Technology
Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
Key Points
- Faster charging and larger screen: The Apple Watch Series 10 charges to 80% in 30 minutes, and its slightly larger display makes typing and interacting with apps easier.
- New health features and design changes: The Series 10 includes FDA-approved sleep apnea detection and lighter titanium models, along with new shiny black aluminum options for a premium look.
- Battery life remains a weakness: While the Series 10 is thinner, it maintains the same 18-hour battery life, falling short of the Apple Watch Ultra’s 36-hour capacity, which may better suit users with more demanding needs.
The Apple Watch Series 10, set for release this Friday, brings incremental but notable upgrades that will appeal to first-time buyers and those with older models. While the announcement of the Series 10, which marks the tenth year of the Apple Watch, may not have stirred excitement with its slightly thinner design, larger screens, and some software enhancements available on earlier models, the overall experience is still impressive.
One standout improvement is the charging speed. The Series 10 features new charging coils that allow the watch to reach 80% battery in just 30 minutes, which is convenient for a quick top-up while doing daily tasks like reading or showering. The battery life, however, remains at 18 hours, which has been the standard since the first generation.
The display on the Series 10 is slightly larger, making it easier to interact with apps, send quick messages, or control music. The larger screen is particularly noticeable for users upgrading from earlier models, even though the changes might feel minimal for those who already have recent versions like the Apple Watch Ultra. Another nice addition is the improved speaker system, which allows users to listen to podcasts, music, or audiobooks without headphones. This feature can be particularly handy for times when the phone or AirPods aren’t immediately available.
In terms of new health features, the Series 10 adds the ability to detect sleep apnea, which was recently approved by the FDA. This feature will also be available on the Series 9. Sleep apnea detection is a significant addition for users with past health concerns related to the condition. Additionally, Apple has moved to titanium for the higher-end models, which reduces weight compared to the previous stainless steel versions. The new shiny black aluminum option is also a visual upgrade, offering a premium look at the same starting price of $399.
However, the Series 10 isn’t without its drawbacks. While the thinner design may appeal to some, it doesn’t address one of the Apple Watch’s biggest weaknesses: battery life. The Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 offer significantly longer battery life at up to 36 hours, making them a more practical choice for travelers or those who may forget to charge their device overnight. Additionally, while there are minor health upgrades like sleep apnea detection, other significant features like blood glucose and blood pressure monitoring, which Apple is rumored to be working on, are not yet available. This could lead to concerns about the watch becoming outdated once those capabilities are released.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 10 is an excellent choice for first-time buyers, especially with its new chip, larger screen, and faster charging. It also presents enough improvements to attract those with Series 6 or older models. However, for extreme sports enthusiasts or users who prioritize battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 might be a better fit due to its superior GPS accuracy, water resistance, and longer battery performance.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/17/apple-watch-series-10-review.html
