Apple Watch Series 10 Highlights — And What’s Coming in Series 11

Mike Harmon

A wrist with an apple watch.

The Apple Watch Series 10, launched in September 2024, marks one of the most significant updates in the smartwatch’s history. It redefines Apple’s wearable experience with a bold redesign, enhanced health capabilities, and new hardware under the hood. As attention begins to shift toward the upcoming Series 11, there’s a lot to unpack — from what’s already on your wrist to what’s next on the horizon.


Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch Series 10: Major Improvements Across the Board

🔹 Ultra-Thin, Sleek Redesign

Apple made Series 10 the thinnest Apple Watch ever, with sizes bumped up to 42mm and 46mm — a subtle nod to the needs of users who want more screen without added bulk. The updated casing now features polished aluminum and lightweight titanium, dropping stainless steel for a sleeker, more performance-focused design.

The larger casing not only accommodates the new display but also makes the watch feel more like a premium piece of wristwear — a deliberate move as Apple positions the Watch more strongly in the health and lifestyle category.

🔹 Wide-Angle OLED Display

The Series 10 debuts Apple’s first wide-angle OLED panel, delivering up to 40% better brightness at off-angles compared to Series 9. The Always-On Display now refreshes every second, improving the animation quality and utility for features like the stopwatch and second-hand view.

This screen technology dramatically enhances outdoor readability, especially useful for workouts, cycling, or hiking in direct sunlight.

🔹 Health Tracking Breakthroughs (with Some Legal Bumps)

In one of its biggest health upgrades yet, Apple added FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, which monitors respiratory irregularities and alerts users about potential sleep disorders. This expands Apple’s vision for preventive health monitoring, building on existing features like ECG, irregular heart rhythm notifications, and fall detection.

However, there’s a caveat: blood oxygen tracking is currently disabled on U.S. models sold after January 2024 due to an ongoing patent dispute. Apple has removed this feature from newly manufactured units while legal proceedings continue.

🔹 Smarter Chip, Smarter Control

At the core of Series 10 is the new S10 chip with a four-core Neural Engine. It brings faster app performance, better power efficiency, and AI-enhanced features like Double Tap, which lets users control apps or scroll without touching the screen — just a finger pinch away.

Also onboard is the upgraded Ultra Wideband chip (UWB 2), which improves precision tracking in the Find My ecosystem, particularly useful if you misplace your iPhone or want to locate friends in crowded environments.

🔹 Enhanced Fitness & Water Capabilities

Series 10 is water-resistant up to 50 meters and includes a depth gauge and water temperature sensor, making it great for swimmers and shallow-water divers. These features push the Apple Watch closer toward being a comprehensive activity tracker for even niche sports.

💰 Pricing Breakdown

  • Aluminum models start at $399
  • Titanium models cost more, depending on size and band
  • Add $100 more for cellular versions, which let you take calls and stream music without your iPhone nearby

Abandoned Camera Project: Why You Won’t See a Camera on Apple Watch Anytime Soon

Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch Series 10

Apple was reportedly working on a built-in camera for a future Watch — either under the display or near the Digital Crown for the Ultra model. It was aimed at FaceTime calls and biometric authentication, but the project was quietly shelved in 2024.

Why? According to internal sources, the technical challenges of power consumption, size constraints, and privacy issues made it impractical for mainstream release. While patents still exist, the project is not moving forward as of mid-2025.


What’s Coming in Apple Watch Series 11?

Expected in late 2025, the Series 11 is rumored to introduce Apple’s first MicroLED display — a leap forward in screen technology. MicroLED promises:

  • Even higher brightness and contrast
  • Better energy efficiency
  • Longer display lifespan with no burn-in

Design-wise, don’t expect a radical overhaul. Apple is likely to retain the Series 10 form factor, refining the internals and expanding health and AI capabilities instead. There’s also speculation around the return of blood glucose monitoring and non-invasive blood pressure sensors, though those remain unconfirmed.


The Bottom Line

Apple Watch Series 10 is a bold step forward, with a meaningful redesign and impactful health innovations. While some features are held back in the U.S. due to legal issues, the rest of the world gets the full experience. And with Series 11 potentially debuting MicroLED and more AI integration, the Apple Watch continues to evolve beyond fitness — toward being a daily health and lifestyle assistant.

Apple Watch Series 10

The wait is over—Apple has officially launched the Apple Watch Series 10. Announced on September 9, 2024, and released in stores on September 20, 2024, the newest smartwatch from Cupertino brings exciting new features and improvements to your wrist. This latest iteration boasts a thinner profile, enhanced health monitoring, and a vibrant wide-angle OLED display.

You’ll find the Series 10 packed with upgrades. The wide-angle OLED display offers a brighter, more vibrant viewing experience with improved outdoor visibility. Apple has added sleep apnea notifications to help you track and improve your rest. The watch also includes new depth and water temperature sensors, ideal for swimmers and divers.

Apple has focused on enhancing both form and function. The Series 10 comes in sleek aluminum and titanium cases, including a new Jet Black finish. Faster charging and the advanced S10 chip mean smoother performance with less time spent charging. Running on watchOS 11, you’ll enjoy new health insights, AI-powered features, and a more personalized user experience.

FeatureDescription
DisplayWide-angle OLED, brighter and larger
New Health FeatureSleep apnea notifications
Case MaterialsAluminum, Titanium
New SensorsDepth, Water temperature
Operating SystemwatchOS 11

Design and Display Enhancements

Apple Watch Series 10 brings significant upgrades to its aesthetics and screen technology. With a sleeker profile and enhanced display features, the Series 10 seamlessly blends style and performance.

Evolution of the Apple Watch Aesthetic

The Apple Watch Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch ever. Its refined design improves comfort while preserving the familiar square shape. The updated look strikes a balance between innovation and continuity.

Case materials now include:

  • Recycled aluminum
  • Aerospace-grade titanium
  • Polished aluminum

Color options have expanded. You can choose from:

  • Silver
  • Rose Gold
  • Jet Black Aluminum

The titanium model offers exceptional durability, perfect for active users. Both materials reflect Apple’s push toward sustainability by incorporating recycled elements.

Wide-Angle OLED Display

The Series 10 introduces Apple’s first wide-angle OLED display. With a brighter screen and better outdoor readability, this display enhances every interaction with your watch.

Key display improvements:

  • Larger screen area
  • Higher brightness
  • Improved viewing angles
  • Increased complication space

Release Date and Pricing Information

The Apple Watch Series 10 was officially released on September 20, 2024, following its announcement on September 9. Prices start at $399 for the GPS model, with additional options based on case material and cellular connectivity.

ModelStarting Price
Series 10 (GPS)$399
Series 10 (GPS + Cellular)$499
Apple Watch Ultra 2$799

Preorders opened on September 9, 2024. The watch is now widely available in over 40 countries through Apple and authorized retailers.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Series 10 brings meaningful upgrades to health tracking. It introduces sleep apnea detection using advanced breathing analysis and enhances existing metrics such as heart rate notifications and workout recognition.

FeatureEnhancement
Sleep MonitoringSleep apnea detection via breathing analysis
Heart HealthImproved irregular rhythm alerts
Swim MetricsWater temperature and depth sensors
Activity RingsFlexible daily goal settings

Performance and Ecosystem Integration

Powered by the new S10 chip, the Series 10 delivers significant speed and efficiency improvements. The integrated Neural Engine enables advanced machine learning for faster Siri responses, more accurate health insights, and a smoother user experience on watchOS 11.

Smart Stack, a new interface enhancement, displays relevant widgets based on time, location, and habits. This brings proactive information directly to your wrist.

ComponentBenefit
S10 ChipBoosts performance and power efficiency
Neural EngineImproves Siri and health processing
watchOS 11Supports smart widgets and health insights

The Apple Watch Series 10 integrates tightly with the iPhone, Mac, and other Apple devices. It can unlock your Mac, sync health data instantly with iPhone, and control smart home devices via on-device Siri—all with improved privacy and reduced latency.

FAQs

When did the Apple Watch Series 10 launch?

It was officially announced on September 9, 2024, and released on September 20, 2024, with preorders opening the day of the announcement.

What’s new in Series 10?

Major upgrades include a wider OLED display, the S10 chip, a thinner design, sleep apnea tracking, and new sensors for water temperature and depth.

What are the color and material options?

Series 10 is available in recycled aluminum (Silver, Rose Gold, Jet Black) and aerospace-grade titanium (Natural, Space Black).

What does it cost?

Prices start at $399 for the GPS version. GPS + Cellular starts at $499. Premium materials and bands increase the cost, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799.

Is it worth upgrading?

If you’re using a Series 7 or earlier, the thinner design, advanced display, and new health sensors offer a compelling reason to upgrade. Users on Series 8 or 9 may still find value in the improved AI features and battery efficiency.