If you’re the kind of person who skips a generation or two before upgrading, you’re probably wondering: is the Apple Watch Series 10 different enough from the Series 9 to make it worth it? We’ve been asking the same thing—because honestly, on paper, they don’t seem miles apart. But once you put them on your wrist, use them day to day, and dig into the subtle shifts, the differences start adding up.
This isn’t a reinvention. It’s Apple doing what it does best: smoothing the edges, trimming the fat, and adding just enough new tricks to make last year’s model feel… well, a little last year. So if you’re eyeing either one, here’s how they really compare—without the marketing fluff.
Design and build: slimmer feel, smarter materials
The Series 9 already had a sleek profile, but the Series 10 slims things down to under 10mm thick—9.7mm, to be exact—which makes a real difference on the wrist. Yes, it’s slightly wider and taller (42mm/46mm vs. 41mm/45mm), but the flatter, thinner feel offsets that increase.
One of the most noticeable upgrades is the shift from stainless steel to titanium. It’s lighter, still insanely strong, and gives the Series 10 a comfort boost you’ll feel after a full day of wear. If you’ve ever taken your watch off at 5 p.m. just because it felt heavy, you’ll appreciate this move.
There’s also a small but classy addition: a new Jet Black finish—finally, a fully black Apple Watch without the gray compromise. And the speaker grille? Gone is the rectangular slot—now it’s a row of micro-perforations, giving it a cleaner, more modern look.
Bottom line: Series 10 feels more polished and more comfortable.
Display: brighter from every angle
Apple didn’t shout about this, but we noticed it: the screen on the Series 10 looks better even when you’re not staring straight at it. While both watches cap out at 2,000 nits brightness, the Series 10 is 40% brighter when viewed from the side. That means quick glances—while running, walking, or in a meeting—are more legible.
The bezels are thinner, too. You get about 9% more usable screen space, which might not sound huge, but it lets you read longer messages without scrolling. The resolutions have ticked up slightly: 446×374 for the 42mm model and 496×416 for the 46mm version. It’s subtle, but everything feels a little sharper, more present.
So while both displays are great, the Series 10 just feels easier on the eyes.
Performance: same speed, smarter layout
We know what you’re thinking: new chip, better speed? Not quite. The S10 SiP inside the Series 10 is functionally the same as the S9 in terms of speed and capability. You’re not going to notice faster app launches or smoother animations—they’re basically identical.
But here’s the twist: the S10 is a single-sided design, and that’s part of why the Series 10 could be made thinner. It’s about form factor efficiency, not horsepower. Everything runs just as smoothly on both watches—but Series 10 gets credit for smarter internal design.
So in terms of performance? It’s a draw.
Smart features and AI: equal intelligence, same limitations
Let’s get this out of the way: Apple Intelligence—the 2024 AI rollout—isn’t something you’ll notice directly on either watch. It still lives mainly on your iPhone. Both watches, however, support on-device Siri, double-tap gestures, and local processing for health data.
Whether you’re asking Siri to set a timer or reviewing your health trends, both watches do the job without delay. No special AI features are exclusive to the Series 10, at least for now. It’s the same intelligence, wrapped in two different designs.
So when it comes to smarts, it’s even.
Health and fitness: swimmers get a bonus
This is where Series 10 gets a leg up—especially for anyone who spends time in water.
Both models support the usual lineup: heart rate, ECG, skin temperature, fall detection, cycle tracking, and sleep apnea alerts. But Series 10 brings over a water depth sensor and temperature sensor, previously limited to the Ultra series. That means:
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Snorkeling? It tracks dive depth.
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Open water swims? You get water temperature data.
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With the Oceanic+ app, it becomes a mini dive companion.
There’s a big asterisk here, though: SpO₂ (blood oxygen monitoring) is disabled on new models due to a patent dispute. That applies to both Series 10 and newer batches of the Series 9. If you bought a Series 9 before the restriction kicked in, you might still have access. But otherwise, it’s a missing feature across the board.
For water-focused users, the Series 10 is clearly more versatile—but only if SpO₂ isn’t a dealbreaker.
Battery life: officially the same, practically different
Apple says 18 hours on both. We tested both. Series 10 just lasts longer.
It’s not a huge leap—don’t expect 24-hour stamina—but the internal efficiencies and the new architecture in the Series 10 help it stretch closer to Apple’s Low Power Mode limits. If you’re the kind of person who hits 10% battery every night, you might find yourself with a bit more breathing room here.
Charging times? Identical. You’ll still get fast charging via magnetic puck—enough juice for a day in about 45 minutes.
Call it a quiet win for Series 10.
Audio and speaker tweaks: not flashy, but useful
This one flew under the radar, but it’s something we’ve used more than we expected: the Series 10 lets you play podcasts and music directly through its speaker. It’s not audiophile-grade sound—but if you’re brushing your teeth or cooking and don’t have your AirPods handy, it gets the job done.
The new speaker design doesn’t just look better—it sounds a bit louder and less tinny. Calls are slightly clearer, and alerts cut through background noise more effectively.
Another small, real-world upgrade for the Series 10.
Connectivity: same chips, same range
Here’s one category with no changes: both models include Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 4, and the same second-gen Ultra Wideband chip.
That means:
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Precision Find My for locating your iPhone.
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Fast proximity pairing.
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Consistent connection quality.
GPS accuracy and cellular connectivity? Also identical. No signal strength surprises here.
This one’s a tie—nothing new, nothing missing.
Software and ecosystem: perfectly synced
Thanks to watchOS 11, you’ll find that both models feel almost identical on the software front. The new features—Training Load, redesigned Health dashboards, Smart Stack improvements—they’re all here, no matter which watch you have.
So if you’re not chasing hardware changes, you’re not losing anything in terms of software by sticking with Series 9.
This one stays level.
Environmental updates: lighter footprint, literally
Apple continues to lean into sustainability, and the Series 10 reflects that. More recycled materials, especially in aluminum versions. Titanium replaces stainless steel, making it easier to recycle. The packaging’s even greener.
If that matters to you, it’s a point worth noting. Series 10 fits better into Apple’s eco-forward product strategy.
Not a game-changer, but a win nonetheless.
So… is the Series 10 worth it?
Let’s cut to it.
If you already own a Series 9 and everything works, including SpO₂, you’re not missing much—unless you swim, crave the thinner profile, or really want that Jet Black finish.
But if you’re upgrading from anything older—or you want the cleanest design, best comfort, and those extra aquatic features—the Series 10 feels like the watch Apple’s been edging toward for a while.
It’s not flashier, but it’s smarter. Finer. More wearable. It doesn’t scream “new,” but it doesn’t have to. It just feels better.
For those starting fresh or ready to move on from an older watch, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the one to get.