iPhone launch day is one thing tech fanatics and on a regular basis shoppers can mark on the calendar each September. Apple’s early autumn occasion has turn into as synonymous with the autumn season because the return of pumpkin spice flavored drinks at Dunkin’ and Starbucks alike. The day is very anticipated and full of pleasure — and this year’s ‘It’s Glowtime’ event did not disappoint.
The Cupertino-based firm unveiled its latest iPhone lineup, the iPhone 16 series, and the subsequent era of its standard Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Series 10, on the wearable’s tenth anniversary, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and a more affordable Apple Watch SE.
Additionally: Everything announced at Apple’s iPhone 16 event
The Watch Collection 10 is the newest launch since Apple debuted the Watch Series 9 final 12 months, and the Watch Series 8 again in 2022. A brand new Watch SE (third Gen) was unveiled, too, refreshing the previous iteration launched in 2023, and at last, the Watch Extremely 3 ranges up on the older Ultra 2, additionally launched final 12 months.
Early reports indicated small tweaks to the Extremely mannequin, extra inexpensive supplies to assemble the Watch SE, and a much-needed facelift to the mid-range Watch Collection 10 — the primary main design improve for the reason that Watch Series 7 in 2021. These rumors were confirmed on the occasion.
Additionally: When are the new Apple Watches coming out? What to know and where to preorder
The all-new Apple Watch Collection 10 is the thinnest mannequin but and is offered in 42mm and 46mm face sizes. It is also lighter with extra rounded corners and a wider facet ratio. Its OLED show can be 40% brighter than the Collection 9 watch. Past bodily look, the Collection 10 has a number of key upgrades, together with an up to date Sensible Stack, on-watch Translator, sleep apnea detection, Depth and Tides apps, speaker playback, and more Apple Intelligence features.
The Apple Watch Collection 10 is offered for preorder beginning right this moment and shall be obtainable September 20. The Apple Watch Series 10 begins at $399 for GPS and $499 for mobile, and is available in two finishes (aluminum or titanium), and three coloration choices for every.
However must you splurge on Apple’s latest mid-range wearable? Is it time for an improve? Let’s have a look at how the Apple Watch Collection 10 and the Apple Watch Collection 8 evaluate.
Specs
| Watch mannequin | Apple Watch Collection 10 | Apple Watch Collection 8 |
| Show | 42mm or 46mm LTPO3 OLED (Huge Angle) All the time-On Retina Show | 41mm or 45mm Retina |
| Show brightness | As much as 2,000 nits | As much as 1,000 nits |
| Processor | Apple Silicon S10 | Apple Silicon S8 |
| Storage | 32GB | 32GB |
| Battery | 18 hours | 18 hours |
| Mud/water resistance | WR50, IP6X | WR50, IP6X |
| Connectivity | 5G LTE, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | 5G LTE, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Value* | Begins at $399 | Began at $399 |
*Unique MSRP
You should purchase the Apple Watch Collection 10 if…
1. You desire a thinner design or bigger watch sizes
For the primary time for the reason that Watch Collection 7 in 2021, the Apple Watch has had a facelift. The brand new Collection 10 has a thinner general profile and options bigger faces and extra rounded edges. Select from a 42mm or 46mm show and revel in a wearable lighter than the earlier Collection 9. So, in case you’ve been avoiding an Apple Watch since you’ve wished a slimmer profile or bigger face, here is your likelihood.
2. You’d profit from sleep apnea monitoring
Sleep monitoring is all the trend in tech (critically, ZDNET readers frequently purchase sleep-aiding techs like earbuds, masks, and extra), and it is turn into more and more standard in wearables, comparable to smart rings. In order for you high sleep-tracking options in your Apple Watch, the brand new Collection 10 is your mannequin.
Additionally: The best smart rings: Expert tested
Model new for the Collection 10, sleep apnea monitoring is now built-in and there is a host of different options, comparable to depth gauge, for sports activities like snorkeling and diving.
3. You are searching for one thing future-proof
Should you’re spending just a few hundred {dollars} on a smartwatch, you need it to final for a number of years with out compromising efficiency or perform. One of the simplest ways to make sure you’re investing in an Apple Watch that is future-proof and suitable with all of Apple’s latest options (and Apple Intelligence, after all) is to pick the newer mannequin.
The Watch Collection 10 is the most recent Apple Watch you should buy. Historical past suggests it can stay so no less than for the subsequent 12 months, which suggests the gadget will be sure you obtain all the newest and biggest WatchOS software program and procure updates for longer, even when a Collection 11 is finally launched.
Additionally: Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 10: Which smartwatch is right for you?
Not solely does the Watch Collection 10 supply new options like sleep apnea detection, temperature sensing, and a depth gauge, but it surely’s additionally designed to maximise WatchOS 11 and advantages from a seamless integration with Apple’s newest iPhone 16 models, which run on iOS 18.
4. It is time to improve
Should you personal a Watch Collection 7 or older, it’s possible you’ll be seeking to give up your present on a regular basis driver and go for one thing brisker. As we inch nearer to 2025, the Collection 7 is near being 4 years outdated, and any mannequin that precedes that gadget most likely feels a bit outdated or is maybe experiencing efficiency dips. Final 12 months I upgraded my Watch Collection 3, which I bought in 2020, to a Watch SE (2nd Gen) after experiencing glitching points and poor battery life. The distinction has been astounding.
Additionally: The best Apple Watches you can buy: Expert tested
In order for you high capabilities and most longevity, the brand new Watch Collection 10 is probably the most up-to-date mannequin to improve to. Nonetheless, even a Collection 8, 9, or Watch SE mannequin is likely to be excellent in your wants, particularly you probably have a smaller price range for an improve.
Additionally: Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 10: Which smartwatch is right for you?
You should purchase the Apple Watch Collection 8 if…
1. You need an inexpensive choice
If you wish to expertise the built-in advantages of the Apple ecosystem in your wrist or improve your smartwatch with out breaking the financial institution, older fashions, such because the Series 8 or Series 9, are an effective way to save lots of just a few {dollars} whereas nonetheless nabbing glorious options. Whereas the Collection 8 lacks the up to date components supplied within the Collection 10 (and even the Collection 9), it is nonetheless a strong watch with the power to do lots of the primary duties customers require: monitor exercises, handle calls and texts, sync together with your iPhone, and extra.
Additionally: Apple Watch Series 9 vs. Series 8: Which model should you buy?
Whereas the Series 9 has been obtainable for upwards of $150 off currently, the Collection 8 is usually much more inexpensive. You could find refurbished options for below $250, although a significant draw back is that this mannequin is more and more arduous to seek out, particularly in new situation.
2. You are searching for blood oxygen sensors
A significant purpose it’s possible you’ll have an interest within the Collection 8, regardless that it is now just a few years outdated, is the blood oxygen function. For the reason that blood oxygen sensor was banned for the Collection 9, Extremely 2, and as anticipated, the Collection 10, no newer Apple Watch mannequin presents the identical capabilities. This case means the Collection 8 is the best choice in case you’re searching for an Apple Watch outfitted with blood oxygen sensing.
Options to think about
