The Apple Watch Series 10 is thinner and lighter, has the largest display yet, a titanium version too

09 September 2024

Apple kicked off its big event with watches – a Series 10 that is almost a complete redesign and a new look for the Ultra 2. We’ll start with the brand new model.

Apple Watch Series 10

This new generation has the biggest display of any Apple Watch – yes, this includes the Apple Watch Ultra 2 – and is also the thinnest watch from the company. Additionally, charging has been sped up significantly. Long story short, this is like a more slender Ultra and it even has a new titanium version.

Let’s start with the display, since it's a major upgrade. It’s a bit bigger than the Ultra (both generations had 1.92”), compared to non-Ultra generations, the display is up to 30% larger.

And get this – Apple managed to increase the refresh rate from once a minute to once a second. This means that the Always On Display can now show a ticking second hand (and there are new watch faces that show off this feature). For AOD users, the new display is up to 40% brighter when viewed at an angle, making it easier to just glance at information. Naturally, the larger display allows apps to fit more text and it makes typing on the watch easier.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is thinner than ever before, now measuring 9.7mm (1mm less than Series 9). The Aluminum version is around 10% lighter than previous iterations too.

With all that, Apple managed to preserve battery life – you can expect 18 hours on a charge. So, yes, you will still be charging daily. The good news is that Apple made the process faster – 30 minutes is all you need to get to 80% (down from 45 minutes). The watch supports MagSafe and Qi 2 charging.

The aluminum version comes in Rose Gold and Silver and a new option – Jet Black. This is the first polished aluminum finish on an Apple Watch. But there is a more premium version that is even lighter.

Apple is dropping stainless steel as a material option for the Apple Watch, replacing it with Titanium instead. This is 20% lighter than it would have been if it still used steel. This version will be available in three colors: Natural, Gold and Slate Gray. Apple updated the Milanese loop and Link Bracelet to match the new material. The display is protected by sapphire.

The Series 10 is similar to the Ultra in more than just the choice of metal. Water resistance was upgraded and a new depth gauge, which comes on automatically the moment you dive and can track you down to 6m/20ft, with a timer for your dive and an indication of the maximum depth you reached. There is also a water temperature sensor.

The Series 10 is perfect for snorkeling and is even getting the Oceanic+ app. There’s more, the watch can be your companion on a fishing trip or when you go kayaking. There’s a new app that shows tide info, while the Paddle Logger app has coastline info and lets you create a float plan.

Apple is extending the health tracking features of the watch. Did you know that 80% of people suffering from sleep apnea haven’t been diagnosed? Well, the Watch Series 10 has a sleep apnea detection that will deliver morning reports on any breathing disturbances while you slept. Every 30 day period, the watch will analyze all collected data and warn you if you are at risk from sleep apnea.

Apple expects to get clearance from the FDA and other agencies in 150+ countries around the world this month. The Apple Watch Series 9 and the Watch Ultra 2 will receive apnea detection as an update soon.

Apple had to redesign the speaker on the watch completely. The new module is 30% smaller and you can now use it as a speaker – this means that you can listen to music or podcasts with just your watch, no headphones necessary. Naturally, you can use it for voice calls too. Here, the new, powerful chipset leverages AI smarts for noise cancellation to improve your calls.

The Apple S10 has a 4-core neural engine, which allows it to run some tasks on device. The AI features also include knowing which widget to show you at any moment and picking out the best photo to use as a background.

The Apple Watch Series 10 goes on pre-order today and will be available in two weeks' time, starting on September 20. The GPS model starts at $400, the GPS+Cellular one is $100 more.

Apple Watch Ultra 2

No new Ultra, not yet. But there is a new look for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Satin Black. This is a matte finish achieved through a bespoke process that makes the exterior more scratch resistant. The watch is still made out of titanium, specifically 95% recycled grade 5 titanium (the titanium Series 10 also uses recycled material). The back is made out of tough zirconia.

To go with the new look, Apple also designed a new Titanium Milanese Loop. It is inspired by scuba divers and designed for scuba divers. And if you already have an Ultra 2, don’t worry, there’s a version of the new loop to match the original natural titanium look.

Long time partner Hermès also designed a new wrist strap, this one drawing inspiration from sailing. There’s a matching watch face too – if you use it, the Action button will be set to a nautical-themed countdown timer.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 in Satin Black is available for pre-order starting today and will be available on September 20. The price is the same as before, $800 (all Ultra watches are GPS+Cellular).