Bigger Screen, Faster Charging: Is the Apple Watch Series 10 Truly Extraordinary?

The 10th Generation Apple Watch: An Incremental Upgrade or a Missed Opportunity?

For years, Apple enthusiasts and tech reviewers alike speculated that the 10th generation Apple Watch would usher in a significant redesign—a transformative leap akin to the iPhone X’s overhaul of the iPhone lineup. The number 10, after all, carries a sense of milestone significance, and many assumed this would be the turning point for the Apple Watch. Yet, after a week of using the Apple Watch Series 10, it’s clear this release is more of a steady evolutionary step than the groundbreaking leap many anticipated.

That’s not to say it’s a bad device—far from it. The Series 10 is undoubtedly refined and polished, but for those looking for a radical departure from the previous generations, this watch may feel like another incremental update rather than a revolution.

A Familiar but Slimmer Design

Sure! Here’s the revised version with more references to the Apple Watch Series 10:

The most notable physical changes to the Apple Watch Series 10 are subtle. It’s slightly thinner, lighter, and features a larger display. Specifically, the Apple Watch Series 10 is 10% thinner and 10% lighter for the aluminum models, while the higher-end models have transitioned from stainless steel to titanium, making them 20% lighter. The screens on both size options are now larger, giving Apple Watch Series 10 users more real estate for text and content.

The design philosophy feels like Apple took last year’s Apple Watch Series 10 and gently flattened it. The edges are more curved, and the top glass seamlessly melts into the sides. The new Jet Black color accentuates this sleekness, giving the Apple Watch Series 10 a more modern aesthetic. For those familiar with the Pixel Watch, the resemblance is striking, particularly with the curved top edges and the minimalist, melting design.

However, this doesn’t feel like the dramatic redesign some had hoped for. The shape and buttons remain largely the same, adhering to the squircle design that’s been synonymous with the Apple Watch Series 10 since its inception. With Apple marketing this as a “redesign,” it’s likely this form factor will define the Apple Watch Series 10 for the next 5-10 years.

Incremental Changes with Big Implications

The Bigger Display

The display upgrade is arguably the most significant change in the Series 10. The 46mm version now matches the screen size of the Apple Watch Ultra, making it easier to read more text or interact with elements on-screen. A tangible example? The Disc Sports Workout now displays an additional line of information, showing time, active calories, total calories, heart rate, and miles all at once.

This bigger screen is further enhanced by watchOS 11, which introduces minor UI tweaks that take advantage of the increased real estate. For instance, you can see more text on-screen, making tasks like replying to messages or navigating menus feel less cramped.

watchOS 11 Features

Speaking of watchOS 11, it brings several new features to the table. These include:

• Vitals App: A Garmin-inspired feature that provides an energy score, helping users monitor their overall energy levels.
• Sleep Apnea Detection: Approved by the FDA, this feature uses the watch’s accelerometer to detect signs of sleep apnea and notify the user.
• Training Load Metrics: This tracks the perceived intensity of workouts, giving athletes a clearer understanding of their training efforts.

However, most of these features are available on older Apple Watches as well, courtesy of the watchOS 11 update. This limits their appeal as exclusive selling points for the Series 10.

Four Exclusive Features

For those wondering what makes the Series 10 truly unique, here are the four exclusive features:

1. Media Playback on the Watch: With a redesigned speaker that’s 30% smaller, the Series 10 now allows users to play music, podcasts, or audiobooks directly on the watch. While it’s a niche use case, it could come in handy during hikes or casual settings—just don’t be “that person” blaring music in public.
2. LTPO 3 Display: This updated display can now drop to 1Hz (compared to 10Hz on previous models), enabling the Always-On Display to show the second hand without impacting battery life. The improved off-axis viewing angles also make it easier to glance at the watch discreetly.
3. Water Temperature Sensor: This new sensor measures water temperature, though its utility may be limited for the average user. It’s more relevant for swimmers, divers, or those frequently exposed to water.
4. Faster Charging: Using the included charging puck, the Series 10 can now charge up to 65% in 30 minutes (Apple claims 80%, though real-world tests fell slightly short). This faster charging capability is particularly useful for users who rely on quick top-ups.

The Unchanged Core

Despite the improvements, some elements remain disappointingly unchanged. The S10 SiP (System in Package) inside the Series 10 doesn’t offer noticeable performance gains over the S9. While it features an improved neural engine, it hasn’t enabled any functionality that the S9 couldn’t handle. The battery life, too, remains the same—18 hours, a standard Apple Watch metric that hasn’t shifted in years.

Should You Upgrade?

The Apple Watch Series 10 is an easy recommendation for users with older Apple Watches, such as the Series 4, 5, 6, or 7. The combination of a larger display, faster charging, and watchOS 11 features make the Apple Watch Series 10 a compelling upgrade for those looking to refresh their device.

However, for Apple Watch Series 8 or Series 9 owners, the changes may feel too incremental to justify the upgrade. The design, while refined, is not a drastic departure, and many of the new features found on the Apple Watch Series 10 can be experienced on older models via software updates.

Pros and Cons of the Apple Watch Series 10

A Glimpse Into the Future

Apple’s presentation language suggests that this design will likely define the Apple Watch for years to come. The lack of major innovations, such as a circular design, rotating bezel, or significant battery improvements, indicates that Apple views this iteration as the pinnacle of the current design philosophy. For better or worse, this is the Apple Watch.

For enthusiasts hoping for revolutionary changes, this may feel like a missed opportunity. But for those who appreciate Apple’s iterative approach, the Series 10 represents a refined, polished version of an already excellent product.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a solid, incremental update that delivers on comfort, display improvements, and faster charging. It’s not the game-changing redesign some anticipated, but it’s a dependable, well-crafted smartwatch that continues to excel in health tracking, usability, and integration with the Apple ecosystem.

If you’re in the market for an Apple Watch and have an older model, the Series 10 is an easy choice. But if you’re coming from the Series 8 or 9, it’s worth considering whether the incremental changes are enough to warrant the upgrade. Either way, the Series 10 solidifies itself as a reliable companion for fitness, health, and everyday convenience—just don’t expect a revolution.