Apple Watch Series 10 Review

Contents Show

Last Tuesday morning, I watched my neighbor Sarah glance at her wrist during our coffee chat and smile. She tapped the side of her new Apple Watch Series 10 and showed me how effortlessly it tracked her morning run data on that gorgeous, edge-to-edge display. Her enthusiasm was infectious, especially when she mentioned how her husband had been eyeing the same watch after seeing how thin and comfortable it looked on her wrist.

That conversation stuck with me, particularly when I started hearing similar stories from friends and colleagues. One gym buddy raved about the faster charging times, while another friend who snorkels on weekends couldn’t stop talking about the new depth features.

These real-world experiences made me curious enough to examine what makes this tenth-generation Apple Watch stand out in an increasingly crowded smartwatch market. The Apple Watch Series 10 represents a decade of refinement in wearable technology. Released in September 2024, this iteration brings meaningful improvements to a formula that Apple has been perfecting since 2014.

Apple Watch Series 10:

Product Specs

Display: 42mm (374 x 446 pixels) or 46mm (416 x 496 pixels), LTPO3 OLED, up to 2,000 nits brightness
Thickness: 9.7mm (0.38 inches)
Weight: 30.3g to 43.1g (1.07 to 1.52 oz) depending on size and material
Processor: Apple S10 SiP with 4-core Neural Engine
Storage: 64GB
Battery: 18 hours official (26-30 hours realistic), 80% charge in 30 minutes
Water Resistance: 50 meters (164 feet), depth gauge to 6 meters (20 feet)
Connectivity: GPS, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, optional Cellular with 5G
Health Sensors: ECG, optical heart sensor, temperature sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope
OS: watchOS 11
Materials: Aluminum (Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver) or Titanium (Natural, Gold, Slate)

This Product is Best For:

The Apple Watch Series 10 is highly recommended for iPhone users who value seamless ecosystem integration and appreciate refined design over revolutionary features. If you currently wear an Apple Watch Series 6 or earlier, this represents a substantial upgrade with noticeably improved screen quality, processing speed, and health tracking capabilities.
The thinner profile makes extended wear more comfortable, particularly for those who sleep with their watch for sleep tracking. This watch also appeals to fitness enthusiasts who want solid workout tracking without the bulk and expense of the Ultra series.
The addition of water temperature sensors and depth gauges opens up new possibilities for swimmers and snorkelers, while the enhanced speaker system improves outdoor workout experiences. Anyone frustrated with previous charging times will appreciate the faster power-up capability that fits more naturally into busy schedules.

Features Overview

The Apple Watch Series 10 represents Apple’s thinnest design yet at 9.7mm, nearly 10 percent thinner than the Series 9. This slimmer profile doesn’t sacrifice functionality but instead demonstrates sophisticated engineering that integrates the antenna directly into the metal back, creating a sleeker appearance.

The larger display options provide more screen real estate without making the watch feel oversized on smaller wrists. The wide-angle OLED display offers 40 percent brighter viewing when seen at an angle, addressing a common frustration with previous models.

The always-on display now updates seconds in real-time even when your wrist is down, a subtle enhancement that makes the watch feel more like a traditional timepiece. These refinements combine to create a device that feels both more premium and more practical for everyday tasks.

Display and Design Enhancements

The visual experience on the Series 10 marks a genuine improvement over its predecessors. The LTPO3 OLED technology enables the display to refresh as slowly as 1Hz when idle, conserving battery while maintaining visible seconds on the watch face. When you need it, the screen can refresh faster for smooth scrolling and animations.

This adaptive technology contributes to the impressive battery efficiency despite the larger, brighter screen. The new Ionic Glass design tapers more dramatically at the edges, creating an almost borderless appearance that maximizes usable screen space.

The screen measures 1220 square millimeters on the 46mm model, slightly larger even than the Apple Watch Ultra 2. This expanded canvas makes reading messages, viewing notifications, and interacting with apps noticeably easier, especially for users with vision challenges or larger fingers.

Apple discontinued the stainless steel option in favor of titanium for premium models, reducing weight by approximately 20 percent compared to steel versions. The titanium cases come in Natural, Gold, and Slate finishes, all featuring a brushed texture that resists fingerprints better than polished steel.

Aluminum models remain available in Jet Black, Rose Gold, and Silver, maintaining affordability while delivering the same core functionality.

Performance and Processing Power

The S10 chip inside the Series 10 continues Apple’s tradition of providing smooth, responsive performance for daily tasks. While Apple hasn’t publicized dramatic speed increases over the S9 processor, the four-core Neural Engine enables faster on-device machine learning for features like Siri processing and voice isolation during calls.

The W3 wireless chip handles connectivity efficiently, supporting both Bluetooth 5.3 and Ultra Wideband for precise iPhone location tracking. Storage remains at 64GB, more than sufficient for music, podcasts, apps, and watch faces.

The processor handles multiple apps running simultaneously without noticeable lag, and switching between workout modes, notifications, and complications feels instantaneous. For users upgrading from Series 5 or earlier models, the performance jump will be immediately apparent in everything from app launch times to workout syncing.

Health and Fitness Tracking

The Series 10 introduces sleep apnea detection, which monitors breathing patterns monthly using the accelerometer to detect disturbances. Every 30 days, the watch analyzes accumulated data and can alert users to potential sleep breathing issues worthy of medical consultation.

This feature also became available on Series 9 and Ultra 2 through software updates, demonstrating Apple’s commitment to extending features across recent models. Heart health monitoring continues with ECG capability, irregular rhythm notifications, and high and low heart rate alerts.

The third-generation optical heart sensor provides accurate readings during workouts and throughout daily activities. Temperature sensing, first introduced in Series 8, remains present for cycle tracking and general health insights.

The accelerometer and gyroscope work together to detect falls and severe crashes, automatically contacting emergency services if you’re unresponsive.

watchOS 11 Features

The software running on Series 10 brings meaningful additions to health tracking and daily usability. The new Vitals app displays key overnight health metrics, notifying users when two or more measurements fall outside typical ranges.

This holistic approach helps identify patterns that individual metrics might miss, potentially flagging illness, stress, or environmental factors affecting your health. Training Load provides insights into how workout intensity and duration impact your body over time.

Rather than prescribing specific actions, it presents data that helps you make informed decisions about training intensity. Activity rings now allow customization by day of the week, so you can set higher goals for active days and lower targets for planned rest days.

This makes the system more flexible and less punishing for users who need rest days or have varying activity levels throughout the week.

Water Sports and Depth Features

The Series 10 adds a depth gauge supporting depths to 6 meters (20 feet) for snorkeling while maintaining 50-meter water resistance. The water temperature sensor automatically activates when submerged, providing real-time readings for pools, lakes, and oceans.

These features, previously exclusive to the Ultra series, expand the Series 10’s appeal to casual water sports enthusiasts who don’t need the Ultra’s extended 40-meter dive certification. The new Tides app helps surfers, fishers, and beachgoers plan activities around tidal conditions.

It displays tide levels for coastal locations, predicting optimal times for various water activities. While not essential for most users, these additions demonstrate Apple’s expansion into activity-specific features without requiring users to purchase the more expensive Ultra model.

Charging and Battery Life

The Series 10 achieves 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes, the fastest charging time for any Apple Watch. This improvement stems from a redesigned metal back with a larger, more efficient charging coil. In practical terms, a quick charge during a morning shower provides enough power for a full day.

This eliminates the need to plan your schedule around charging times. Official battery estimates remain at 18 hours, but real-world usage typically extends to 26-30 hours with moderate activity, including GPS workouts and sleep tracking.

Heavy users who exercise extensively with GPS, stream music, and use cellular connectivity will approach the 18-hour mark. Low Power Mode extends battery life to approximately 36 hours, though it disables the always-on display and some background health monitoring.

Speaker and Audio Quality

A re-engineered speaker system delivers 30 percent smaller size while maintaining equivalent acoustic output. For the first time, the Series 10 can play media directly through the built-in speaker, though most users will prefer AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones for music and podcasts.

The speaker improvement primarily benefits phone calls, Siri interactions, and workout audio cues, all of which sound clearer and louder than previous generations. Voice isolation during calls uses the S10 chip’s Neural Engine to filter background noise, making conversations clearer in noisy environments.

Whether you’re at the gym, on a windy run, or in a busy coffee shop, the person on the other end hears your voice more distinctly. This enhancement makes the watch more practical as a standalone communication device when you leave your iPhone behind.

Activity and Workout Tracking

Supported Workout Types:

Running, walking, hiking
Indoor and outdoor cycling
Swimming (pool and open water)
Strength training and HIIT
Yoga, Pilates, and stretching
Dance, boxing, and martial arts
Pickleball, tennis, and badminton
Golf and disc sports
Rowing, paddling, and kayaking
Winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, skating)
Basketball, soccer, and other team sports
Plus dozens more specialized activities

The Series 10 supports an extensive list of workout types, from traditional options to niche activities like pickleball, social dance, and hunting. Automatic workout detection begins tracking when it senses you’ve started exercising, though manual start remains more accurate.

GPS tracking provides detailed route maps and pace information for outdoor activities, while the heart rate sensor monitors intensity throughout your workout. Swimmers benefit from pool and open water swimming modes that track laps, strokes, and SWAT score.

The water temperature sensor adds context to open water swims, while the water lock feature prevents accidental touches when submerged. Post-workout recovery time estimates help you gauge when you’re ready for another intense session, though these recommendations feel conservative compared to dedicated fitness wearables.

Smart Features and Daily Use

Integration with the iPhone ecosystem remains the Series 10’s strongest selling point. Notifications arrive instantaneously, and responding via voice dictation, scribble, or preset replies feels natural after minimal practice. Apple Pay works flawlessly for contactless payments, and the ability to unlock your Mac by simply being nearby adds convenience.

The Digital Crown’s haptic feedback provides satisfying tactile responses when scrolling through apps and adjusting settings. Double-tap gesture control, introduced with watchOS 10, lets you answer calls, pause music, or snooze alarms by tapping your index finger and thumb together.

This hands-free interaction proves valuable when your hands are full or during workouts when touching the screen isn’t practical.

Size and Comfort Considerations

The Series 10’s increased sizes of 42mm and 46mm, up from 41mm and 45mm, provide more screen space without feeling substantially larger on the wrist. The thinner profile counterbalances the marginal size increase, making the watch feel less intrusive during sleep and less noticeable during daily activities.

Users with smaller wrists might find the 42mm model more proportional, while those who prefer maximum screen real estate will appreciate the 46mm option. Weight reduction across all models enhances comfort during extended wear.

The lightest configuration, a 42mm aluminum GPS model, weighs just 30.3 grams (1.07 ounces), barely noticeable after the first few days. Even the heaviest 46mm titanium cellular model at 43.1 grams (1.52 ounces) remains lighter than many traditional watches.

This makes all-day and all-night wear feasible for most users.

Cellular Connectivity

The cellular-enabled models support making calls, sending messages, and streaming music without your iPhone nearby. This independence proves valuable during workouts when carrying a phone feels cumbersome or when you want to remain reachable without bringing your full device.

Emergency SOS via cellular can contact emergency services and share your location even without your iPhone present. This safety feature provides peace of mind during solo activities in remote areas.

A cellular plan adds to monthly costs, but the freedom it provides makes sense for active users who frequently leave their phones behind. International roaming support varies by carrier and region, so travelers should verify compatibility before depending on cellular features abroad.

Pros

Significantly thinner and lighter design improves all-day comfort
Largest display ever on a standard Apple Watch enhances readability
Fastest charging time in Apple Watch history (80% in 30 minutes)
Wide-angle OLED display remains visible from more angles
Sleep apnea detection adds valuable health monitoring
Water temperature sensor and depth gauge expand aquatic capabilities
Titanium option provides premium feel at lower weight than steel
Seamless integration with iPhone and Apple ecosystem
Always-on display now shows updating seconds
Improved speaker quality for calls and audio
Extensive workout tracking with automatic detection
Double-tap gesture adds convenient hands-free control
ECG and heart health monitoring provide medical-grade insights
Crash and fall detection offer emergency safety features
Compatible with existing Apple Watch bands
Carbon-neutral manufacturing for environmental consciousness

Cons

Battery life remains average compared to competitors: While the 26-30 hour real-world battery life represents an improvement over official estimates, watches from Garmin, Amazfit, and others last multiple days or even weeks between charges. To mitigate this, establish a consistent charging routine during your morning routine or evening wind-down. The fast charging capability means even 20-30 minutes on the charger provides a full day’s power, making it less burdensome than it initially appears.

Blood oxygen sensor remains disabled in the United States: Due to ongoing patent disputes, the SpO2 feature that measures blood oxygen saturation doesn’t function on Series 10 units sold in America. International models retain this capability. While frustrating for health-conscious users, the watch’s other health metrics (heart rate, ECG, temperature, sleep tracking) still provide substantial health insights. Most casual users won’t miss this specific feature in daily use.

Incremental upgrade for Series 9 owners: For users with a Series 9, the improvements feel minimal since most new features come through watchOS 11 software updates available on both models. The thinner design and faster charging represent the main hardware differentiators. If your Series 9 functions well, waiting for Series 11 makes financial sense. However, if you’re experiencing battery degradation or your current watch has physical damage, the Series 10 provides a solid upgrade path.

Buy the Apple Watch Series 10:

Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Watch Series 10

Is the Apple Watch Series 10 worth upgrading from Series 9? For most Series 9 users, waiting makes sense since watchOS 11 brings the majority of new features to both models. However, if you value the thinner design, faster charging, or significantly larger display, the upgrade provides tangible daily improvements. Users coming from Series 7 or earlier will notice much more substantial enhancements.

Can I use my existing Apple Watch bands with Series 10? Yes, the Series 10 maintains compatibility with existing bands. The 42mm model works with bands designed for 38mm, 40mm, and 41mm cases, while the 46mm model fits bands made for 42mm, 44mm, and 45mm cases. This compatibility preserves your band investment and provides immediate customization options.

Does the Series 10 work with Android phones? No, the Apple Watch requires an iPhone running iOS 18 or later. Specifically, you need an iPhone XS or newer model. The deep integration between iPhone and Apple Watch provides many of the watch’s most valuable features, making it exclusively an iPhone companion device.

How accurate is sleep apnea detection? The feature monitors breathing disturbances using the accelerometer and analyzes 30 days of data before providing notifications. While FDA-cleared and clinically validated, it’s designed as a screening tool rather than a diagnostic device. If you receive a notification, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Can I swim with the Apple Watch Series 10? Absolutely. The watch has 50-meter water resistance suitable for swimming in pools and open water. The depth gauge works up to 6 meters (20 feet), perfect for snorkeling, and the water temperature sensor automatically activates when submerged. However, it’s not certified for scuba diving beyond recreational depths.

How long does the battery really last? Despite Apple’s 18-hour rating, real-world usage typically delivers 26-30 hours with moderate GPS use and sleep tracking. Heavy users with frequent GPS workouts, cellular streaming, and constant notifications will approach the 18-hour mark. Low Power Mode extends life to approximately 36 hours.

What’s the difference between aluminum and titanium models? Titanium models weigh approximately 12-15% less than aluminum versions and feature a sapphire crystal display instead of Ion-X glass, providing better scratch resistance. Titanium also offers a more premium aesthetic with brushed finishes. Functionally, both materials provide identical features and performance.

Is cellular connectivity necessary? It depends on your usage. If you want to leave your iPhone behind during workouts, make calls independently, or maintain connectivity during outdoor activities, cellular adds valuable freedom. GPS-only models work perfectly fine when your iPhone is nearby, which covers most people’s daily scenarios.

Comparison with Similar Products

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Ultra 2 targets extreme outdoor enthusiasts with a larger 49mm titanium case, action button for quick controls, and 36-hour battery life (up to 72 hours in low power mode). It features 100-meter water resistance for recreational scuba diving and a brighter 3,000-nit display.

However, its rugged design and larger size make it less suitable for smaller wrists or formal occasions. The Series 10 offers 90% of the functionality in a more refined, everyday package at a lower cost.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch SE

The SE provides essential Apple Watch features in a budget-friendly package but lacks ECG, temperature sensing, always-on display, and sleep apnea detection. It uses the older S8 chip and a smaller display with thicker bezels.

For users prioritizing cost over advanced health features, the SE delivers solid value. The Series 10 justifies its higher cost with superior health monitoring, display quality, and processing power.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7

Samsung’s flagship offers similar health tracking with longer battery life (30-40 hours) and works with both Android and iPhone (with limitations on iOS). The rotating bezel provides tactile navigation some users prefer over the Digital Crown.

However, iPhone users miss out on tight ecosystem integration, Apple Pay, and seamless notifications. The Galaxy Watch 7 makes more sense for Android users, while the Series 10 remains the clear choice for iPhone owners.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Garmin Fenix 8

Garmin’s outdoor-focused watches provide week-long battery life, topographic maps, and incredibly detailed sports metrics for serious athletes. The Fenix 8 costs significantly more and lacks the smart features, app ecosystem, and seamless phone integration that Apple Watch provides.

For dedicated athletes training for ultra-marathons or multi-day adventures, Garmin excels. For everyday fitness tracking with smart features, the Series 10 offers better balance.

User Comments

Recent customer feedback reveals consistent themes about the Series 10 experience. Users generally praise the refined design and improved display while noting that battery life remains a consideration for heavy users.

A first-time Apple Watch buyer shared enthusiasm about their purchase: “I bought the Apple Watch Series 10 a few weeks ago and honestly, I’m thrilled. The sleek and stylish design, along with the larger, brighter display, also receive high praise. Many appreciate the comfortable fit and lightweight feel of the watch.”

An upgrader from an older model noted: “I upgraded from the Apple Watch Series 4 so this was a much needed upgrade! Interface is incredibly fast and I cannot imagine wearing another watch. Although I would imagine if you already have a Series 7-9 it’s maybe not worth the upgrade just yet.”

A cellular model user explained their decision: “I was in between buying the regular Apple Watch 10 in black and spending the extra money for the cellular. I went for the cheaper version thinking I didn’t need to spend all the extra money, but then changed my mind considering that I’m about to enter the medical field and being able to leave my phone in a locker and still be able to be alert on who calls and texts me while I’m at work was the best way to go.”

One user appreciated specific features: “This is the first Apple Watch I’ve purchased, and I want to say how Beautiful the color, Titanium Natural Milanese Loop is. This is super lite and the 42 mm face is perfect for my small wrist. I walk a lot early in the mornings (still dark) so now I can call someone if I found myself in distress which is nice as I never carried my Apple phone!”

Another customer focused on the display: “Great performance, love the big screen on the watch! The battery lasts longer than my previous model and the fast charging means I can top up quickly in the morning.”

A gift recipient shared: “Was a gift from my husband and it exceeded my expectations since I just upgraded from my past watch. The color is such a nice, rich almost light bronze gold. I also love the texture of the Milanese loop.”

However, some users mentioned considerations: “Very nice watch overall. I certainly recommend it, though the battery still needs daily charging which can be inconvenient if you forget.”

An active user noted: “I loved the apple watch. It helps me to stay more active as it reminds me of my physical activity. Its very pretty and multifunctional, though I wish the battery lasted a full two days without needing a charge.”

Our Final Verdict

The Apple Watch Series 10 represents thoughtful evolution rather than revolution, refining an already excellent product into its most balanced form yet. The Apple Watch Series 10 is the best version of the Apple Watch because of course it is.

For iPhone users seeking a smartwatch, no other option integrates as seamlessly or delivers as polished an experience. The thinner design, larger display, and faster charging address real user pain points without sacrificing the features that made previous generations successful.

Who Should Buy:

Series 7 or earlier owners: Yes, upgrade now. The Series 10 delivers enough improvements to justify the purchase, particularly if your current watch shows signs of age. The enhanced display, processing power, and health features create a noticeably better daily experience.
Series 8 and 9 owners: Probably wait. The hardware improvements feel incremental, and most new software features arrive through watchOS updates. Unless you specifically want the thinner design, faster charging, or larger display, your current watch likely serves you well.
First-time buyers: Absolutely buy. It’s clear that it’s the best smartwatch Apple ever made, offering the most refined combination of design, features, and performance in the lineup. The learning curve proves gentle, and the convenience quickly becomes indispensable.

The Apple Watch Series 10 won’t convert Android users or convince skeptics who question the need for a smartwatch. But for iPhone users ready to explore wearable technology or upgrade from aging models, it delivers exactly what you’d hope for: a more capable, comfortable, and elegant device that simply works.

That reliability and integration remain Apple’s greatest strength, making the Series 10 an easy recommendation for its target audience despite incremental yearly improvements.

Buy the Apple Watch Series 10:

Cluey.ca

Apple Watch Series 10 Review