Apple Watch Series 10 Review – Small Upgrades, Big Impacts

You might have a collection of gadgets serving similar needs—two smartphones for personal and work calls, maybe a couple of earpieces like earphones and headphones, tablets in different sizes, or even both a desktop and a laptop to keep up with productivity wherever you are. Sometimes, you’re even carrying them all at once. But there’s one device most of us keep strictly to just one: a watch. Unless you’re an avid collector, juggling multiple watches feels a bit overboard, so it’s all about finding the right one. Enter the Apple Watch—a device that’s especially compelling if you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem. Here’s a look at how this year’s Apple Watch Series 10 holds up and why it might be the only one you need. Welcome to my Apple Watch Series 10 review.

Unboxing the Apple Watch Series 10

Unboxing the Apple Watch Series 10 feels comfortably familiar if you’ve opened previous models. Inside the main box, you’ll find two smaller boxes: one housing the watch and accessories, the other holding the strap.

Here’s what’s included in the package:

• Apple Watch Series 10 itself
• Wireless Charger with a Type-C connector
• Sport Loop strap
• User Guides

I’m reviewing the 46mm Aluminum model with GPS + Cellular, sporting a sleek Jet Black finish paired with the Sport Loop strap in Ink color. While I’m already liking this look, I’ve got my eyes on the Nike Sport Loop in Blue/Red for a future upgrade—but we’ll save that for another time.

Specifications

CPU	Apple S10 S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core CPU 4-core Neural Engine
GPU	PowerVR
Memory	1GB
Storage	64GB
Display	1.9″ 496 x 416 (330ppi) Always-On Retina LTPO3 Wide-angle OLED display with Ion-X glass 2000 nits peak brightness with down to 1 nit in Sleep Focus
Audio	Loudspeaker Microphone
Camera	No
Sensors	Blood Oxygen Sensor Electrical Heart Sensor Optical Heart Sensor (3rd Gen) Temperature Sensor High-g accelerometer (up to 256G with Crash Detection) High-dynamic-range gyroscope Always-on Altimeter GPS/GNSS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and Beidou Compass Ambient Light Sensor Depth Gauge Water Temperature Sensor
Connectivity	Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + Cellular (LTE/UMTS) Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz, 5GHz) W3 wireless chip Second-generation Ultra Wideband chip Bluetooth 5.3 Emergency SOS International emergency calling International roaming Supports Apple Watch For Your Kids
Software	watchOS 11.1
Battery	327mAh Li-ion Apple proprietary wireless charging (USB-C)
Dimensions	46 x 39 x 9.7 mm
Weight	35.3g
Ingress Protection	IP6X + WR50 (swimproof)

Apple Watch Sizes & Straps Clarification

This is one of those essential details that makes a big difference. Apple has released a new Apple Watch model every year since 2015, with each one offering two size options: one for smaller wrists, another for larger. The best part? Apple has kept all their straps cross-compatible across generations, so even a strap from your first Apple Watch should fit today’s model—well, mostly.

Here’s where it gets a bit tricky. In 2015, Apple’s smaller model was 38mm, and the larger one was 42mm. Fast forward nearly a decade, and the Apple Watch Series 10 sizes have shifted: now, 42mm is the smaller option, while 46mm is the larger. So, while the old 42mm straps aren’t compatible with today’s 42mm model, they do fit the new 46mm variant. Confusing? Just remember that you’ll either need to buy the larger strap or the smaller strap. Previously 42mm was the larger variant, now the 42mm is the smaller variant.

I’ve triple-checked this paragraph for clarity and error free to reduce your confusion, as strap compatibility can be a bit bewildering for anyone shopping for new Apple Watch Series 10 straps!

Now that is out of the way, let’s move to the more interesting part.

The Good

The Apple Watch Series 10 brings plenty of new perks, but the standout might just be its sleeker sizing. It’s 1mm thinner than the previous model, coming in at just 9.7mm, yet it sports an even larger display—outshining even the Apple Watch Ultra in screen size. For anyone into watches, 1mm in this compact form, is a big shift.

What’s even more impressive? Despite the slimmer profile, the battery life holds steady. And with a weight of just 35.3g, Apple has shaved nearly 4g off the last generation. That’s a meaningful reduction for anyone wearing it daily, making it feel more lightweight than ever.

Then, there’s the finishing touch. The Apple Watch Series 10 is Apple’s first polished Aluminum model, and it’s quite a showstopper. The Jet Black finish goes through a meticulous 30-step anodization process that creates a deep, glossy black—elegant and striking. Having worn various Apple Watches over the years, I can confidently say this is the most beautiful one yet.

At first glance, the display technology in the Apple Watch Series 10 might look familiar, but Apple has made some impressive upgrades. For one, the resolution now stands at 416×496, offering a noticeably crisper display. Plus, this model features Apple’s first wide-angle OLED display—making it much brighter and clear even when viewed at an angle. No need to lift the  wrist just to check the time.

Thanks to LTPO3 technology, which is more power-efficient than ever, the Always-On Display (AOD) now supports subtle animations, like a ticking second hand. It’s a small but cool touch that adds a lot to the overall experience.

The speakers on the Apple Watch Series 10 also received a surprising upgrade. With the watch itself getting smaller, you’d expect the speakers to lose a bit of their punch, right? I thought so too. But to my surprise, the loudness is right on par with the Apple Watch Series 9. Smaller speakers, same power.

Apple has also redesigned the speaker grilles, with smaller, more seamless openings that blend perfectly into the case. It’s yet another design win that enhances the watch’s aesthetic. And yes, I know I keep mentioning how stunning the Apple Watch Series 10 looks—it’s just that good!

So, the watch is smaller, but what did Apple take away? Absolutely nothing! In fact, they’ve added some exciting new features. The Apple Watch Series 10 now includes a 6m depth gauge paired with a Depth App and a water temperature sensor—perfect for anyone who loves water sports. If that’s you, you’ll definitely want to check out the Oceanic+ app, which offers features tailored for snorkeling adventures.

The Depth App is particularly nifty. As you dive underwater, the depth gauge provides a real-time indicator of how deep you are, all without disrupting the information displayed on your watch. It’s like the indicator is floating gracefully around the data—pretty cool, right?

Now, here comes the exciting part! The Apple Watch Series 10 features integrated Apple Intelligence, and one of the most noticeable upgrades is the Smart Stack. This feature first introduced double-tap gestures in the Apple Watch Series 9, which I initially found a bit underwhelming. Little did I know it would soon become my most appreciated feature!

So, why is that? With the new Apple Intelligence, the Smart Stack now automatically identifies which widgets to display. For instance, if music is playing, Shazam’s stack pops up to help you find the song’s name. Got an upcoming appointment? The calendar stack rises to the top just when you need it. All I have to do is tell the Apple Watch which stacks I want to enable, and it takes care of the rest. Talk about smart!

Let’s get into one of my favorite features: the Vitals app. Introduced in watchOS 11, this app is available on all compatible models and provides essential health metrics, especially while you sleep. It compares your data against your personal baseline to identify any outliers, giving you valuable insights into your health.

With the Vitals app, I can easily see a summary of my sleep from the night before, including metrics like average heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen levels, and sleep duration. If any of these vitals stray from the typical range, they’re highlighted in bold pink, signaling possible connections to factors like alcohol, caffeine, medications, altitude, or intense exercise—helping you take control and adjust accordingly.

For women, the wrist temperature sensor can track menstrual cycles, as a rise in temperature might indicate ovulation, with this information stored in the Cycle Tracking app. Plus, the Vitals app can detect Sleep Apnea by measuring breathing disturbances. While this feature isn’t yet available in Malaysia, it’s a critical addition.

Sleep Apnea is a serious condition that often goes unnoticed—something I can personally attest to. Earlier this year, I learned about my own issues when my wife pointed out that I was having breathing problems during the night. Naturally, being asleep, I had no idea this was happening, which is pretty dangerous. After getting checked out, my Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) was found to be 64.8. To put that into perspective, an AHI of 0-5 is considered normal, 5-15 is mild, 15-30 is moderate, and anything above 30 is severe. So, a score of 64.8 was alarming, and I now use a CPAP machine at night—specifically the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet, which I chose after thorough research as it has an app that gathers deep sleep data and synchronizes this with Apple Health app.

It’s frustrating to think that if I had the Apple Watch Series 10 earlier, I might have detected my Sleep Apnea much sooner. I really hope this technology helps many others in the future. It’s a matter that should never be taken lightly.

All this vital health information syncs seamlessly to the Health App, making the Apple Watch an indispensable device in my daily life. The Health App even lets me share my health metrics with my sister, who happens to be my family doctor. She can see LIVE updates of my health data, which adds another layer of accountability.

I’ve recently made some significant changes to my health habits, addressing issues I’ve honestly neglected for years. When you have this crucial information right at your fingertips—or, more accurately, your wrist—and receive alerts for critical metrics, it’s hard not to take things seriously. Fear can be a great motivator, and I’ve found it incredibly beneficial, all thanks to the Apple Watch.

Now, let’s tackle a crucial question: how long does the battery last on the Apple Watch, especially when you rely on it throughout the day and even while you sleep? For me, the Apple Watch manages to pull off 1.5 days of battery life, even with cellular always on and my heavy usage.

I won’t sugarcoat it—the data speaks for itself. I lead a busy life, often wrapping up work late into the night, which means I’m usually in bed around 2 a.m. Not exactly a badge of honor, I know! But considering my sleep and health conditions, I prioritize getting enough rest to recharge for the next day.

For instance, I charged the watch to 79% the day before at 12:33 p.m. Thirteen hours later, at 1:36 a.m., I still had 40% battery left when I went to bed. I woke up at 11:38 a.m. with the battery at 23%. I popped it on the charger while I showered, which took about 30 minutes, and by 12:05 p.m., it was back up to 79%—just like the day before. I could have left it charging while I had breakfast, but I opted not to; I knew it would easily last the day.

For a full battery cycle comparison, consider this: I charged it to 100% the day before at 12:37 p.m. and after 12 hours, it dropped to 38%. Given all the features the Apple Watch packs, its battery life is impressively good. And yes, there’s a low power mode to stretch the battery even further, but honestly, I’ve never felt the need to use it.

The Bad

Now, let’s shift gears a bit and get into some constructive criticism. I genuinely love the Apple Watch Series 10, especially with its stunning Jet Black glossy finish, which is right up my alley. However, there’s a bit of anxiety that comes with it.

The glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet, which means I’m constantly wiping it down. While that’s manageable, my bigger concern is how fragile it looks. I lead a fast-paced lifestyle, and as a rough user, I often bump my wrist against things, which could potentially damage the watch. To combat this, I usually add a RhinoShield CrashGuard NX bumper for affordable and ample protection. But here’s the catch: putting that bumper on would completely hide the watch’s beautiful finish, which feels like doing it a disservice. Plus, I haven’t been able to find the 46mm version from RhinoShield yet, adding to my frustration.

Apple has introduced a stunning new Flux watch face with watchOS 11, and I have to say, it’s one of the most beautiful default watch faces! The way it displays time and ticks off the seconds is just beautiful. However, it does come with a couple of quirks that I can’t overlook.

In a basic watch, time is essential, but so is the date, and unfortunately, that’s missing from the Flux watch face. Additionally, for a smartwatch, tracking battery capacity is also crucial, yet all the Flux offers is the time. This lack of essential information is a bit disappointing, to say the least.

To add to my frustration, there are no custom color options for the Flux watch face. Those who know me well are aware of my obsession with the black-and-red color combination. The red option provided just doesn’t cut it for me. So, I’ve reverted to using an older watch face instead.

In my opinion, having access to the date, time, and battery capacity should be the bare minimum for any watch face. I’m sure many would agree with me on this!

I have a bit of a bone to pick regarding charging the Apple Watch Series 10 (and its earlier generations). I’m not a fan of carrying extra charging cables, especially considering the number of devices I need to charge daily. Imagine if I could plug my iPhone into a wired charger while using its wireless charger to reverse charge the Apple Watch at the same time! That would be a game-changer. I believe Apple could figure out a way to make this happen without sacrificing charging efficiency. Yes, the battery life is stupendous but charging it could use more alternatives really.

Apple Watch Series 10 Review Verdict

Each year, the Apple Watch gets better, and I must say, this time the updates are truly commendable. A watch that has made me inadvertently more health-conscious deserves some serious credit! It packs an impressive array of features into a compact design while still looking absolutely stunning.

Let’s not forget the wealth of customization options available, allowing you to switch up your style whenever the mood strikes. Starting at RM1,799 for the 42mm Aluminium variant, the price is quite reasonable given all that it offers.

With all these factors in mind, I’m excited to award the Apple Watch Series 10 our Pokdeward Gold!