I think the Apple Watch Series 10 is hands down the best Apple wearable. At some point in the past few months, I think everyone has had this thought at least once: Should I upgrade my Apple Watch to Series 10?
Does not matter whether you have one or not, the features and the watch screen, everything is exciting. So, what is it? Should you upgrade or not? Well, it depends. On what? Let’s dig in!
What’s New in the Apple Watch Series 10?
Firstly, you should know what exactly is in the Apple Watch Series 10 that cannot be found in any of the Apple Watches before it. It will help you make a better, informed decision.
- Thinnest Design Ever—The Apple Watch Series 10 is only 9.7 mm thick, and it’s the thinnest watch they have built so far.
- Biggest & Brightest Display Yet—The Apple Watch 10 46 mm is even bigger than the Ultra 2. Plus, extra brightness is added even when you see the watch off-axis.
- Sleep Apnea Detection—The FDA-approved Sleep Apnea detection feature is a brand-new feature introduced with Apple Watch Series 10.
- Quick Charge Capability—Your Watch 10 will charge 80% in just 30 minutes, a practical solution for those who are always on the go and need a quick battery boost.
(It’s important to note that while the charging duration has improved, the actual battery capacity remains the same. This means your Apple Watch will charge quickly, but still provide the reliable backup you’re used to from Apple Watch 9.) - Depth and Water Temperature Sensors– With the new depth gauge, the Apple Watch can now measure up to 6 metres underwater and track activities like swimming and snorkeling with much precision. Plus, the water temperature sensors track the temperature of the water you’re in as soon as the watch is submerged.
- Voice Isolation Feature—Apple Watch Series 10 can isolate your voice from background noise, enhancing your call clarity and overall experience.
To get an overall idea of the specs difference, here’s a table of comparison between Series 10, 9, and Ultra 2. Even though Ultra 2 comes close to Watch Series 10, you should know the difference between the two.
| Feature | Series 10 | Series 9 | Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | September 2024 | September 2023 | September 2023 |
| Case Sizes | 42mm, 46mm | 41mm, 45mm | 49mm |
| Materials | Aluminum, Titanium | Aluminum, Stainless Steel | Titanium |
| Display | 1.65″ (42mm), 1.81″ (46mm) OLED, 446×374 / 496×416 pixels; LPTO3 OLED with improved brightness and viewing angles | 1.61″ (41mm), 1.77″ (45mm) OLED, 430×352 / 484×396 pixels | 1.92″ OLED, 502×410 pixels; up to 3000 nits brightness |
| Thickness | 9.7mm | 10.7mm | 14.4mm |
| Weight | 29.3g–41.7g (depending on size, material, and connectivity) | 31.9g–51.5g (depending on size, material, and connectivity) | 61.4g |
| Processor | S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor and 4-core Neural Engine | S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor and Neural Engine | S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor and Neural Engine |
| Storage | 64GB | 64GB | 64GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 18 hours; up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode | Up to 18 hours; up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode | Up to 36 hours; up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode |
| Charging | USB-C magnetic fast charging (0–80% in ~30 minutes) | USB-C magnetic fast charging | USB-C magnetic fast charging |
| Health Features | Sleep apnea detection, Vitals app (heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen, sleep duration) | Vitals app (heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen, sleep duration) | Vitals app (heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen, sleep duration) |
| Sensors | Electrical heart sensor, third-generation optical heart sensor, temperature sensor, Compass, always-on altimeter, high-g accelerometer, high dynamic range gyroscope, ambient light sensor, depth gauge, water temperature sensor | Electrical heart sensor, third-generation optical heart sensor, temperature sensor, compass, always-on altimeter, high-g accelerometer, high dynamic range gyroscope, ambient light sensor | Electrical heart sensor, third-generation optical heart sensor, temperature sensor, compass, always-on altimeter, high-g accelerometer, high dynamic range gyroscope, ambient light sensor, depth gauge, water temperature sensor |
| Water Resistance | 50m, IP6X dust resistance | 50m, IP6X dust resistance | 100m, IP6X dust resistance; EN13319 certified for diving |
| Connectivity | LTE and UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, second-gen ultra wideband | LTE and UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, second-gen ultra wideband | LTE and UMTS, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, second-gen ultra wideband |
| Special Features | Double tap gesture, on-device Siri, voice isolation, built-in speaker playback | Double tap gesture, on-device Siri | Action button, dual-frequency GPS, dive apps |
| Software at Launch | watchOS 11 | watchOS 10 | watchOS 10 |
| Compatibility | iOS 18 and newer | iOS 17 and newer | iOS 17 and newer |
| Starting Price (USD) | 42mm: $399 (Wi-Fi), $499 (Cellular); 46mm: $429 (Wi-Fi), $529 (Cellular); Titanium: $699 (42mm), $749 (46mm) | 41mm: from $399; 45mm: from $429 | $799 |
Who Shouldn’t Upgrade (Yet)?
I know you want to be impulsive and just buy the flashy new thing on the market, especially if it is anything Apple. But just stick with me for a little longer. Get some perspective, and if you still want to get the smartwatch, then definitely go for it.
1. Users With Series 8 or Later
There’s not going to be much change in the functionality of the Apple Watches as long as you keep getting watchOS updates. This is one thing Apple does very well. watchOS is compatible with Series 6 and all the models after it, including the SE, SE2, Ultra and Ultra 2.
Now, the shelf life of your Apple Watch has improved massively with the watchOS updates. Since all of them are pricey, I wouldn’t recommend getting an upgraded watch just because there’s a new one on the market, especially when the product in hand is also a very good one.
2. If Your Apple Watch Has Good Battery Backup
If your Apple Watch still has a battery backup of almost two days, that’s very good. Many users have to charge their watches within 24 hours, but if that’s not the case with you, then you have one less reason to upgrade to a new watch.
3. If You Barely Use Your Apple Watch
If you hardly use your Apple Watch’s features (or even know about them), then I don’t think you should get the Apple Watch Series 10. I mean, why, why would you want a $1000 smart watch not to use it properly, not to know or utilize its features to improve your life.
You are one of those people who don’t even know whether their Apple Watch is charged or fully dead; who don’t know where they have kept it. If that’s the case, send your money to me, and I’ll use it for something good.
Who Should Upgrade and Why?
1. Users With Series 7 or Older
If you have a series 7 or older, I would suggest upgrading to Apple Watch Series 10. There’s so much more, including the larger, brighter screen, slim design, and lightweight body. You will genuinely feel you’re wearing something better on your wrist.
There are so many new features coming in the latest Apple Watches that previous models just don’t have the hardware for. If you’re losing out on so much potential functionality, I say go get a new one; it’s time.
2. People Who Want Specific Features
Now, if you want a very specific feature that aligns with your needs, then you get a Watch Series 10.
Sleep Apnea detection, underwater tracking, water temperature, and many other features are introduced with the Watch Series 10.
Even if you don’t have a need or you think you can be helped with a certain feature, you should still get the watch, because it’s catering to a genuine need.
3. People Who Just Want A New Fancy Smartwatch
Not every buy needs to be justified with a need. Maybe you have an old Apple Watch, maybe you don’t have one, or you want to try the Apple Watch for the first time. In this position, if you can afford it, you should buy the Watch Series 10 product.
It is genuinely a great product. Apple Watch is one of the most accurate watches ever, and with the Series 10, you will be getting its best and newest features ever. I say it’s a win-win.
Price & Trade-In Considerations
Hoping that you’ve finally made up your mind to get the watch, and if you have a previous one, you should definitely Trade-in the previous one to get some percentage off on your new watch. Apple also offers trade-ins from other brands, including Samsung (did you know?!). So, when you’re buying, keep a check for that as well. Might save you some money.
Wrap Up
In short, if you have an Apple Watch 7 or previous, get a new Apple Watch 7, but if you have an Apple Watch 8 or later, really think your decision through. Let me know if the article helped you or not. And reach out to me and comment below for any questions and doubts.
