Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: All the new upgrades
On the right is the Apple Watch Series 9, while the Series 10 is displayed on the left. Photo credit: Apple.
The Apple Watch Series 10 was introduced on Monday, as the tech company revealed the next version following the Series 9 during its event in California.
The latest Apple Watch features the new S10 System in Package (SiP), which seems to be an improvement over the Series 9's S9 SiP. However, the changes between the Apple Watch Series 10 and 9 seem to be mostly minor.
Here's a detailed comparison of the Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 9 to assist you in making a decision about upgrading.
Apple Watch Series 10 Vs. Series 9: Price Comparison
When buying a new gadget, one of the main factors to think about is the cost. The latest Apple Watch Series 10 has a starting price of $399 for the 42-millimetre aluminum version that includes only GPS. If you opt for the titanium model with both GPS and cellular features, the price increases to $699. If you also want the bigger 46-millimetre size, it will cost you up to $749.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 9 was originally priced at $399 when it was released, but its cost has since decreased over the past year. The smallest model, which is 41 millimeters and made of aluminum with just GPS, is now priced at $274.77. Meanwhile, the larger 45-millimeter version, made of stainless steel and featuring both GPS and cellular connectivity, can be purchased for $649.
There's about a $100 gap between the Apple Watch from last year and this year's comparable versions. Deciding if it’s worth it will hinge on what matters most to you.
Apple Watch Series 10 Vs. 9: Display Showdown
On the left, you can see the Apple Watch Series 9, while on the right is the Series 10. Image credit: Apple.
The Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 9 both have a brightness capacity that ranges from one to 2000 nits, so that aspect remains unchanged. Nonetheless, the Series 10 features a slight one-millimeter increase in size for both models, which isn't the only distinguishing factor about its display.
The Series 10 enhances the Series 9 by upgrading its low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) display to the new LTPO3 version. This upgrade is expected to improve the variable refresh rate and overall power efficiency, resulting in a smoother display while consuming less battery. However, it's uncertain how significant this improvement will be in real-world use, particularly since the Series 10 does not advertise any increase in battery life (details on that will follow).
Another notable update is the Series 10's introduction of a wide-angle organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, which marks the first time this technology has been included in an Apple Watch. This new wide-angle OLED allows for better light emission from the pixels at a broader angle, and Apple asserts that the Series 10 delivers a 40 percent boost in brightness when viewed from the side compared to the Series 9.
The company also mentions that the enhanced power efficiency of OLED technology has enabled the Series 10 to refresh its display in always-on mode every second, a significant improvement from the Series 9, which only updated once per minute. This means that certain watch faces will now let users view a moving seconds hand without the need to lift their wrist.
Apple Watch Series 10 Vs. 9: A Design Comparison
At the top, you can see a selection of color choices available for the Apple Watch Series 10, and underneath are a few from the Series 9. Image credit: Apple.
Right from the start, the Apple Watch Series 10 comes in a bit bigger than the Series 9, now available in 46 mm and 42 mm sizes, compared to the previous year's 45 mm and 41 mm options. Nevertheless, it has lost some weight in other aspects.
A key highlight of the new Apple Watch Series 10's design is its reduced thickness. Apple states that this version is nearly 10 percent slimmer than its predecessor, the Series 9, with a decrease of one millimeter, bringing its thickness down from 10.7 to 9.7 millimeters. While this may seem minor, every millimeter makes a difference in such precise measurements.
The Series 10 is also lighter, but the weight difference will vary based on the models you look at. According to Apple, the aluminum versions of the Series 10 are up to 10% lighter compared to the Series 9. Meanwhile, the titanium models boast nearly a 20% reduction in weight compared to last year’s stainless steel ones.
Based on the details provided by Apple, these weight comparisons seem accurate. The lightest version of the Series 10 Watch is the 42-millimeter aluminum model with both GPS and cellular capabilities, which Apple lists at 29.3 grams. In contrast, the lightest option from the Series 9 is the 41-millimeter aluminum model that only features GPS, weighing 31.9 grams—2.6 grams heavier. When comparing materials, the Series 10's titanium model is also lighter than the stainless steel used in the Series 9. The heaviest version in the Series 10 lineup is the 46-millimeter titanium model at 41.7 grams, which is nearly 10 grams lighter than the heaviest Series 9 stainless steel option, which weighs 51.5 grams.
Alongside these modifications, the corners of the Series 10 are more curved, and it has a broader aspect ratio compared to the Series 9. Apple claims that these adjustments to the design allow for a significantly larger screen.
On the left side, you have the Apple Watch Series 9, and on the right side is the Series 10. Image credit: Apple.
Lastly, let's discuss the color choices for the Apple Watch Series 10. The hue of a new Apple Watch may actually matter more than that of a new iPhone, considering that most people tend to put their phones in cases, which can hide the color.
When it first debuts, the Series 10 will be offered in six distinct colors, evenly split between its aluminum and titanium models. The aluminum variant can be found in jet black, rose gold, and silver, while the titanium version features slate, gold, and natural tones.
In contrast, the Series 9 offers five color options for its aluminum version: midnight, starlight, silver, pink, and (PRODUCT)RED. The stainless steel version comes in three colors—graphite, silver, and gold—plus an additional space black option if you factor in the Apple Watch Hermès partnership.
Apple Watch Series 10 Vs. 9: Health Features Comparison
The new sleep apnea detection feature on the Apple Watch can be observed on two iPhone models. Source: Apple
Apple has unveiled a new feature for detecting sleep apnea with the Series 10 watch. This innovation leverages the device’s accelerometer to track your sleep patterns and alert you if it notices potential signs of the condition. However, this functionality isn't exclusive to the Series 10; the Breathing Disturbances metric will also be available for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models later this month.
A clearer way to tell the difference between the two models is by looking at their features for underwater activities. The Series 10 is better suited for aquatic experiences compared to the Series 9. It comes with a water temperature sensor and a depth meter that can measure depths of up to 20 feet (six meters). The data collected from these tools can be viewed using Apple's Depth app, which is already installed on the Series 10. Additionally, the new Apple Watch is compatible with the Oceanic+ snorkeling app, but you'll need to download it from the Apple App Store, unlike the pre-installed Depth app.
The Series 9 lacks this feature, which is something to keep in mind if you're a passionate snorkeler and an iPhone user without an Ultra model.
Apple Watch Series 10 Vs. Series 9: Audio Insights
When people consider Apple Watches, they typically don’t prioritize audio features. However, the latest Apple Watch Series 10 is enhancing its sound options by enabling music to be played directly through its built-in speaker.
The Series 9 comes with a speaker, but it's limited to basic functions like making phone calls, using the Walkie-Talkie feature, and giving voice feedback for your exercise sessions. On the other hand, the Series 10 allows you to listen to media, including music, podcasts, and audiobooks, letting you annoy those around you by playing sounds straight from your wrist. This feature will be compatible with Apple’s own apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and Books, as well as various third-party applications.
The Apple Watch Series 10 enhances its microphone features by incorporating voice isolation technology, which utilizes a neural network to minimize background noise during phone calls.
Most individuals don't prioritize audio features when selecting a watch. It's likely that you'll opt for your iPhone or a set of AirPods for phone calls and music, only reaching for the Apple Watch when those aren't available or in case of an emergency. Nevertheless, it does represent a technical advancement compared to the Series 9.
Apple Watch Series 10 Vs. 9: Battery Comparison
Apple has stated that there is no difference in battery performance between the Watch Series 10 and Series 9. Both models are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which the company claims provides up to 18 hours of use (or 36 hours when set to low power mode). Additionally, both watches support fast charging.
Apple highlights that the charging coil in the Series 10 is bigger and more efficient, enabling you to boost your Watch's battery from empty to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. This is better than the Series 9, which takes 45 minutes to reach the same level. While a 15-minute difference might not sound like a huge change, it is still an upgrade.
Mashable is set to evaluate Apple's latest Watch and will share their findings soon. However, it seems that battery life isn't a significant concern if you are choosing between the Series 10 and Series 9.
You can start placing preorders for the new Apple Watch Series 10 on September 20.
Amanda Yeo serves as an Assistant Editor at Mashable, focusing on topics related to entertainment, culture, technology, science, and social issues. Located in Australia, she explores a wide range of subjects, including video games, K-pop, films, and tech gadgets.
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