The Apple Watch Series 10 revamped the design of Apple’s smartwatch. The wearable measures 10% thinner than older models while packing a larger display. All of this comes without any compromise in performance or battery life.
Apple says the bigger display lights up to 40% brighter when viewed from an angle. To save power, the always-on display can drop its refresh rate to as low as 1Hz.
Thanks to a new rear metal back plate, Apple integrated the antenna directly into the watch’s housing. This improves connectivity and saves precious internal space. Another benefit is faster charging speeds, allowing the watch to spend less time on the charger.
The Apple Watch is highly customizable and personalizable. The Series 10 comes in two different materials with a variety of different finishes.
Apple Watch Series 10 aluminum
Three finishes for the aluminum Series 10.
The aluminum model is the entry level model, starting at $399. Aluminum is lighter weight and ideal for an active lifestyle. It comes in two matte finishes: silver and rose gold; and one polished finish: jet black.
The aluminum models do not come with cellular connectivity by default; you can upgrade to cellular for an extra $100.
Apple Watch Series 10 titanium
Close-up of the titanium Series 10 finishes.
The titanium model is the more premium model, starting at $699. Titanium is the material Apple has been using on its pro iPhones for the last two years. It replaces the former stainless steel model — which saves 20% of the weight. It comes in three polished finishes: natural, gold and slate.
All titanium models come with cellular included — although you will still need to purchase a cellular plan through your carrier for connectivity.
Apple Watch Series 10 rose gold
Rose gold has been a popular Apple Watch color since its debut in 2015. It is available on the aluminum model at the base $399 price in both sizes. The rose gold finish is matte, with a soft snowy texture.
Apple Watch Series 10 gold
Gold is another popular Apple Watch finish. It’s available on the titanium model, which starts at $699 and automatically comes with cellular connectivity. The gold finish is polished and highly reflective.
Apple Watch Series 10 features
The Series 10 is the thinnest model yet. It has a big edge-to-edge display in a super sleek form.
It has all kinds of sensors that track your health and fitness. For starters, it tracks your heart rate throughout the day. Overnight, it can track your stages of sleep, your vitals and your temperature for measuring overall health and menstrual cycle tracking. You can take an ECG (electrocardiogram) using the Digital Crown. The blood oximeter (disabled in the United States) can tell you if your blood oxygen is low. It even has a water temperature sensor and depth sensor to give important details on your swims and scuba dives.
Precision Finding with the built-in ultra wideband chip can help you locate your iPhone like an AirTag. It’ll tell you exactly how far away your iPhone is and in what direction.
You can use Apple Pay from your watch to instantly pay for gas, groceries or transit by just tapping your watch on a payment terminal.
The Series 10 can play audio directly out of its built-in speaker, for listening to music or podcasts without any AirPods or Bluetooth speakers.
It can also detect if you’ve been in a car crash or taken a hard fall. When this happens, it will automatically call emergency services to get you help fast.
Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + cellular
Every new Apple Watch comes with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. As long as your phone is nearby (or you’re on a Wi-Fi network) you can get notifications, send texts, take phone calls and more using your watch. The GPS signal tracks your position during workouts and turn-by-turn directions and helps your friends locate you with Find My.
Cellular Apple Watches can function entirely independently of your phone. You can leave it at home and enjoy connectivity through your watch no matter where you are — so long as you have cell signal. Your watch takes over as your phone.
Aluminum Series 10 models can be upgraded to cellular for an extra $100 when ordered from Apple. However, all titanium Series 10 models come with cellular capability.
In addition to getting an Apple Watch that supports cellular, you also need to add it as an additional device on your carrier plan. In the United States, this typically costs an extra $10/month.
Is the Apple Watch Series 10 waterproof?
Apple Watch makes for a good fitness tracker underwater.
Every Apple Watch has some degree of water protection, going back to the original model, which Tim Cook wore in the shower. All Series 2 models onwards, including the Series 10, are water resistant up to 50 meters deep. Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 are water resistant to 100 meters.
When you put your Apple Watch in the water, be sure to use the water lock mode. This prevents erroneous inputs on the screen while you’re submerged and ejects water from the speakers when you’re done.
While the watch can handle it, certain bands may not be ideal for taking underwater. Knit bands like the Solo Knit Loop are a little absorbent, which is unpleasant to wear when you get out of the water. Bands with a lot of intricate metal pieces, like the Link Bracelet, may retain water in its various components after being submerged. Leather and FineWoven bands may lose their color or degrade when submerged in water — especially saltwater.
Apple Watch Series 10 sizes
The Series 10, like all previous models, comes in two sizes.
Apple Watch Series 10 42mm
The 42mm Series 10 is the smaller size. It’s ideal for fitting comfortably on small- to medium-sized wrists. Its slightly smaller screen may also be less distracting. It is the cheaper model, starting at $399. The overall dimensions are 42mm × 36mm × 9.7mm.
Apple Watch Series 10 46mm
The 46mm Series 10 is the larger size. If you want to fit more text on screen with bigger controls, it’s ideal for medium to large wrists. It is $30 more expensive, starting at $429. The overall dimensions are 46mm × 39mm × 9.7mm.
Apple Watch Series 10 bands
Like all Apple Watches, the Series 10 is compatible with all prior bands. The smaller 42mm model is compatible with smaller band sizes (38/40/41) and the larger 46mm model is compatible with all larger ones (42/44/45/49).
While the case size of the smaller Series 10 model (42mm) is the same as the case size of the larger Apple Watch Series 1, 2 and 3 (42mm), bands between these models are not compatible. New 42mm bands only fit on the smaller watches; old 42mm bands only fit the larger watches.
Apple Watch Series 10 battery life
The Series 10 has, according to Apple, up to 18 hours of battery life. On Low Power Mode, it can last up to 36 hours. It supports fast charging of up to 80% in just 30 minutes when using the included charging cable and a 20W power adapter.
Apple’s 18 hour battery life test includes checking the time 300 times, receiving 90 notifications, using apps for 15 minutes and taking a 60 minute workout playing music via Bluetooth headphones.
Apple Watch Series 10 review
Apple Watch 10 is quite the looker (seen here with Sport Loop).
In our review, we found that its sleeker, premium design is a notable improvement over the prior models. Writer David Snow appreciates the refined aesthetics, faster performance, and enhanced health tracking features. The upgraded display and fast-charging capabilities are especially nice, although the unchanged battery life and the absence of blood oxygen sensing are mild disappointments.
Overall, we find this model to be an excellent investment, especially for those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, despite its premium price. It is a near-perfect smartwatch with a few minor caveats.
The Series 10 is thinner and less chunky than the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
The Ultra 2 has a brighter display.
Apple Watch Ultra 2 has significantly longer battery life (up to 36 hours) compared to the Series 10 (up to 18 hours).
The Series 10 comes in small and large sizes, 42mm and 46mm, in aluminum or titanium; the Apple Watch Ultra 2 only comes in a 49mm titanium size.
The Series 10 comes in aluminum (silver, rose gold, jet black) and titanium (natural, gold, slate); the Ultra 2 comes in titanium (natural, satin black).
The Series 10 has a faster S10 chip, while the Ultra 2 has an older S9 chip.
The Ultra 2 has dual-frequency GPS for faster and more precise tracking, which is beneficial for activities like hiking.
The Series 10 is significantly cheaper than Apple Watch Ultra 2, with a price difference of $400 for the base models.
The Series 10 is suitable for regular users who prioritize health tracking, safety features, and a sleek design at a lower price.
Apple Watch SE vs Series 10
The Series 10 is slightly thinner, taller, and wider than the Apple Watch SE.
The Series 10 features a larger screen compared to the SE — 42mm and 46mm sizes vs. 40mm and 44mm.
The Series 10 costs $150 more than the Apple Watch SE. The SE starts at $249, while the Series 10 starts at $399.
The Series 10 is available in aluminum or titanium, while the SE is only available in aluminum.
The Series 10 features a brighter screen (2,000 nits) and a dimmer setting (1 nit) for improved visibility in broad daylight and dark rooms.
The Series 10 offers fast charging, reaching 80% battery in 30 minutes and providing 8 hours of battery life in 8 minutes.
Both models offer similar health tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and workout tracking.
The Series 10 adds ECG reading, sleep apnea detection, wrist temperature measurements for menstrual cycle prediction, water temperature readouts and underwater depth measurement up to six meters.
Both support watchOS 26, but the Series 10 will have a longer lifespan compared to the SE.
Series 10 has faster Siri requests, Precision Finding and media playback, while the SE lacks these features.
Series 10 has a newer S10 chip is faster and more future-proof than the S8 chip, likely offering longer support.
The SE is the budget entry-level model with all the basic features, but it is several years old and due for an update this fall. The Series 10 is Apple’s latest and greatest watch.
Apple Watch Series 10 price
The Series 10, when purchased new from Apple, is available with the following configurations and prices:
Aluminum / 42mm / GPS: $399
Aluminum / 42mm / GPS + Cellular: $499
Aluminum / 46mm / GPS: $429
Aluminum / 46mm / GPS + Cellular: $529
Titanium / 42mm / GPS + Cellular: $699
Titanium / 46mm / GPS + Cellular: $749
These prices include a rubber or textile band of your choice: a Solo Loop, Sport Band or Sport Loop. For an extra $50, you can upgrade to a Magnetic Link, Braided Solo Loop or Milanese Loop band. For an extra $100, you can upgrade to a Modern Buckle. Upgrading to a Link Bracelet costs $200.
The Apple Watch Series 10 sports a sleek new design with a slimmer chassis, a bigger display and a faster chip. The build quality is also better than before.
The Series 10 is often on sale at Amazon. It’s often between 14% and 23% off — during Prime Day, it reached its all-time-low of $299. The price may lower even further after the Series 11 model is unveiled in September 2025.
News
Read Cult of Mac’s latest posts on Apple Watch Series 10:
Apple Watch 10 is quite the looker (seen here with Sport Loop). Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
The very nice Apple Watch Series 11 is the Cupertino tech giant’s latest standard, released in September 2025 — but it’s not always the one on sale. Right now, however, you can bag great deals on the similarly outstanding Apple Watch Series 10 from Amazon and Walmart. I bought and reviewed it for Cult of Mac in September 2024, and as a proud owner of a 46mm model that is currently $150 off on Amazon, I say it’s a great buy.
Currently, we’re seeing this discount only on the jet black 42 mm version with a black Sport Band. However, these things can change rapidly. Other models could be discounted as well — or the sale could end abruptly. (The first discount on AirPods Pro 3 disappeared pretty quickly.)
So, if you want to get the latest Apple Watch at the lowest possible price, you should jump on this Series 11 deal.
FDA gives Apple Watch's hypertension notification the necessary clearance. Photo: Apple
Ahead of the watchOS 26 release on September 15, Apple has secured FDA clearance for the hypertension notifications feature. The approval came through late Thursday night.
Hypertension notifications will be available in over 150 countries at launch, including the US, the UK, Europe and others.
See which Apple Watch makes the most sense for your lifestyle. Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac
Confused about which Apple Watch to buy? With Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE currently vying for your wallet’s attention, it all depends on what you want out of a smartwatch — and how much you’re willing to pay.
This buying guide breaks down what each Apple Watch does best, helping you match your needs (and budget) with the right device, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer or simply looking for a reliable, everyday smartwatch.
The Apple Watch Series 10 does not rank high in iFixit's teardown. Photo: iFixit
Apple made huge strides towards improving repairability with the iPhone 16. Sadly, despite getting a big internal redesign, the Apple Watch Series 10 is not as repair-friendly as the new iPhones.
A teardown from iFixit details the wearable’s innards and all the changes Apple made to slim down its design.
Join us for episode 666 of The CultCast. It's the podcast of the beast! Image: Cult of Mac
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After nearly a week with our new iPhone 16 Pros, it’s time for a spirited conversation about the things we love — and several things we don’t. The Camera Control is undeniably interesting, but touchscreen problems and software glitches take a little of the shine off the new iPhone experience.
Also on The CultCast:
We also discuss what Cult of Mac reviewers had to say about the regular iPhone 16 and Apple Watch Series 10. We can’t help but be a little jealous of those new iPhone colors.
Why you don’t need to worry about a weird “upgrade to iOS 18” message on your iPhone that’s already running iOS 18.
And finally, Erfon talks about seeing the new satin black Apple Watch Ultra 2 in person — and why he walked away without one.
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
★★★★★
Apple Watch 10 is quite the looker (seen here with Sport Loop). Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
I find going to the mall for an Apple Store sales event exciting yet brutally soul-sapping, even when a preorder makes pick-up relatively easy. But it’s well worth it when it results in the excellent new Apple Watch Series 10 on my wrist. I actually couldn’t wait to write this Apple Watch Series 10 review.
Larger, thinner, lighter and more lushly curvaceous than predecessors, the 10th anniversary Apple Watch is, technically, a redesign. But it feels like a bunch of iterative improvements more than a huge overhaul. And yet those small changes simply add up to great — with only a couple of small caveats.
Customers line up outside of the Regent Street Apple Store in London on Friday. Photo: Apple
As you probably already know, loads of new Apple hardware went on sale Friday in Apple Stores worldwide. Apple celebrated the iPhone 16 launch with photos of crowded stores from … all over. The photos and social media posts seem to contradict initial reports of lower-than-expected preorders on new iPhone 16 handsets.
Many of the pics show customers gleefully getting their new iPhones, Apple Watch Series 10 wearables, the new black titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2, AirPods 4 and new colors for AirPods Max.
See photos and videos from Apple’s iPhone 16 launch day below.
This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: We’re basking in the afterglow of Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event. Time to discuss what we like most (and least) about the new iPhone 16 lineup, Apple Watch Series 10, AirPods 4 and more.
Also on The CultCast:
That black titanium Apple Watch Ultra looks tempting. The barely upgraded AirPods Max? Not so much.
Which new Apple products do we plan to order? The choices seem tougher this time than usual.
And finally … the results of our “It’s Glowtime” event predictions. We have a winner! (Two, actually.).
Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.
Place your iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max preorder now. Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey
Apple is now accepting preorders for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The devices reach stores starting September 20, the same day preorders begin arriving.
In typical Apple fashion, the company took down its online store for about six hours before accepting preorders.
Apple Watch Series 10 can also be preordered, though Apple initially began taking those on Monday, September 9. The same goes for AirPods 4.
Is it time to buy a new Apple Watch? Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
Is it time for you to upgrade and buy the new Apple Watch Series 10 or Apple Watch Ultra 2? The new Apple Watch is larger and thinner, with advanced new sensors and health features. And the Apple Watch Ultra 2 … comes in black. If you’re wondering what’s next, Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumors indicate that Apple could be planning even more significant updates for its premium smartwatch lineup.
Now that the new watches are available to preorder, you might be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to upgrade. That depends on what devices you have, so I put together a buying guide with charts and a video to help you decide.
Which Apple Watch is right for you? Series 10 goes head to head against Ultra 2. Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey
The Apple Watch Series 10 packs significant upgrades over its predecessor. However, Apple did not give the same love to the Apple Watch Ultra this year. Instead of a third-gen Ultra, Apple only unveiled a new black titanium finish for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. That makes an unusual comparison — Apple Watch Series 10 versus Apple Watch Ultra 2 — an intriguing proposition.
The “regular” Apple Watch Series 10 comes closer to its rugged Ultra sibling than ever before. But between the two, which is the right pick for you? Read our Apple Watch Series 10 versus Apple Watch Ultra comparison to find out.
Watch the event in just 90 seconds. Image: Apple/D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
At Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event, the company introduced the Apple Watch Series 10, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, fourth-generation AirPods and more. It was a big event — and some people complained about the length.
The beautiful city of San Francisco shone as the backdrop to Apple's 'It's Glowtime' event. Photo: Apple
While getting blitzed by an avalanche of mind-numbing specs during Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event, I kept marveling at how good San Francisco looked. The beautiful City by the Bay provided the backdrop to Monday’s event, with many of the presenters standing in front of gorgeous San Francisco landmarks.
San Francisco is my hometown (I’ve lived here nearly 30 years now), and it’s been getting beat up by stories about urban decay in recent years. But it’s still one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and it looked great during Apple’s live stream. Here’s a quick rundown of all the eye-popping SF locations.
The new jet black polished aluminum Apple Watch Series 10 looks perfect for Darth Vader cosplay. Photo: Apple
The all-new Apple Watch Series 10 is the slimmest Apple Watch yet. With a bigger screen, longer battery life, improved water resistance, and a titanium finish upgrade, it’s now a serious alternative to Apple Watch Ultra. But despite all these sporty new features, Apple Watch Series 10 looks more refined than ever, with an elegant new polished aluminum look.
“It’s the thinnest Apple Watch ever, with our largest and most advanced display in a sleek, lightweight, all-metal case that comes in gorgeous new finishes of aluminum and polished titanium,” said Apple COO Jeff Williams during Monday’s taped “It’s Glowtime” event. “The design of Series 10 is truly a milestone of watchmaking.”
Find out the iPhone 16 event live stream time. Photo/Graphics: Apple/Rajesh Pandey
Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” happens on Monday, September 9. If you want to know what time the Apple event starts in your local time, you’ve come to the right place. The iPhone 16 lineup, featuring upgraded internals and new AI features, will be the star of the show.
As always, Apple will stream the Glowtime event so you can catch the company unveil its newest products live. Here’s what time you need to tune in to watch Apple’s live stream.
