When the buzz started about the 10th generation Apple Watch, many speculated it would bring a major redesign, much like the iPhone X did for smartphones. After all, “10” is a nice, round number, and a milestone for any product. So, was it worth the hype? Let’s dive in!
A Familiar Design with Minor Tweaks
After a week with the Apple Watch Series 10, it’s clear: this isn’t a groundbreaking redesign. It’s more of an incremental upgrade. If you’re hoping for something drastically new, you might be disappointed. Here’s what’s different:
- Thinner and Lighter: It’s about 10% thinner and lighter, which might not sound like much, but it does feel better on the wrist.
- Bigger Screen: Both size options feature larger displays, making it easier to view your content.
In fact, the larger 46mm version now matches the screen size of the Apple Watch Ultra, meaning more content can fit on your wrist!
The Tech Under the Hood
While the design might not blow you away, there are some solid features worth mentioning:
- New Metal Back: This change improves durability and aesthetics.
- Updated Speaker: You can now play media out loud. So if you forget your headphones during a hike, you can still jam out—just maybe not too loudly!
- LTPO 3 Display: This new display can refresh down to 1Hz. Now, you can have a second hand visible on the Always-On Display without draining the battery.
WatchOS 11 Features
The Apple Watch Series 10 launches with watchOS 11, which includes some exciting features:
- Vitals App: Think of it as your personal energy coach, tracking your “energy score.”
- Sleep Apnea Detection: This FDA-approved feature uses the accelerometer to notify you of potential sleep apnea.
- Training Load: It tracks your workout intensity to help you train smarter.
Most of these features also roll out to older models, so don’t feel pressured to upgrade if you have a Series 8 or 9.
Reasons to Upgrade
If you’re contemplating whether to invest in the Series 10, here are four compelling reasons:
- Media Playback: The new speaker lets you listen to music and podcasts without needing headphones. A game-changer for those outdoor adventures!
- Better Display: The LTPO 3 display enhances viewing angles, making it easier to check the time without being obvious.
- Water Temperature Sensor: A nifty addition for those who love water sports, although I can’t personally vouch for its effectiveness.
- Faster Charging: Charge from 0 to 65% in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick boost before bed or during a short break.
What’s Missing?
Despite these features, there’s a feeling that this “redesign” isn’t as groundbreaking as we hoped. No rotating bezel, no circular shape, and the battery life remains at 18 hours. It seems like this will be the Apple Watch’s look for the next few years.
Final Thoughts
If you’re rocking an Apple Watch Series 4, 5, 6, or 7, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a solid upgrade. It brings enough improvements to make it worthwhile. However, if you own a Series 8 or 9, you might want to hold off until the next big release.
In conclusion, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a refined version of what we already love, maintaining the squircle design with a few enhancements. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s still a fantastic smartwatch.
Thanks for reading, and catch you in the next post!
