Apple Watch Series 10 three-month review: Iterative isn't a bad word

The Apple Watch Series 10 has been on my wrist for three months now and it's clear that it's the best smartwatch Apple ever made. But that doesn't mean there aren't things that a future Series 11 could do better.

At this point, so early in the review, you're probably ready to scream "Apple Watch Ultra 2" at your screen. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten it, but the Apple Watch Ultra models are different and I'd argue the Series 10 is the better watch.

For most Apple Watch buyers, the Ultras are just too big, too bulky, and too expensive. They come with features they don't need like cellular connectivity and a huge, rugged design that's built to deal with the great outdoors in ways the standard models aren't.

People who want an Apple Watch Ultra will buy one. Half of our staff has.

But I'd wager that anyone who just wants to buy an Apple Watch will go with the Series 10 or SE, as well they should — because the former is the best yet even if the changes compared to last year's model are most definitely iterative.

Apple Watch Series 10 three-month review: Setting the scene

I always feel it's important to understand where reviewers are coming from when we write these kinds of things, and this review is no different. I've been using the Apple Watch Series 10 for three months now, and I've loved every minute of it.

For years now, I've been wearing an Apple Watch Series 5. It's old at this point and was cut off from watchOS updates with the 2024 release of watchOS 11 which means, for me at least, it was time to look for something new.

I'd used other Apple Watches, of course, it's part of doing this kind of job. I briefly had an Apple Watch Series 7 before I decided the Series 5 was sufficient and the differences between the two didn't warrant the cost of the upgrade.

Then I used an Apple Watch Ultra when that was first released in 2023 and, again, it fell by the wayside. I like big watches, so that wasn't the issue. It just didn't really suit me and the most exercise I get is walking my dog a few times a week, so it was never going to really be in its element.

Next came the Apple Watch Series 10. Apple was good enough to send me a loaner and I figured it was time to see what the latest models had to offer. Apple is reading this for the first time after its publishing, and had no input or control over its creation — as these things should be.

So with the backstory laid out, what do I make of the latest Apple Watch to enter the lineup and do I think people should buy one?

That's complicated.

Apple Watch Series 10 three-month review: A familiar-yet-new approach

Apple made a big deal about the new Apple Watch's design, but if we're all being honest with ourselves, it looks the same. It isn't quite the same, granted, but if you showed someone a Series 10 and a Series 9 one after the other I think most people would be hard-pressed to tell you the difference.

But differences, there absolutely are.

Those differences start with the display and case size; the Series 10 now comes in 42mm and 46mm configurations which is a full millimeter bigger than its predecessor. It isn't hugely noticeable, but a millimeter is a millimeter and Apple says this is the biggest display it ever put into its smartwatch. Yes, the display in the 46mm model is bigger than the one used in the Apple Watch Ultra or Ultra 2.

The more svelte case also means the new watch is lighter than its predecessor. The aluminum model sheds 10% of its weight while that doubles to 20% when we compare the stainless steel Series 9 to the titanium Series 10.

The tech is different, too. The Apple Watch Series 10 features an LPTO3 OLED display whereas the Series 9 makes do with LPTO OLED instead. What that really means is that the watch is now 40% brighter when viewed at an angle while the low-end refresh rate has been lowered to just 1Hz.

That might not sound all that impressive, but the move from the 10Hz refresh rate of the Series 9 means this is the first Apple Watch to show seconds even when the display is dimmed. That's cool and makes the Apple Watch Series 10 feel much more like a watch if that makes sense.

On the outside, Apple has ditched the premium stainless steel construction and replaced it with a new titanium option. Most people will likely opt for the aluminum version that sticks around from previous Apple Watches, though.

If they do, they'll get a new color to choose — and choose it, they should. The Jet Black aluminum color is gorgeous and its polished finish looks way better than aluminum has any right to look.

With that in mind, it's perhaps no surprise that this is the model that I've been using. For completeness, Apple sent me the 46mm Apple Watch Series 10 in Jet Black aluminum with the Ink Sport Loop. I've been wearing it with a few different bands because I'm a sucker for a metal bracelet, though.

Other changes? Well, the new model is 10% thinner which is nice, and it does make it seem to stand less proud on my wrist. Is it by a lot? No, not at all.

And that pretty much sums up the Series 10 in a lot of ways. The design is different, and it's definitely better. But I'm not sure it's different enough to warrant the way Apple initially touted the design tweaks.

Apple Watch Series 10

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The Apple Watch Series 10 has a wide-angle OLED display that's Apple's biggest and most advanced screen on the wearable to date.

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Apple Watch Series 10 three-month review: An Apple Watch, but better

On the inside, there are more changes that are noteworthy without changing the game too much. The Series 10 gains a new S10 SIP, or system-in-package, making it the fastest Apple Watch I've ever used. It also means there is support for features like on-device Siri processing and the Double tap gesture.

The Apple Watch Series 10 even looks good when it's charging.

The new chip hasn't impacted battery life though, with Apple touting the same 18 hours. For me, the Apple Watch Series 9 lasts plenty long enough and I charge it once a day, while I'm having a shower — that's with an hour's workout and sleep tracking plus the usual barrage of notifications with the display set to maximum brightness at all times.

Anyone who balks at the idea of charging their Apple Watch daily isn't going to be converted here, and the Ultra 2 is still the battery life king. But the Series 10 has a party piece that helps lessen the battery life issue, at least.

With the launch of the Series 10 Apple has been able to upgrade the charging system. Now, a 30-minute charge is enough to take a dead watch to around 80% battery life, which really is a game-changer should you find yourself in need of a top-up before running out the door.

There are more improvements when compared to the Series 9, too. The new model has a water temperature sensor and a depth gauge, should you want that kind of thing. It's no diving watch but again, people who want one of those already know they want an Ultra 2 so that's far from an issue as far as I'm concerned.

By now you should have noticed something of a recurring theme here. The Apple Watch Series 10 is an Apple Watch Series 9, but better, more refined. And that's a good thing.

The pre-launch rumors had hinted (again) at a big departure for this model, something akin to the iPhone X's switch from the familiar iPhone 7 aesthetic. That didn't happen and perhaps it never will.

But if you're a fan of the way the Apple Watch looks, and like the one you have, the Series 10 is probably for you. Just don't expect to be blown away when you first take it out of the box.

Apple Watch Series 10 three-month review: Where does the Series 11 go next?

All of that does beg the question of where Apple could improve things next time out. There are obvious suggestions, and they're ones that come up each and every year.

The new, larger display means you can fit more on-screen.

In a nutshell, the battery life could be better. The display could be brighter even though it's already best-in-class bright, and maybe the Action button would be nice on the non-Ultra model.

Making the thing cheaper wouldn't go amiss, either. And make it even faster, maybe?

But in reality, there's only so much that Apple can do here. These things are small, so barring a big advancement in battery technology, Apple seems content with its stated 18 hours of life per charge. And honestly, that's probably enough for nearly everybody.

If you need a sleep tracker, use your last Apple Watch that you're charging while you're wearing your Series 10. If your day goes longer than 18 hours, maybe it's time for a new job.

The new S10 SIP is fast enough, and it makes a huge difference for me having come from a Series 5. Apps load so much more quickly and support for watchOS 11 is nice, too — I'm a big fan of Smart Stacks and Live Activities on my wrist!

The only real change I'd like from an Apple Watch Series 11 is something new. I want to look at a Series 11 and immediately recognize it without pondering which colors are available on which models first.

Apple might be a victim of its own success here and it almost nailed the form factor when the OG watch launched more than a decade ago. We'd see more design changes if it had more work to do so again, iteration isn't necessarily a bad thing here.

But Apple is full of smart people and great industrial designers. I'm sure they're capable of giving the Apple Watch Series 11 that new car smell that you have to go with the Ultra 2 to get today.

Apple Watch Series 10 three-month review: Where do we go from here?

So with all of that said, where does that leave us with the Apple Watch Series 10?

In a nutshell, it's the best Apple Watch ever made and if you're shopping for your first Apple smartwatch this is the one that you should buy, assuming you don't need the Ultra or Ultra 2 or need to go the SE route. It really is pretty great, and I can't imagine a world where you'll be left disappointed.

But things get a little more complicated if you're upgrading from a previous model. If it's a Series 9, the decision will depend on how much it will cost you to switch — look out for trade-in offers to lighten the load here.

I'd suggest that's the case if you're coming from an Apple Watch Series 8 as well, and possibly even a Series 7. But if you're toiling with a Series 6 or older, you're going to love the Series 10. The same goes for anyone upgrading from an Apple Watch SE for that matter, too.

For me, the jump from my Series 5 to the Series 10 is a night-and-day experience, the kind that makes the new model feel like a whole different device. The speed, watchOS 11, and bigger display make that possible and I notice them every day.

Now we wait to see what comes next. And even if it's another iterative update, it'll probably still be the best smartwatch on the planet.

Apple Watch Series 10 review: Pros

• The bigger display means you can fit more information on-screen
• Jet Black is just as stunning as it was on the iPhone 7.
• The S10 SIP is fast and responsive, making apps whizz along.
• Faster wireless charging means that battery life is less of a concern.
• The watchOS 11 software brings new features including Live Activities and more.

Apple Watch Series 10 review: Cons

• The design is perhaps a little too familiar at this point.
• The Apple Watch Series 10 perseveres with Wi-Fi 4 support.
• Those who do worry about battery life may still going have charger anxiety.

Apple Watch Series 10 Rating: 4 out of 5

Where to buy the Apple Watch Series 10

The Series 10 is on sale now, and you can check out our Apple Watch Series 10 Price Guide to get the best deals at a variety of retailers.

You can also find a roundup of the best Apple Watch deals that are curated by our team across the wearable line, including blowout offers on remaining Series 9 inventory and the rest of the lineup.