Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Is it time to level up?

The day the iPhone is launched is a significant date for both tech fans and regular buyers, usually happening every September. Apple's autumn event has become just as much a part of the fall experience as the arrival of pumpkin spice drinks at popular coffee shops like Dunkin' and Starbucks. This day is eagerly awaited and filled with excitement, and this year's 'It's Glowtime' event certainly lived up to the hype.

The company from Cupertino revealed its latest iPhone collection, the iPhone 16 series, along with the next version of its well-loved Apple Watch. This includes the Apple Watch Series 10, marking a decade since the watch's debut, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and a budget-friendly Apple Watch SE.

Additionally: A rundown of all the announcements from Apple's iPhone 16 event.

The Watch Series 10 is the newest model, following the launch of the Watch Series 9 last year and the Watch Series 8 in 2022. Additionally, a new version of the Watch SE, now in its 3rd generation, has been introduced, updating the previous model from 2023. Lastly, the Watch Ultra 3 builds upon the features of the Ultra 2, which was also released last year.

Initial reports suggested minor adjustments to the Ultra model, the use of less expensive materials for the Watch SE, and a significant redesign for the mid-range Watch Series 10, marking the first major update in design since the Watch Series 7 was introduced in 2021. These speculations were validated during the event.

Additionally: When will the new Apple Watches be released? Here’s what you need to know and how to preorder them.

The brand-new Apple Watch Series 10 is the slimmest version introduced so far, coming in two face sizes: 42mm and 46mm. It’s designed to be lighter, featuring softer curves and a broader screen ratio. The OLED display is now 40% brighter compared to the Series 9 model. In addition to its new look, the Series 10 boasts numerous important enhancements, such as an improved Smart Stack, an on-device translation feature, the ability to detect sleep apnea, and applications for Depth and Tides. It also includes enhanced speaker playback and various new Apple Intelligence functionalities.

You can now preorder the Apple Watch Series 10, which will be officially released on September 20. The starting price is $399 for the GPS model and $499 for the cellular version. It comes in two materials—aluminum and titanium—and offers three color choices for each finish.

Is it worth investing in Apple's latest mid-range smartwatch? Should you consider upgrading? Let's take a look at how the Apple Watch Series 10 stacks up against the Apple Watch Series 8.

"Reasons To Buy The Apple Watch Series 10"

"Thinner Designs Or Larger Watch Sizes?"

After two years since the Watch Series 7 in 2021, the Apple Watch has undergone a redesign. The latest Series 10 boasts a sleeker look, with bigger displays and softer edges. You can choose between a 42mm or 46mm size, and it's lighter than the previous Series 9 model. If you've been holding off on getting an Apple Watch because you preferred a thinner design or a larger screen, now is the perfect opportunity.

"Discover The Benefits Of Sleep Apnea Tracking"

Sleep tracking has become a major trend in technology. Many readers of ZDNET are buying devices designed to help improve sleep, including items like earbuds and sleep masks. When it comes to wearables like smart rings, this trend is also on the rise. If you’re looking for the best sleep monitoring capabilities in an Apple Watch, the latest Series 10 is the one to consider.

Additionally: The top smart rings: Evaluated by specialists

The Series 10 introduces a new sleep apnea tracking feature, along with various other functionalities, including a depth gauge designed for activities such as snorkeling and diving.

"Seeking Future-Proof Solutions?"

When you invest a few hundred bucks in a smartwatch, you naturally expect it to serve you well for several years, maintaining its performance and functionality. To make sure you're getting an Apple Watch that will stand the test of time and work seamlessly with all of Apple's latest features (and their smart technology), it’s wise to choose one of the newer models.

The Watch Series 10 is the latest Apple Watch available for purchase. Based on past trends, it's likely to stay on the market for at least another year. This means that it will continue to get all the newest and best features from WatchOS and receive updates for an extended period, even if a Series 11 comes out later on.

Additionally: Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 10: Which smartwatch is the best choice for you?

The Watch Series 10 isn't just about its innovative features such as detecting sleep apnea, sensing temperature, and featuring a depth gauge. It is also optimized to make the most of WatchOS 11 and works effortlessly with the new iPhone 16 models that operate on iOS 18.

Time To Level Up!

If you have a Watch Series 7 or an older model, you might be thinking about trading in your current smartwatch for a newer version. With 2025 approaching, the Series 7 is nearing its four-year mark, and any model that came before it likely feels somewhat old-fashioned or is showing signs of slowing down. I recently replaced my Watch Series 3, which I bought in 2020, with a second-generation Watch SE due to glitches and frustrating battery issues. The improvement has been incredible.

Additionally: The top Apple Watches available to purchase, as evaluated by professionals.

If you’re looking for the latest features and the longest-lasting performance, the new Watch Series 10 is the best option to consider. However, models like the Series 8, 9, or Watch SE could also meet your needs, particularly if you're working with a tighter budget for an upgrade.

Additionally: Apple Watch Series 9 versus Series 10: Which smartwatch best suits your needs?

"Why You Should Buy The Apple Watch Series 8"

Discover Budget-Friendly Choices Today

If you're looking to enjoy the advantages of the Apple ecosystem on your wrist or want to upgrade your smartwatch without spending too much, older models like the Series 8 or Series 9 are a smart choice that can help you save some money while still providing fantastic features. Although the Series 8 doesn't include the latest updates found in the Series 10 (or even the Series 9), it remains a reliable smartwatch that can handle essential tasks like tracking your workouts, managing calls and messages, syncing with your iPhone, and much more.

Additionally: Apple Watch Series 9 versus Series 8: Which version is the right choice for you?

The Series 9 has been regularly discounted by over $150 recently, but the Series 8 is generally even cheaper. There are refurbished versions available for under $250, but one significant drawback is that this model is becoming rarer, particularly in new condition.

Searching For Blood Oxygen Sensors? Here’s Help!

One of the key reasons you might still be considering the Series 8, despite it being a couple of years old, is its blood oxygen monitoring feature. Since Apple removed the blood oxygen sensor from the Series 9, Ultra 2, and, as anticipated, the Series 10, there's currently no newer Apple Watch model that provides this functionality. Therefore, if you're interested in an Apple Watch with blood oxygen tracking, the Series 8 remains your best choice.