The new Apple Watch 10 shines in the test – except for one detail | Life & Knowledge

The Apple Watch turns 10!

Fans and experts expected major innovations for the anniversary version of Apple's smart watch. But in the end, what is really in the Apple Watch Series 10?

Apple Watch 10 instead of Apple Watch X

On September 9, 2024 the time had come: Apple presented the Apple Watch 10. It comes with some new functions and a revised design. As with the iPhone X, a name change was also expected here. But Apple is sticking with the Apple Watch 10 and is keeping the Arabic numbers in the name. We tested the anniversary smartwatch.

+++ Here you can find the Apple Watch Series 10 on Amazon +++

New design of the Apple Watch

▶︎ Larger display: The Apple Watch 10 version has the largest display of an Apple Watch to date at 46 millimeters. It even beats the Watch Ultra. The new OLED display (screen technology with self-illuminating pixels) is more curved and up to 40 percent brighter, which is intended to improve operation. However, when tested in everyday life, the difference in brightness is hardly noticeable. As with previous models, we had no problems with readability from the side. New watch faces (watch faces) such as “Flux” and “Reflections” come with the watchOS 11 operating system.

▶︎ New color and housing: The new “Jet Black” color is exclusive to the Watch 10. However, the scratch test showed that the casing is less robust than the Watch Series 9. Apple replaced stainless steel with titanium (light, robust metal) in the colors natural, gold and gray. The case is about 1 millimeter thinner, making it the slimmest Apple Watch yet. A new speaker makes it possible to listen to content such as podcasts directly on the watch – in the test, the sound quality was impressive considering its size.

▶︎ New sizes: The Apple Watch 10 comes in 42mm and 46mm. The old bracelets still fit.

The Apple Watch 10 (left) is smaller at 46 millimeters, but still has a slightly larger display than the Watch Ultra 2 (right).

Photo: COMPUTER BILD / Alena Zielinski

Apple Watch Ultra sports features now available

▶︎ Depth app and tide app: Features that were previously reserved for the Ultra are now also available on the Watch 10. With the depth app, the watch can measure water depths of up to 6 meters, with a water resistance of up to 50 meters. During the test, we were pleasantly surprised when the depth measurement started automatically upon contact with water. Not only cool for divers, but also for vacationers: The Watch 10 also measures the water temperature.

The new tide app makes it possible to adapt training such as surfing to high and low water. In addition, the paid “Oceanic+” app can now be used on the Watch 10 and offers additional functions for snorkelers.

The watch even shows the depth in the water column

The watch even shows the depth in the water column

Photo: COMPUTER BILD / Alena Zielinski

In addition, all known sports functions remain, such as GPS (satellite system for positioning) and barometer (measures height differences). The automatic training recognition and pause function are also integrated. A water lock mode prevents accidental touches in the water and can be deactivated by pressing the crown.

Health features

The Apple Watch 10 offers new health features with watchOS 11. This includes the Vitals app (shows important vital signs such as heart rate and oxygen level) and sleep apnea detection (monitors the breathing pattern during sleep and warns of any abnormalities). This function is based on existing sleep data and evaluates the results every 30 days. Apple plans to seek certification from the FDA and other health organizations to confirm its accuracy. The blood oxygen measurement and temperature measurement also remain on board, and the watch continues to warn us about heart rates that are too high or too low.

The fitness app on the iPhone processes the data from the Apple Watch.

The fitness app on the iPhone processes the data from the Apple Watch.

Photo: COMPUTER BILD / Alena Zielinski

Minor chip improvements

The S10 chip offers even more computing power than the S9. This makes functions such as filtering background noise during phone calls faster. The double tap (a gesture for control) is also integrated again. The watch has 64 GB of storage for apps and music.

Translation and smart functions

With the new translation app, languages ​​can be translated in real time. To do this, you simply set the input and target language and can then speak your text. However, our test showed that Apple still needs to make improvements here. If we didn't speak clearly and slowly, the Watch didn't always immediately recognize what was being said. Nevertheless, an extremely helpful function for vacationers.

As usual, the cellular version (with mobile data connection) of the Apple Watch 10 allows you to use the smartwatch without an iPhone. Additionally, Apple Pay (mobile payment) is still available, as is the ability to store tickets in the Wallet app. There are numerous applications in the App Store, from games to navigation and fitness apps. However, there is still no WhatsApp app on the Apple Watch.

The translation app is a nice addition to the watch

The translation app is a nice addition to the watch

Photo: COMPUTER BILD / Alena Zielinski

Charging time and battery life

The back of the watch is now made of aluminum, allowing for faster charging time. The watch is charged to 80 percent within 30 minutes. The charging cable with USB-C is included; a power plug is available separately. However, the battery life in our test remained at one day, like the previous models.

Apple Watch 10: price and availability

The Apple Watch 10 has been available since September 20, 2024. Prices start at 449 euros for the aluminum version in 42 mm and 479 euros for the 46 mm version. The Titanium versions start at 799 euros for 42mm and 849 euros for 46mm.

+++ Here you can find the Apple Watch Series 10 on Amazon +++

Test conclusion

The Apple Watch 10 is slightly thinner than its predecessor and has a larger display. However, an expected design revolution, like that with the iPhone X, has not materialized. It remains by far the best choice for iPhone users because the Apple ecosystem (composite of Apple devices) works seamlessly together. Previously exclusive functions of the Watch Ultra, such as the depth app and sleep apnea detection, as well as the new Vitals app offer real added value. One detail disappointed us in the test: Unfortunately, the battery life is still only one day.

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