The Apple Watch Sequence 10 has been on my wrist for 3 months now and it is clear that it is the greatest smartwatch Apple ever made. However that does not imply there aren’t issues {that a} future Sequence 11 may do higher.
At this level, so early within the evaluate, you are most likely able to scream “Apple Watch Ultra 2” at your display screen. Don’t fret, I have not forgotten it, however the Apple Watch Extremely fashions are totally different and I might argue the Sequence 10 is the higher watch.
For many Apple Watch consumers, the Ultras are simply too large, too cumbersome, and too costly. They arrive with options they do not want like mobile connectivity and an enormous, rugged design that is constructed to cope with the nice outdoor in methods the usual fashions aren’t.
Individuals who need an Apple Watch Extremely will purchase one. Half of our workers has.
However I might wager that anybody who simply desires to purchase an Apple Watch will go together with the Sequence 10 or SE, as nicely they need to — as a result of the previous is the perfect but even when the adjustments in comparison with final yr’s mannequin are most positively iterative.
Apple Watch Sequence 10 three-month evaluate: Setting the scene
I all the time really feel it is essential to grasp the place reviewers are coming from once we write these sorts of issues, and this evaluate isn’t any totally different. I have been utilizing the Apple Watch Sequence 10 for 3 months now, and I’ve cherished each minute of it.
For years now, I have been carrying an Apple Watch Sequence 5. It is outdated at this level and was reduce off from watchOS updates with the 2024 launch of watchOS 11 which suggests, for me at the very least, it was time to search for one thing new.
I might used different Apple Watches, after all, it is a part of doing this type of job. I briefly had an Apple Watch Sequence 7 earlier than I made a decision the Sequence 5 was ample and the variations between the 2 did not warrant the price of the improve.
Then I used an Apple Watch Extremely when that was first launched in 2023 and, once more, it fell by the wayside. I like large watches, in order that wasn’t the problem. It simply did not actually swimsuit me and essentially the most train I get is strolling my canine a couple of instances every week, so it was by no means going to actually be in its ingredient.
Subsequent got here the Apple Watch Sequence 10. Apple was ok to ship me a loaner and I figured it was time to see what the newest fashions needed to supply. Apple is studying this for the primary time after its publishing, and had no enter or management over its creation — as these items ought to be.
So with the backstory laid out, what do I make of the newest Apple Watch to enter the lineup and do I feel individuals can buy one?
That is sophisticated.
Apple Watch Sequence 10 three-month evaluate: A well-known-yet-new strategy
Apple made an enormous deal concerning the new Apple Watch’s design, but when we’re all being trustworthy with ourselves, it seems the identical. It is not fairly the identical, granted, however if you happen to confirmed somebody a Sequence 10 and a Sequence 9 one after the opposite I feel most individuals can be hard-pressed to let you know the distinction.
However variations, there completely are.
These variations begin with the show and case dimension; the Sequence 10 now is available in 42mm and 46mm configurations which is a full millimeter greater than its predecessor. It is not massively noticeable, however a millimeter is a millimeter and Apple says that is the most important show it ever put into its smartwatch. Sure, the show within the 46mm mannequin is larger than the one used within the Apple Watch Extremely or Extremely 2.
The extra svelte case additionally means the brand new watch is lighter than its predecessor. The aluminum mannequin sheds 10% of its weight whereas that doubles to twenty% once we examine the chrome steel Sequence 9 to the titanium Sequence 10.
The tech is totally different, too. The Apple Watch Sequence 10 options an LPTO3 OLED show whereas the Sequence 9 makes do with LPTO OLED as an alternative. What that basically means is that the watch is now 40% brighter when seen at an angle whereas the low-end refresh fee has been lowered to only 1Hz.
That may not sound all that spectacular, however the transfer from the 10Hz refresh fee of the Sequence 9 means that is the primary Apple Watch to point out seconds even when the show is dimmed. That is cool and makes the Apple Watch Sequence 10 really feel rather more like a watch if that is sensible.
On the skin, Apple has ditched the premium chrome steel building and changed it with a brand new titanium choice. Most individuals will possible go for the aluminum model that sticks round from earlier Apple Watches, although.
In the event that they do, they will get a brand new shade to decide on — and select it, they need to. The Jet Black aluminum shade is beautiful and its polished end seems method higher than aluminum has any proper to look.
With that in thoughts, it is maybe no shock that that is the mannequin that I have been utilizing. For completeness, Apple despatched me the 46mm Apple Watch Sequence 10 in Jet Black aluminum with the Ink Sport Loop. I have been carrying it with a couple of totally different bands as a result of I am a sucker for a steel bracelet, although.
Different adjustments? Properly, the brand new mannequin is 10% thinner which is good, and it does make it appear to face much less proud on my wrist. Is it by so much? No, by no means.
And that just about sums up the Sequence 10 in a number of methods. The design is totally different, and it is positively higher. However I am unsure it is totally different sufficient to warrant the way in which Apple initially touted the design tweaks.
Apple Watch Sequence 10 three-month evaluate: An Apple Watch, however higher
On the within, there are extra adjustments which might be noteworthy with out altering the sport an excessive amount of. The Sequence 10 good points a brand new S10 SIP, or system-in-package, making it the quickest Apple Watch I’ve ever used. It additionally means there may be help for options like on-device Siri processing and the Double faucet gesture.
The Apple Watch Sequence 10 even seems good when it is charging.
The brand new chip hasn’t impacted battery life although, with Apple touting the identical 18 hours. For me, the Apple Watch Sequence 9 lasts loads lengthy sufficient and I cost it as soon as a day, whereas I am having a bathe — that is with an hour’s exercise and sleep monitoring plus the standard barrage of notifications with the show set to most brightness always.
Anybody who balks on the thought of charging their Apple Watch every day is not going to be transformed right here, and the Extremely 2 continues to be the battery life king. However the Sequence 10 has a celebration piece that helps reduce the battery life concern, at the very least.
With the launch of the Sequence 10 Apple has been capable of improve the charging system. Now, a 30-minute cost is sufficient to take a lifeless watch to round 80% battery life, which actually is a game-changer ought to you end up in want of a top-up earlier than operating out the door.
There are extra enhancements when in comparison with the Sequence 9, too. The brand new mannequin has a water temperature sensor and a depth gauge, must you need that form of factor. It is no diving watch however once more, individuals who need a kind of already know they need an Extremely 2 in order that’s removed from a problem so far as I am involved.
By now it’s best to have seen one thing of a recurring theme right here. The Apple Watch Sequence 10 is an Apple Watch Sequence 9, however higher, extra refined. And that is an excellent factor.
The pre-launch rumors had hinted (once more) at an enormous departure for this mannequin, one thing akin to the iPhone X’s change from the acquainted iPhone 7 aesthetic. That did not occur and maybe it by no means will.
However if you happen to’re a fan of the way in which the Apple Watch seems, and just like the one you’ve, the Sequence 10 might be for you. Simply do not anticipate to be blown away if you first take it out of the field.
Apple Watch Sequence 10 three-month evaluate: The place does the Sequence 11 go subsequent?
All of that does beg the query of the place Apple may enhance issues subsequent outing. There are apparent solutions, they usually’re ones that come up every yr.
The brand new, bigger show means you’ll be able to match extra on-screen.
In a nutshell, the battery life may very well be higher. The show may very well be brighter though it is already best-in-class brilliant, and perhaps the Motion button can be good on the non-Extremely mannequin.
Making the factor cheaper would not go amiss, both. And make it even quicker, perhaps?
However in actuality, there’s solely a lot that Apple can do right here. These items are small, so barring an enormous development in battery expertise, Apple appears content material with its acknowledged 18 hours of life per cost. And truthfully, that is most likely sufficient for practically all people.
In case you want a sleep tracker, use your final Apple Watch that you simply’re charging when you’re carrying your Sequence 10. In case your day goes longer than 18 hours, perhaps it is time for a brand new job.
The brand new S10 SIP is quick sufficient, and it makes an enormous distinction for me having come from a Sequence 5. Apps load a lot extra shortly and help for watchOS 11 is good, too — I am an enormous fan of Good Stacks and Dwell Actions on my wrist!
The one actual change I might like from an Apple Watch Sequence 11 is one thing new. I wish to take a look at a Sequence 11 and instantly acknowledge it with out pondering which colours can be found on which fashions first.
Apple is perhaps a sufferer of its personal success right here and it virtually nailed the shape issue when the OG watch launched greater than a decade in the past. We would see extra design adjustments if it had extra work to take action once more, iteration is not essentially a nasty factor right here.
However Apple is filled with sensible individuals and nice industrial designers. I am positive they’re able to giving the Apple Watch Sequence 11 that new automotive odor that you must go together with the Extremely 2 to get immediately.
Apple Watch Sequence 10 three-month evaluate: The place can we go from right here?
So with all of that mentioned, the place does that depart us with the Apple Watch Sequence 10?
In a nutshell, it is the perfect Apple Watch ever made and if you happen to’re purchasing on your first Apple smartwatch that is the one which you can purchase, assuming you do not want the Extremely or Extremely 2 or have to go the SE route. It truly is fairly nice, and I am unable to think about a world the place you may be left disenchanted.
However issues get slightly extra sophisticated if you happen to’re upgrading from a earlier mannequin. If it is a Sequence 9, the choice will depend upon how a lot it’ll value you to change — look out for trade-in affords to lighten the load right here.
I might recommend that is the case if you happen to’re coming from an Apple Watch Sequence 8 as nicely, and probably even a Sequence 7. However if you happen to’re toiling with a Sequence 6 or older, you are going to love the Sequence 10. The identical goes for anybody upgrading from an Apple Watch SE for that matter, too.
For me, the soar from my Sequence 5 to the Sequence 10 is a night-and-day expertise, the type that makes the brand new mannequin really feel like an entire totally different machine. The velocity, watchOS 11, and larger show make that potential and I discover them every single day.
Now we wait to see what comes subsequent. And even when it is one other iterative replace, it’s going to most likely nonetheless be the perfect smartwatch on the planet.
Apple Watch Sequence 10 evaluate: ProsThe greater show means you’ll be able to match extra data on-screen
Jet Black is simply as gorgeous because it was on the iPhone 7.
The S10 SIP is quick and responsive, making apps whizz alongside.
Quicker wi-fi charging implies that battery life is much less of a priority.
The watchOS 11 software program brings new options together with Dwell Actions and extra.Apple Watch Sequence 10 evaluate: ConsThe design is probably slightly too acquainted at this level.
The Apple Watch Sequence 10 perseveres with Wi-Fi 4 help.
Those that do fear about battery life should going have charger nervousness.Apple Watch Sequence 10 Ranking: 4 out of 5Where to purchase the Apple Watch Sequence 10
The Sequence 10 is on sale now, and you may try our Apple Watch Sequence 10 Value Information to get the perfect offers at quite a lot of retailers.
You too can discover a roundup of the perfect Apple Watch offers which might be curated by our workforce throughout the wearable line, together with blowout affords on remaining Sequence 9 stock and the remainder of the lineup.
