatchOS 11, bringing significant improvements to the user experience. The software works seamlessly with iPhone models, though Android users will need to look elsewhere for their smartwatch needs.
Operating System and Interface
WatchOS 11 introduces several exciting features to the Series 10. The new Vitals app helps track health metrics more comprehensively than before. Users can now monitor their sports training load, which helps prevent overtraining.
The interface remains intuitive but with welcome refinements. The larger display on the Series 10 makes navigation easier and text more readable. Apps open quickly, and transitions between screens are smooth.
WatchOS 11 also includes a new Tides app, perfect for swimmers and surfers. The overnight sleep metric trending feature provides more detailed insights into sleep patterns.
The control center and app grid layouts are customizable, letting users prioritize frequently used features. Notifications are well-managed and can be filtered to reduce distractions.
Compatibility with Other Devices
The Apple Watch Series 10 requires an iPhone XS or later running iOS 18 or newer. This requirement might disappoint those with older iPhones looking to upgrade just their watch.
Android compatibility remains non-existent. Apple continues its walled garden approach, keeping the Apple Watch exclusive to iPhone users. This limitation remains one of the few drawbacks of an otherwise excellent smartwatch.
Data syncing between the watch and iPhone happens automatically in the background. Health metrics, notifications, and app data transfer seamlessly.
The Series 10 works well with other Apple products too. Users can unlock their Mac with their watch, find their iPhone, and control Apple TV. AirPods connection is simple, allowing easy music listening without the phone nearby.
Pricing and Availability
The Apple Watch Series 10 comes with several pricing tiers based on size, case material, and connectivity options. Apple has positioned this model at a premium price point while maintaining some more affordable options for budget-conscious consumers.
Retail Price Comparison
The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399 for the base 42mm aluminum GPS model. The larger 46mm size adds $30 to the price tag. Cellular connectivity increases the cost by $100 across all models.
The titanium case option, new to the standard Series line, commands a premium at $699 for the base model. This places it between the aluminum Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which remains at $799.
For budget shoppers, the Apple Watch SE stays in the lineup at $249, offering core features without the latest display or health sensors.
Price Comparison Table:
| Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Apple Watch SE | $249 |
| Series 10 (Aluminum) | $399 |
| Series 10 (Titanium) | $699 |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | $799 |
Model Options and Variations
The Series 10 offers more choices than previous generations. Size options include 42mm and 46mm cases, both featuring the biggest display yet in a standard Apple Watch.
Case materials include aluminum in midnight, starlight, silver, and pink finishes. The new titanium option comes in natural, gold, and slate colors, bringing Ultra-like premium materials to the standard line.
Band compatibility remains consistent with previous models, though Apple introduced several new band styles with the Series 10 launch. These include refreshed Sport Bands and new Woven bands.
Connectivity options include:
- GPS only
- GPS + Cellular
Storage capacity stands at 32GB across all models, double the previous generation. This provides more space for apps, music, and workout data stored directly on the watch.
Comparative Analysis
The Apple Watch Series 10 brings several improvements over previous models and sits in a unique position among other smartwatches. The updated design, enhanced features, and performance tweaks make it worth comparing to alternatives both within and outside the Apple ecosystem.
Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 target different user groups with distinct features. The Series 10 is thinner and lighter than the Ultra 2, making it more comfortable for everyday wear. It also comes in more color options and has a sleeker design.
The Ultra 2, however, wins in battery life and durability. It’s built for extreme conditions with its rugged titanium case and can last multiple days on a single charge.
Both watches share many software features, but the Ultra 2 includes about 40 different specifications, including the Action Button for quick access to functions and better GPS accuracy for outdoor activities.
For most users, the Series 10’s balance of features and comfort will be sufficient. The Ultra 2 makes sense mainly for serious outdoor enthusiasts or those who need extended battery life.
Luxury vs. Mainstream Models
The Series 10 now offers titanium case options, bringing premium materials previously reserved for higher-end models. The titanium cases have been praised as the best-looking Apple Watches to date, with excellent aesthetic appeal.
Material Comparison:
- Aluminum: Lightest, most affordable option
- Stainless Steel: Mid-tier, more scratch-resistant
- Titanium: Premium, lightweight yet durable
The titanium models command a significant price premium but offer better scratch resistance and a more luxurious feel. For style-conscious users, this upgrade might be worth considering.
The mainstream aluminum models still provide identical functionality at a lower price point. The core experience—including health tracking, notifications, and apps—remains consistent across all materials.
Competitors in the Market
When comparing to other smartwatches, the Series 10 faces competition from Google’s Pixel Watch 3 and Garmin’s fitness-focused options.
The Pixel Watch 3 offers deep Google ecosystem integration but still lags behind in battery life and app selection. It performs well for Android users but doesn’t match the Series 10’s polish and performance for iPhone owners.
Garmin watches excel in battery life and sports tracking but lack the smart features and app ecosystem of the Apple Watch. For serious athletes who prioritize fitness metrics over smartphone integration, Garmin often provides better value.
Key differences between the Series 10 and competitors:
- Health tracking: Apple leads in ECG and general health monitoring
- Battery: Garmin watches last weeks instead of days
- Ecosystem: Series 10 works best with iPhones, while Pixel Watch connects better with Android
- Price: Apple commands a premium over most competitors
Many users report that the Series 10’s fast charging capability—reaching 80% in just 30 minutes—helps offset its daily charging requirement compared to longer-lasting alternatives.
Training and Running Features
The Apple Watch Series 10 offers significant improvements for fitness enthusiasts with more accurate tracking and useful new training tools. The thinner, lighter design makes it more comfortable for all-day wear, including during workouts.
Workout Tracking Capabilities
The Series 10 introduces a new Training Load feature that helps runners understand their workout intensity and recovery needs. This tool tracks your training patterns over time and provides guidance on whether to push harder or take it easy.
Users can now program custom interval workouts directly on the watch, making it easier to follow structured training plans. The interface is clean and easy to read, even during intense activity.
The watch’s battery life has also improved, allowing for longer training sessions without needing a charge. Many runners report being able to complete marathon distances with battery to spare.
Offline maps and routing are new additions that let runners explore unfamiliar areas without getting lost. This feature works even when you’re away from your phone or cell service.
Integrated Running Metrics
The Series 10 delivers accurate live distance, pace and heart rate monitoring that serious runners can rely on. The heart rate sensor has been updated for better accuracy during high-intensity activities.
Runners will appreciate the ability to manually trigger lap markers during workouts, making it easier to track performance during intervals or splits. The watch vibrates to confirm each lap marker.
The improved visibility of the larger, brighter screen makes checking stats mid-run much easier, even in bright sunlight. Runners can customize their workout screens to show the metrics that matter most to them.
Data syncing has been streamlined, making it easier to connect with popular running apps like Strava or Nike Run Club. Your running data transfers automatically after workouts without extra steps.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 10 stands as the most refined smartwatch in Apple’s lineup. Its larger display and slimmer design make it both attractive and comfortable for all-day wear.
Battery life has improved, but the real game-changer is the fast charging capability that gets you to 80% in just 30 minutes. This feature alone makes a huge difference in daily use.
For runners, the Series 10 offers polished performance, though improvements from previous models are modest. The health tracking features continue to impress with their accuracy and ease of use.
After several months of testing, most users agree it’s the best smartwatch Apple has made. The iterative improvements add up to a noticeably better experience.
Those deciding between models should note that while the Series 10 is lighter and more comfortable, the Ultra 2 still wins on battery life. This trade-off is worth considering based on your needs.
The price remains premium, but the value is there for those who use their watch daily. For current Series 8 or 9 owners, the upgrade isn’t mandatory, but anyone with older models will see significant improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Apple Watch Series 10 brings several improvements over previous models in design, performance, and features. Users have many questions about its capabilities, battery performance, and overall value.
What new features does the Apple Watch Series 10 offer compared to previous models?
The Apple Watch Series 10 introduces a notably brighter display for off-axis viewing compared to older models. This makes the screen easier to read from different angles.
The new model is also lighter and more comfortable to wear throughout the day. This weight reduction makes a big difference for all-day use.
Many of the fresh features come from WatchOS 11, which adds sports training load tracking, overnight sleep metric trending, and a new Tides app for water activities.
How does the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 10 compare to earlier iterations?
Users report great battery life with the Series 10, showing improvement over previous standard models. The battery easily lasts through a full day of normal use.
When compared to the Ultra 2, however, the Ultra 2 still offers much longer battery life. This makes the Ultra 2 better for extended outdoor activities or multi-day use without charging.
For most daily users, the Series 10 battery improvements hit the sweet spot between the previous standard models and the premium Ultra line.
Are there any notable improvements in the health and fitness tracking capabilities of the Apple Watch Series 10?
The Series 10 continues Apple’s focus on health tracking with health features that work well. Users find the readings reliable and useful for daily health monitoring.
One significant drawback is the lack of blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking, which many users noted as a disappointment. This feature was available in previous models.
The watch integrates new training load metrics that help athletes track their exercise intensity and recovery needs over time, a welcome addition for fitness enthusiasts.
How does the Apple Watch Series 10 perform in terms of durability and water resistance?
The Series 10 maintains Apple’s high standards for build quality while being lighter than previous models. The materials feel premium and stand up well to daily wear.
Water resistance remains a key feature, with the watch fully capable of swimming and water activities. The new Tides app further enhances its usefulness for water sports enthusiasts.
The screen uses durable glass that resists scratches well, though many users still opt for screen protectors for added peace of mind.
What are users’ common criticisms in regards to the Apple Watch Series 10?
The biggest complaint from users is the removal of blood oxygen monitoring that was present in previous models. This step backward puzzles many loyal Apple Watch users.
Some users find the price high for the features offered, especially when compared to budget fitness trackers with similar core functionalities.
Battery life, while improved, still requires daily charging for most users, which some find limiting compared to competitors offering multi-day battery performance.
Is the upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 10 justified in terms of cost-to-feature ratio?
For users coming from Series 7 or older models, the upgrade may actually be worth considering due to the brighter display, improved comfort, and new software features.
Those who already own a Series 8 or 9 might find less compelling reasons to upgrade, as many improvements are incremental rather than revolutionary.
The value proposition depends heavily on which features matter most to individual users. Those focused on comfort and display quality will appreciate the changes more than those primarily using health tracking features.
