Apple Watch Series 10
When the Apple Watch was first introduced in 2014, it came in two sizes: 38mm and 42mm. Now, the smallest Apple Watch is 42mm (excluding the Apple Watch SE, which didn’t receive an update this year anyway). I don’t mind the smallest size being 42mm, but with each major design iteration, Apple seems to be increasing the size of the Watch. Where does this end? At what point does the smallest size become too big?
On the wrist, every millimetre counts and can make a huge difference on how a watch wears and feels. Apple Watch was praised for its compact size when it launched. It came in two different sizes, Apple catered for those with smaller wrists and for those who preferred smaller watches. Fashion trends change, and I feel the current trend is to wear smartwatches that look large on the wrist, but not everyone follows fashion. People still love smaller watches, and I don’t want smaller watches to go in the way of the iPhone Mini. I hope the smallest Apple Watch doesn’t get any bigger than 42mm, and that Apple continues to cater to this market.
Newer sizes mean the displays are now bigger, but they’re not just bigger – they’re better too. Apple is promoting the new models as featuring their first wide-angle OLED display, which makes the screen brighter when viewed from an angle. The display is now up to 40% brighter and more efficient, enabling the Always-on-Display to update once per second – meaning the ticking seconds hand is visible even when your wrist is down.
One thing I do applaud is the thinness of the new Apple Watches. A 10% reduction in thickness might not sound like much, but when you look at the Watch, it’s noticeably thinner and looks fantastic.
There is a lack of colour options for the aluminium model compared to previous years. However, the new Jet Black aluminium colour looks amazing, though I fear it might scratch easily, just like the Jet Black iPhone 7. Product (RED) is noticeably absent this year. Stainless steel has been replaced by titanium, which is making a comeback. The titanium finish is now polished, giving it a stainless steel vibe. When Apple replaced stainless steel with titanium on the iPhone 15 Pro Max last year, I loved the change, as it helped reduce weight. I’m glad the Series 10 titanium watch weighs around 10 grams less than the stainless steel model it’s replacing.
The Series 10 introduces two new sensors that were exclusive to the Ultra last year: a water temperature sensor and a depth gauge up to 6m (though the Ultra still has a depth gauge sensor for up to 40m). These are great features for people who love spending time in the water! Sensors are what make smartwatches exciting – the more, the better.
The speakers have also been upgraded. You can now play music and podcasts directly from the speaker instead of needing to connect Bluetooth headphones. I’m curious to see the quality of these speakers and how they impact battery life.
The battery life remains an “all-day battery for 18 hours,” but charging is faster, with the ability to reach 80% from 0% in just half an hour, compared to 45 minutes on the Series 9. This is great for those who wear their watch almost constantly, especially for sleep tracking.
Speaking of sleep tracking, the Apple Watch can now detect sleep apnea – though this is more of a watchOS 11 feature, as it’s coming to Series 9 Apple Watches too. If health data interests you, the Apple Watch is an invaluable tool, and it keeps improving every year.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
“Does it come in black?”
Yes, it does, and it’s gorgeous. It looks sleek, and without a doubt, I can assure you this is the Apple Watch Batman would wear.
The only change to the Ultra 2 is the new colour. Apple could have simply updated the SiP to the S10, added a few more features, and called it the Ultra 3, but they didn’t. I wonder what this means for the future? Is Apple going to update the Ultra only every other year, while offering new colour options in the off years? I’d even argue that the standard (non-Ultra) Apple Watch doesn’t need a yearly update. I expect those with cash to spare will love this new colour because it looks amazing.
The New Straps
There is a new gold colour option for the Apple Link Bracelet. It may seem expensive if you look at it from a tech enthusiast’s perspective, but it’s very reasonably priced if you’re a watch enthusiast.
But the star of the new straps is the Titanium Milanese Loop, without trying to describe it myself, let me quote what it says on Apple’s website :
The Titanium Milanese Loop features aerospace-grade titanium mesh with a secure parachute-style buckle. Inspired by stainless steel mesh historically used by divers and designed for ocean activities. Made of lightweight titanium, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Enough said.
Closing Thoughts
Both the Series 10 and the new Ultra 2 are incremental upgrades. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch’s launch. Comparing this to the 10th iteration of the iPhone, where the iPhone X was groundbreaking, these upgrades do seem a bit underwhelming.
However, that doesn’t mean these are bad upgrades. If you’re using a Series 6 or older, this would be a great upgrade. If you’re on a Series 8 or 9, there’s not much reason to upgrade—unless you’re often in the water and could benefit from the new sensors. But if that were the case, you might have opted for the Ultra instead. Or perhaps not, if the Ultra is too large for your taste, and this larger Series 10 might be just right.
If you’re on a Series 7, your watch’s battery might not last as long as you’d like. I’d recommend replacing the battery rather than getting a new Series 10. Personally, I’m sticking with my Stainless Steel Series 7, which I love, especially paired with a BandWerk leather strap. My battery health is at 81%, and I’ll replace it when it drops to 80% to get more use out of this watch.
But if you are upgrading or getting an Apple Watch for the first time, these are the best Apple Watches yet—and arguably, the best smartwatches on the market.
