Apple Watch Series 10: Sleeker, smarter, and feature-rich
Watch 10 Apple Picture: Apple Series
The Apple Watch Series 10 might seem like a modest upgrade compared to its predecessor, but plenty of enhancements make it worth considering.
The Apple Watch Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch, measuring 9.7mm in thickness, not including the sensor module on the base. For anyone familiar with the chunkier feel of earlier models, this size reduction is noticeable directly compared to the Series 9, which is roughly 1mm thicker.
On the wrist, the Series 10 feels incredibly minimal and sleek, a quality that is immediately noticeable when you strap it on. After swapping it out for the Series 9, the 46mm version I reviewed felt surprisingly light.
The Series 10 is 10% lighter than the Series 9, which is noticeable. It’s well-balanced and comfortable for all-day wear, making it an excellent choice for casual users and fitness enthusiasts.
Apple has introduced several new finishes with the Series 10, and I received the glossy jet-black model for this review. I’m a fan of other colours, but I love black because it looks classical and sophisticated without being overly flashy.
Apple has outdone itself with the display on the Series 10. Not only is it the largest display on any Apple Watch, but it’s also significantly bigger than previous models. Apple states it’s up to 30% larger than the Series 4, 5, or 6, and an astounding 75% larger than the aging Series 3. The difference in screen real estate is immediately apparent, and whether you're checking emails, reading notifications, or browsing apps, the additional space makes a tangible difference in readability.
What struck me most was how the extra screen size translates into real-world usability. You can see an additional line of text in apps like Mail, which improves visibility and makes it easier to interact with your watch without feeling cramped. Even though the size jump might seem small on paper (44mm to 46mm compared to the Series 6), the usability boost is substantial.
The Series 10 also debuts a new wide-angle OLED display, which offers 40% brighter off-angle viewing than its predecessors. Initially, I was sceptical, thinking it would be one of those features you barely notice, but I was wrong. The brightness and clarity hold up whether you're looking at the watch straight or from an angle. The new technology also enhances the watch’s appearance as a traditional timepiece, especially when your hand is at rest. Glancing at the time is easier without tucking your wrist just right.
With all the new features, hardware, and software, my favourite is that you can see the second-hand ticking while the display is dimmed in the always-on mode. I know it doesn’t make sense, but the watch feels more natural. Unfortunately, this is only available on the Reflections watch face. The new Flux watch face also does something similar by filling the screen with colour second by second. Interestingly, this is something the Apple Watch Ultra 2 doesn’t do, where the ticker disappears with the dimming screen.
Apple has added a sleep apnea notification feature to the Series 10, which leverages the accelerometer to estimate interruptions in your breathing patterns. This could be an essential feature for those with undiagnosed sleep disorders. Thankfully, I didn’t get any such notifications during my time of testing.
The Series 10 has a six-metre depth gauge and a water temperature sensor for outdoor enthusiasts and swimmers. While I don’t do any diving, I can imagine that the ability to track water temperature would be a neat addition for all-year sea swimmers. Seeing how cold the water is is interesting, though I admit it’s a niche feature that might not appeal to everyone.
Apple’s temperature-sensing technology, introduced in previous models, continues to improve. Cycle tracking has become more precise, providing better insights for women regarding their reproductive health.
The Series 10 is powered by the new S10 SiP, which brings a noticeable boost in performance. The on-device Siri no longer requires an internet connection for basic requests like setting timers or starting workouts. This leads to faster response times and more reliable functionality, especially in areas with poor network coverage. Dictation accuracy has also improved, making it easier to send messages via voice.
Fast charging on the Series 10 is one of its most underrated features. You can charge the watch from zero to 80% in just about 30 minutes, compared to 45 minutes for Series 9. This may sound trivial, but it makes a huge difference in real-world use. Whether you need a quick top-up before heading out or want to charge it while getting ready for bed, the fast-charging capability means less downtime and more usage.
Another great feature is Precision Find My, which works seamlessly with iPhone 15 and newer models. It’s surprisingly accurate and could save you from those frantic moments when you misplace your phone.
The Apple Watch now lets you play audio directly through its built-in speaker. Similar to phone calls, you can enjoy audio from various apps — such as Music, Podcasts, Audiobooks, and third-party options like Overcast or Audible — right from your wrist. The sound quality and loudness aren’t amazing, but it’s a surprisingly handy option occasionally when your phone isn’t nearby.
With watchOS 11, you can pause your activity rings, allowing for rest days while maintaining your streaks. It’s a simple change but one that recognises the importance of recovery in fitness.
Other additions include new training load insights that help track the intensity and duration of your workouts. There’s also a new Translate app that saves frequently used phrases and allows you to adjust the playback speed of spoken translations. This could come in handy when travelling, making communication in foreign languages more accessible.
The Apple Watch Series 10 may seem like a minor upgrade for Series 9 owners, but it's a substantial leap forward for those coming from older models. The larger, brighter display, improved health features, faster performance, and fast charging make it a worthwhile investment.
Apple Watch Series 10 from €449