Apple has just released the latest iteration of its smartwatch: a wrist worn device that connects to the Apple iPhone. The original version went on sale almost a decade ago, so this is the momentous tenth edition: Apple Watch Series 10.  

The Series 10 runs on the S10 SiP processor, compared to the S9 processor in the Series 9, and offers a plethora of health and fitness features, from tracking a workout to detecting signs of sleep apnoea, alongside traditional smartwatch functions like showing incoming calls and notifications. The new model also has a Depth Gauge up to 6m and a water temperature sensor that kicks in when it’s submerged in water. 

Appearance 

The Apple Watch Series 10 has a similar design to previous versions of Apple’s smartwatch, but there are numerous refinements in this edition. It is slimmer and lighter than the Series 9 and has larger displays too. The Series 10 is brighter when viewed at an angle compared to the Series 9, and it will show seconds when the always-on display kicks in, thanks to new LTPO 3 technology.  

There are two case size options of 42mm and 46mm, which are both bigger than the Series 9’s 41mm and 45mm. While both generations come in an aluminum option for the base models, the stainless steel options of the Series 9 have been supplanted by aerospace-grade polished titanium models in the Series 10. The new grade 5 titanium cases offer a supremely reflective, jewellery-like finish, while being almost 20 percent lighter than Apple Watch Series 9 in stainless steel. The titanium cases come in three attractive colorways: natural, gold, and slate. For the first time, Apple Watch is available in a polished aluminum finish, jet black, with a glossy, reflective shine. To achieve this effect, the aluminum case is polished using nano-particles and then undergoes a 30-step anodization process. Apple Watch Series 10 also comes in a refreshed rose gold aluminum, along with the popular brushed silver aluminum. Both aluminum and titanium versions are offered in a range of color and strap options.  

Combined, the subtle yet significant changes make for a sleek device that is supremely comfortable to wear, easy to control and looks sensational, particularly the Jet Black aluminum model and Gold titanium model. The displays are rich and vivid, with plenty of punch and responsiveness, and the extra screen real estate makes reading notifications and data easier, and input less fiddly and therefore more accurate. It’s easy to use and intuitively simple to set up, taking no more than five minutes. 

New Health Features 

Sleep apnoea detection is the hottest health feature this year. Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop or become shallow during sleep.  It affects around one in eight people, according to the Sleep Apnoea Trust, and can have serious health ramifications. Some people may not realize that they have it, so the Series 10 could be helpful.  

watchOS 11 

Apple Watch Series 10 features the impressive health and fitness insights and intelligent customization that come with watchOS 11, including the new Vitals app, which shows users key overnight health metrics such as heart rate and respiratory rate, and provides better context when it comes to their health. When two or more metrics are outside of their normal range, users can receive a notification, along with a message explaining how the changes in these particular metrics may be linked to other lifestyle factors, such as elevation changes, alcohol consumption, or illness. 

The new Training Load feature lets you know if you’re exercising more or less than usual, helping users make more informed decisions about their training each day.  When it comes to health and fitness features overall, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a top performer. 

Besides this, the Series 10 offers a host of health features, from being able to take an ECG to tracking multifarious workouts, from running and swimming to slightly more obscure options such as kickboxing and tai chi.  

The Activity Rings are even more customizable, so users can specify Activity ring goals for each day of the week, so the rings provide the right amount of motivation at the correct moments. Users can also pause their rings for a specified period without impacting their award streaks, to allow users to factor in rest days or time off for injury.  

watchOS 11 also features a more intelligent Smart Stack to help users access important information swiftly, a redesigned Photos face that employs machine learning to help users select their best photo options, the Translate app, Check In on Apple Watch, and the double tap gesture which was introduced with Watch OS 10.1, enabling users to control Apple Watch Series 10 using just one hand and without touching the display. 

Water Depth and Temperature Sensing and New Tides App 

Apple Watch has always been great for recording activities in and around the water, with a swim-proof design that has a 50-metre water resistance rating, automatic stroke detection, and lap counting. WatchOS 11 introduces Custom Workouts for pool swims. A new Depth Gauge (which measures up to six meters) and water temperature sensor make Apple Watch Series 10 an even better companion when users are headed into the pool or braving a dip in the sea. In addition, to assist users with planning open water activities and helping them stay aware of changing conditions, watchOS 11 introduces a new Tides app. Users can access seven rolling days of forecasted tidal information for coastlines and surf spots around the world, including information on high and low tides, rising and falling tides, and tide height and direction, plotted against a timeline. Users can also view beaches near their location on a handy map, and new complications display current tide information for their favorite spots or closest beaches. As a regular swimmer, I find these functionality enhancements to be a huge asset.  

Lifestyle Features 

One of my favorite Apple Watch functions is the button that ‘pings’ my iPhone when I can’t find it. I tap that button daily more times than I care to admit and find it invaluable. The Series 10 adds Precision Finding, which helps to guide you to your iPhone within a foot of it if the ping doesn’t help you locate it. 

Calls can be taken on the Watch Series 10 if it's within range of your phone (or out of range if you have a GPS & Cellular model). The speaker on the watch enables it to play audio such as podcasts and music with surprising clarity. Apple Watch Series 10 also utilizes a new voice isolation neural network running on the 4-core Neural Engine to suppress background noise during phone or FaceTime audio calls, so a user’s voice sounds crisp and clear on the other end of the line — even in noisy environments such as a crowded restaurant, a busy city street, or in windy weather conditions. 

Siri, Apple’s digital assistant, is also a nifty feature: it can be used to begin a workout, make a call, play music, or ask it any question you might want the answer to. Sometimes answers appear on the Watch Series 10’s display, and other times, the answer will be handed off to your iPhone. 

The lifestyle feature that I find most useful, however, is Apple Pay. Once your credit and debit cards have been set up in your digital wallet, you can pay by tapping your Apple Watch anywhere that accepts contactless payment. If you have a MacBook, the Watch Series 10 can automatically unlock your Mac when on. It can also be used to unlock certain cars too.

In terms of productivity, you can start a voice recording from the Watch Series 10 or use it as a remote camera button to take a photo on your iPhone. It can also set alarms or timers and control smart home devices compatible with Apple Home. Of course, being a smartwatch, the Watch Series 10 also delivers calls, messages and notifications from your iPhone. 

Battery Life 

Like many of the best smartwatches currently available, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, the Apple Watch Series 10 only offers a day of battery life, however eight minutes of charging powers up to eight hours of sleep tracking, and fifteen minutes of charging provides up to eight hours of normal daily use. The Series 10 can also recharge from zero to 80 percent full in just thirty minutes. If you want to use the Series 10 to track your sleep, along with daily activities, some form of charging routine is necessary, since Apple recommends 30 percent battery prior to sleep tracking. I tend to charge mine for half an hour during the evening to make sure I get sleep tracking and sufficient battery for the following day. 

Conclusion 

The Apple Watch Series 10 delivers subtle but meaningful refinements to previous iterations of Apple’s smartwatch offering, with a slimmer and lighter build that’s not only more comfortable but looks better on the wrist too. It’s an expensive device, especially if you opt for one of the titanium models, but it’s packed with superb health and fitness features, a stunning display and a premium build quality. The faster charging in the Apple Watch Series 10 is a big improvement, and when it comes to features - both lifestyle and fitness - there isn’t a better smartwatch available for Apple iPhone users. It’s a superb smartwatch overall with a cluster of changes that together make a compelling case for an upgrade, especially for users migrating from older models like the Series 6 or 7.  

Apple Watch Series 10

Price: £399/$399 for 42mm aluminium model 

To purchase, please visit: apple.com/uk/shop/ or U.S. apple.com/shop/