Apple Watch Series 10 unveiled: Larger display, Sleep Apnea detection
Apple has introduced the Apple Watch Series 10 at its “It’s Glowtime” event, earlier today, showcasing a refined design and a handfull of new features such as Sleep Apnea tracking.
Refinements in design
The main news is to do with the look and feel. The Series 10 boasts Apple’s largest and most advanced display for a wearable, offering up to 30% more screen area compared to previous generations. It now matches what can be found on the Apple Watch Ultra.
This larger display is designed to make viewing apps, and interacting with the watch interface easier. It utilizes a wide-angle OLED technology, making it 40% brighter when viewed from an angle. For example when you’re walking, typing on a keyboard, or when your hand is resting in your lap.
Plus both the display and the case have more rounded corners and a wider aspect ratio. This makes series 10 appears softer, sleeker and more streamlined.
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Despite the larger display, the Series 10 is thinner and lighter than before. The aluminum case is nearly 10% thinner (9.7mm) and weighs 20% less than the Series 9 stainless steel version. Additionally, Apple introduces Grade 5 titanium as a casing option, replacing stainless steel.
Sustainability is a focus as well, with the Series 10 constructed from 95% recycled titanium and 100% renewable electricity.
Improved performance, charging
Under the hood, the Series 10 features a new S10 SiP. Apple says this is designed for improved performance and power efficiency.
It’s also the fastest-charging Apple Watch yet, reaching 80% charge in just 30 minutes. Unfortunately, this is still something that you’ll need to be refuelling on a daily basis – as there has been no improvement in battery life. So the fast charging will come in handy.
New features
Beyond the larger display and improved design, the Series 10 introduces some noteworthy health features. It can now detect potential sleep apnea conditions, where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. This feature utilizes machine learning and clinical data and is expected to receive regulatory clearance soon.
Sleep Apnea detection will also be available on Series 9 and Ultra 2. Which is good news for owners of these devices.
Additionally, the Series 10 includes a new depth gauge (up to 20 feet) and water temperature sensor for swimmers. The new Tides app provides tide data for various coastlines, while the workout app gains distance, speed, and route mapping for kayaking. Plus you get the benefit of the lighter weight and the bigger display, which should make exercising easier.
The Series 10 also introduces Smart Stack, which adds new widgets when you need them, and the Photos face, which uses machine learning to curate photos from your library. The Translate app is now available on Apple Watch, and the Series 10 uses a new neural network to reduce background noise when making calls with the watch.
Finally, the company says you can play music and podcasts directly through the speaker for the first time. The metal back integrates the antenna into the housing.
No Apple Watch Ultra 3
No Ultra 3 today, but the Apple Watch Ultra 2 gets some updates. It is now available in Satin Black, and Hermes has introduced a titanium buckle for the Ultra. Just like Series 10, the Ultra 2 is made from 95% recycled titanium, and a new titanium Milanese loop is available for the watch.
Pricing and availability
The Apple Watch 10 starts at $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the GPS + cellular model. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799. Preorders begin today with shipments starting September 20th.
Overall, it seems the updates this year focused more on the hardware. There is little that is new on the features front. No new sensors, no new big features – just a few minor upgrades.
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