With the next Apple Watch reveal just around the corner, scheduled for Apple’s event on September 9, 2024, many enthusiasts and potential buyers are already contemplating whether to upgrade to the anticipated Apple Watch Series 10 or stick with the current Series 9. This decision isn’t as straightforward as it may seem, especially with the rumors and potential features circulating about Apple’s latest smartwatch iteration.
The Name: Series 10 or Apple Watch X?
One of the first mysteries surrounding the new Apple Watch is its name. While many expect it to be called the Apple Watch Series 10, there’s also speculation that Apple might name it the Apple Watch Series X, in line with the Roman numeral for ten. This would be reminiscent of the iPhone X, which marked the iPhone’s 10th anniversary back in 2017. However, the 10-year milestone for the Apple Watch won’t be until 2025, so this name change could be Apple’s way of commemorating the occasion early.
Design Changes: Incremental or Revolutionary?
The Apple Watch 9, which was unveiled in September 2023, set the stage for what could be a significant design overhaul with the Apple Watch Series 10. Although the Series 10 isn’t expected to revolutionize the design as drastically as the iPhone X did, there are rumors of a notable redesign that could make it stand out from its predecessors.
Apple’s design trend over the past few generations has seen slimmer screen borders to maximize display size. For the Series 10, this could result in a larger casing, potentially increasing the size of the watch. The 41mm model might be replaced with a 45mm version, and there are whispers that Apple could introduce a standard Apple Watch with a 49mm casing, similar to the Apple Watch Ultra series. This larger model could feature the biggest display in the Apple Watch family.
However, to balance out this larger footprint, Apple may also slim down the overall casing, although whether this will be noticeable outside of a direct comparison remains uncertain. The Series 10 is expected to come in two sizes, with leaked codenames N217 and N218 pointing to 45mm and 49mm options, possibly leaving the 41mm style behind.
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Enhanced Display and Efficiency
The Apple Watch Series 10 might also see improvements in display technology. Although the Series 9 introduced an LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) screen to enable a dynamic refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 90Hz, the Series 10 could further optimize this technology for better energy efficiency.
With the Watch Ultra 2 showcasing a searing 2000-nit brightness, there’s potential for the Series 10 to push this even further to 3000 nits, making it even more visible in bright conditions. However, while these upgrades are impressive, the real-world impact on battery life remains to be seen.
Health Features: What’s New?
Apple has long been rumored to be working on major health features for its watches, particularly blood pressure and glucose monitoring. However, these advancements have proven challenging to implement reliably. For the Apple Watch Series 10, it’s likely that we will see blood pressure monitoring, albeit in a limited form. Rather than providing precise readings, the watch may estimate blood pressure changes from baseline readings, similar to the approach used by Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series.
Sleep apnea detection is another health feature expected to debut with the Series 10. This condition, which affects millions of adults in the US alone, could be monitored using a combination of heart rate data, breathing rate, SpO2 levels, and snore detection. However, the much-anticipated blood glucose monitoring is unlikely to be included in this generation, as the technology is not yet ready for accurate, non-invasive readings.
GPS and Battery Life: Potential Improvements
For fitness enthusiasts, the inclusion of dual-band GPS in the Series 10 could be a game-changer. While the current Series 9 only supports the L1 GPS signal, dual-band GPS would add the L5 signal, improving performance in challenging environments such as urban areas with tall buildings. This feature, currently exclusive to the Watch Ultra, could be introduced to the standard Apple Watch as well.
Battery life has always been a point of contention with the Apple Watch, with the 18-hour battery life claim remaining unchanged for several generations. However, the larger 49mm model rumored for the Series 10 could allow for a bigger battery, potentially increasing the battery life to 24 hours. This would still leave a significant gap between the Series 10 and the 36-hour battery life of the Watch Ultra 2, but it would be a welcome improvement.
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Should You Upgrade or Wait?
With all the rumors and potential features in mind, the decision to upgrade to the Apple Watch 10 or stick with the Series 9 ultimately depends on your priorities. If you’re in need of a new watch immediately, the Series 9 remains an excellent choice, especially with the potential for price drops once the Apple Watch Series 10 is released. However, if you can wait, the Series 10 promises significant enhancements in design, health features, and possibly battery life, making it a compelling option.
In summary, the Apple Watch Series 10 is shaping up to be a substantial upgrade, but whether it’s worth the wait will depend on how much these new features appeal to you. As always, the best approach is to weigh the pros and cons based on your personal needs and preferences.
