The Applying Apple Watch 10's Features against the Apple Watch 9's Capabilities
I've been keeping an eye on Apple's September 2024 event and jotting down notes on the new hardware unveiled—and leading the show was the Apple Watch 10, replacing the Apple Watch 9, which debuted in 2023.
There are plenty of significant changes to discuss this year, making it one of the more significant updates in the Apple Watch's history, dating back to 2015. Here's a comparison of the two smartwatches in key categories.
Apple Watch 10 vs. Apple Watch 9: key improvements
The Apple Watch 10 boasts a revamped design and finishes.Image credit: AppleThe Apple Watch 10 design has undergone several improvements compared to the Apple Watch 9. The Apple Watch 10 is slimmer than previous models, measuring a mere 9.7 mm (0.38 inches) thick—that's a reduction compared to its predecessor's 10.7 mm (0.42 inches).
The screen has also grown in size, now being almost 9% larger than the previous model. It's also brighter than before, especially when viewed from an angle, thanks to what Apple calls a wide-angle OLED display.
Other enhancements include an improved on-board speaker for better audio listening without headphones, a faster S10 chipset to replace the S9, a new polished black aluminum casing with a glossy finish, and new titanium casings new to the Apple Watch 9.
The Apple Watch 10 also features a depth gauge and a water temperature sensor, making it more useful for water activities—though it only functions down to six meters (about 20 feet) deep. For serious diving, you'll still need the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Finally, charging speed is where the Apple Watch 10 excels. It can recharge from 0% to 80% in only 30 minutes, beating the Apple Watch 9 and all previous models in this regard. With the Apple Watch 9, the same charge takes around 45 minutes.
The Apple Watch 10 has a new design and new finishes.Credit: Apple
Apple Watch 10 vs Apple Watch 9: what remains unchanged
The Apple Watch 9 will no longer be available from Apple.Image credit: AppleIt's worth noting what hasn't changed this year. For instance, Apple has announced that the Apple Watch 10 will support sleep apnea detection upon receiving approval from the FDA, which should come soon. This feature won't be exclusive to the new model, as it will also be rolled out to the Apple Watch 9 later.
Both smartwatches can run watchOS 11, meaning that many software features will be the same. Expect to use sleep tracking, the new Vitals health monitoring app, customize the watch ringtone, display Live Activities on Smart Stack widgets, and more, on both smartwatches.
Battery life remains the same as before, with around 18 hours of normal use between charges. If you're not using Low Power Mode, you'll still need to charge the Apple Watch 10 nightly, just as you do with the Apple Watch 9 (since the Apple Watch 9 is no longer available directly from Apple).
Lastly, the new Apple Watch 10 retains the same starting price as its predecessor, which is $399. While this price will increase when adding features like different straps and 4G LTE connectivity, the Apple Watch 9 itself is no longer on sale directly from Apple.
With its faster performance, larger and brighter screen, additional sensors, and faster charging, the Apple Watch 10 is one of the more enticing Apple smartwatch upgrades I've seen—it's certainly significantly better than the watch that came before it, and may persuade a fair number of Apple Watch 9 owners to upgrade.
The Apple Watch 10 unveiled at Apple's September 2024 event incorporates 10 new features, some of which are a revamped design, slimmer form factor, and a larger, brighter screen. (Reference to Apple Watch 10's features)
In tune with the upcoming tech trends, the new Apple Watch 10 showcased at Apple's event boasts 10 innovative features, including a depth gauge and water temperature sensor for enhanced water activities. (Reference to Apple's tech event and 10 new features)
