The Apple Watch Series 10 is here, bringing with it some exciting upgrades and innovations over its predecessor, the Series 9. But how does it stack up against the more rugged Ultra 2? In this post, we’ll break down what’s new in 2024, compare key features, and help you decide which model best fits your lifestyle and needs.
Introduction: A Watch Built for the Future
The Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) represents a bold leap forward in wearable technology, positioning itself as the most advanced smartwatch in Apple’s lineup. Crafted to meet the demands of today’s tech-savvy consumers, the Series 10 is designed with a focus on performance, connectivity, and health monitoring. The cutting-edge S10 SiP chip provides a processing platform unlike any other, delivering faster on-device performance and enhanced Siri functionality, even when offline. This model also redefines connectivity with precision-finding for iPhones, upgraded Bluetooth 5.3, and improved water and dust resistance, making it a durable choice for both daily life and outdoor adventures.
Key Highlights: A New Level of Innovation
- Slimmer, Sleeker Design: The Apple Watch Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch to date, featuring a re-engineered display and hardware that packs innovation into a slimmer profile. With Jet Black aluminum and polished titanium options, this series offers a refined aesthetic.
- Monumental Display: The LTPO3 OLED Retina display boasts up to 2000 nits of brightness, making it highly visible in various lighting conditions. It’s 40% brighter when viewed at an angle and provides users with enhanced visuals for apps, notifications, and fitness tracking.
- Advanced Health Tracking: The Series 10 includes a temperature sensor, ECG app, and sleep apnea notifications, taking health monitoring to new heights. It tracks key health metrics such as heart rate, sleep stages, and respiratory rate with high accuracy.
- Double Tap Gesture: A new double-tap gesture allows users to control the watch easily with one hand—perfect for quickly answering calls, playing music, or interacting with apps.
Detailed Specification Comparison (Watch Series 9, Watch Series 10, and Watch Ultra 2)
Detailed specification comparison table for the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Series 9, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 based on the available data:
| Feature | Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) | Apple Watch Series 9 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | LTPO3 OLED Retina, Wide-angle OLED, 2000 nits, 40% brighter at an angle, 1 nit min brightness | LTPO OLED Retina, 2000 nits, 1 nit min brightness | LTPO2 OLED Retina, 3000 nits brightness, 1 nit min |
| Size | 46mm (416x496px, 1220 sq mm) or 42mm (374x446px, 989 sq mm) | 45mm (396x484px, 1143 sq mm) or 41mm (352x430px, 904 sq mm) | 49mm (410x502px, 1185 sq mm) |
| Weight | 36.4g (Aluminum GPS), 35.3g (Aluminum GPS+Cellular), 41.7g (Titanium) | 38.7g (Aluminum GPS), 39.0g (Aluminum GPS+Cellular), 51.5g (Stainless Steel) | 61.4g (Titanium Natural), 61.8g (Titanium Black) |
| Chip | S10 SiP, 64-bit dual-core, 4-core Neural Engine | S9 SiP, 64-bit dual-core, 4-core Neural Engine | S9 SiP, 64-bit dual-core, 4-core Neural Engine |
| Health Monitoring | ECG, high/low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications, sleep tracking, temperature sensing, Cycle Tracking, Sleep Apnea Notification, Vitals app | Same as Series 10 | Same as Series 10, adds depth gauge and water temperature |
| Water Resistance | 50 meters (swimproof) | 50 meters (swimproof) | 100 meters (scuba to 40m), EN13319 certification |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours, 36 hours in Low Power Mode, Fast charging (0–80% in 30 mins) | Up to 18 hours, 36 hours in Low Power Mode, Fast charging (0–80% in 45 mins) | Up to 36 hours, 72 hours in Low Power Mode, Fast charging (0–80% in 1 hour) |
| Materials and Finishes | Aluminum (Jet Black, Rose Gold, Silver), Titanium (Slate, Gold, Natural) | Aluminum (Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Pink, (Product)RED), Stainless Steel (Graphite, Silver, Gold) | Titanium (Natural, Black) |
| Connectivity | GPS, LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Precision Finding for iPhone, Wi-Fi 4, Second-gen Ultra Wideband chip | GPS, LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Precision Finding for iPhone, Wi-Fi 4, Second-gen Ultra Wideband chip | Precision dual-frequency GPS, LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 4 |
| Durability | Certified IP6X dust resistant, water-resistant 50m | Certified IP6X dust resistant, water-resistant 50m | Certified IP6X dust resistant, MIL-STD 810H durability, water-resistant 100m |
| Operating System | watchOS 11 | watchOS 10 | watchOS 11 |
| New Features | Double tap gesture, improved brightness at angle | Double tap gesture | Precision GPS, Siren, depth app |
| Environmental Features | 100% recycled aluminum (Aluminum), 95% recycled titanium (Titanium), 100% recycled cobalt in the battery, 100% recycled tungsten in Taptic Engine | 100% recycled aluminum in case | 95% recycled titanium in case, 100% recycled tungsten in Taptic Engine |
| Price | Starts at $499 (GPS + Cellular) | Starts at $399 (GPS) | Starts at $799 (GPS + Cellular) |
Comparison Highlights
The Apple Watch Series 10 introduces several key enhancements over the Series 9, making it a more refined and feature-packed option. Notably, the LTPO3 OLED Retina display on the Series 10 is up to 40% brighter at an angle, improving visibility and providing a more immersive experience with its wide-angle OLED screen. It is also slimmer and lighter, especially with the new Jet Black and Titanium finishes, offering more premium material options than the Series 9.
Both the Series 10 and Series 9 feature the latest S10 and S9 SiP chips respectively, with the Series 10 gaining an edge in on-device performance. The double-tap gesture is a standout feature on both watches, but Series 10 charges faster, going from 0–80% in just 30 minutes, compared to 45 minutes on the Series 9.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 remains the best option for extreme sports and adventure enthusiasts. Its 3000-nit brightness display, 100m water resistance, depth gauge, and siren make it ideal for underwater exploration and rugged environments. It also boasts an impressive 72-hour battery life in Low Power Mode, surpassing both the Series 9 and Series 10.
For users focused on fitness and health tracking, all models provide advanced monitoring with features such as ECG, sleep tracking, and temperature sensing, but the Ultra 2 adds a depth app and water temperature sensor for deeper insights during water sports
Limitations of the Apple Watch Series 10
While the Apple Watch Series 10 (2024) introduces several improvements in design, performance, and health tracking features, there are still some limitations to consider. One notable concern is battery life. Despite enhancements in power efficiency, the Series 10 offers up to 18 hours of usage on a single charge, similar to previous models. For users engaging in extended activities or travel, this might require frequent recharging. Even with Low Power Mode, the Series 10 extends to 36 hours, which is still less than the Ultra 2’s 72-hour Low Power Mode.
Additionally, the lack of dual-frequency GPS in the Series 10, compared to the precision GPS on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, makes the Ultra a better choice for those who need highly accurate location tracking during adventurous activities.
Use Cases
The Apple Watch Series 10 excels in the following scenarios:
- Daily Fitness & Health Tracking: Ideal for those who prioritize health monitoring with features like the ECG app, sleep tracking, and temperature sensing. It supports sleep apnea detection and retrospective ovulation estimates, making it perfect for personal wellness management.
- Professional & Casual Use: The sleek design, premium finishes, and customizable watch faces make it a great fit for professional settings, where style and functionality blend seamlessly.
- Urban Lifestyle & Connectivity: With the Precision Finding for iPhone and double-tap gesture, the Series 10 is a powerful companion for staying connected in fast-paced environments. The on-device Siri also makes daily tasks more efficient, even without internet access
Support Accessories
The Apple Watch Series 10 supports a range of official and third-party accessories, enhancing its functionality:
- Watch Bands: Compatible with a variety of bands, including Sport Loop, Milanese Loop, Braided Solo Loop, and Apple Watch Hermès bands. The bands are available in multiple sizes and styles to suit different wrist sizes and personal preferences.
- Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger: Included with the watch, this charger enables rapid charging, bringing the battery from 0% to 80% in just 30 minutes.
- Protective Cases & Screen Protectors: Available for users who want extra protection for the display and body of the watch, ensuring durability during daily activities.
Who is Right For
The Apple Watch Series 10 is right for:
- Health-conscious users who want advanced wellness features such as ECG monitoring, sleep apnea detection, and cycle tracking. It’s designed for users who prioritize fitness and health tracking but prefer a more compact and sleek design than the Ultra model.
- Tech enthusiasts who appreciate the latest technology advancements, such as the double-tap gesture, wide-angle OLED display, and on-device Siri with fast performance.
- Professionals who need a stylish and functional accessory that fits into both work and leisure environments. Its range of finishes and band options make it easy to personalize the watch for any occasion.
- Urban and casual users who seek connectivity features like Precision Finding for iPhone and on-device processing for Siri, making it easy to stay organized without constantly relying on a smartphone.
However, for users who need extreme durability, longer battery life, and precision GPS tracking, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 may be a better fit.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 10 builds on Apple’s legacy of innovation in wearables, offering advanced health tracking, an upgraded display, and sleek new designs. With a refined S10 SiP chip, the Series 10 provides better performance and smoother user experience, while the wide-angle OLED screen ensures better visibility and usability in various lighting conditions.
Though its battery life remains a limitation for heavy-duty users, for most people, the fast charging capabilities and the power-saving features should be sufficient. If you’re looking for a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch for daily fitness tracking, seamless connectivity, and a touch of elegance, the Apple Watch Series 10 delivers on all fronts. However, those who require rugged durability or longer battery performance may want to explore the Apple Watch Ultra 2 as an alternative.
Link: Apple Watch Series 10
