Apple Watch Series 10 makes the familiar watch thinner and more comfortable, with a larger display that is easier to read at an angle. But faster charging does not change its roughly one-day battery routine, and a blood-oxygen limitation affected the reviewer’s U.S. unit. This hands-on review was published in 2024 and updated December 7, 2024; Apple’s current lineup has since moved on to newer models.
What’s new on Apple Watch Series 10?
The clearest improvement is physical: Digital Trends reviewer Joe Maring found Series 10 thinner and lighter than Series 9, and said it sat flatter on his wrist. The case sizes are 42mm and 46mm. The larger display provides more room for text, while its wide-angle OLED is easier to read when viewed from the side.
Apple claimed the display is up to 40% brighter at an angle, as reported by Digital Trends in 2024. That is Apple’s figure, not an independent measurement by the reviewer. Maring’s hands-on impression was that the display looked sharper and brighter off-axis.
The built-in speaker is another useful convenience: Maring found wrist playback handy for podcasts during chores. It is not a replacement for a phone or dedicated audio device when listening quality matters.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/416RQ0rtsUL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
Battery life and charging
Apple rated Series 10 for up to 18 hours of normal use and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode, according to the 2024 Digital Trends review. Faster charging helps with top-ups, but the watch still calls for regular charging rather than delivering a transformed multi-day routine.
Apple’s charging claim, as reported by Digital Trends, was up to 80% in 30 minutes. Maring reported a little over 24 hours in his own use with the always-on display and sleep tracking; workout tracking reduced that. He also reported around 28 hours without workout tracking before the battery reached 10%. These are one reviewer’s experiences, not a typical-use guarantee or controlled test.
Rank #2
![Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 42mm] Smartwatch with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31caPPnRysL._SL160_.jpg)
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Apple Watch Series 11 gives you invaluable insights about your body, right from your wrist. Take an ECG anytime* and get alerts for a high and low heart rate or an irregular rhythm*—so you can stay closer to your heart. You can also view your overnight health tracking metrics with the Vitals app* and be notified of possible sleep apnea.*
- KNOW YOUR SLEEP SCORE—With advanced sleep tracking, Series 11 gives you a daily sleep score. It’s an easy way to help measure and understand the quality of your sleep, so you can make it more restorative.
- GET HYPERTENSION NOTIFICATIONS—Did you know that Series 11 can spot signs of chronic high blood pressure? By analyzing how your blood vessels respond to beats of the heart, it can notify you of possible hypertension.*
- SAFETY FEATURES—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 11 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.* Check In can automatically notify a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, training load, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone*—Series 11 is made to help everyone stay active, from runners and hikers to strength-training enthusiasts.
| Battery detail | What the 2024 review reported |
|---|---|
| Apple-rated normal use | Up to 18 hours |
| Apple-rated Low Power Mode | Up to 36 hours |
| Apple charging claim | Up to 80% in 30 minutes |
| Reviewer’s experience | A little over 24 hours with always-on display and sleep tracking; workout tracking reduced runtime |
Health features: sleep apnea and blood oxygen
Sleep-apnea notifications are not exclusive to Series 10. The 2024 review says they are also available on Series 9 and Ultra 2 through watchOS 11. Treat them as notifications of possible signs, not a diagnosis or treatment.
The blood-oxygen issue may matter to people considering an upgrade. Maring reported that his U.S. Series 10 did not provide usable blood-oxygen measurements and connected the limitation to the Apple–Masimo dispute. This describes the reviewer’s U.S. unit and the review’s publication period; it is not a verified statement about present-day availability across regions or devices. Recheck the exact device and current status before relying on this feature.
Rank #3
![Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31Cud2WnszL._SL160_.jpg)
- WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 10 — Bigger display with up to 30 percent more screen area.* A thinner, lighter, and more comfortable design.* Advanced health and fitness features provide invaluable insights.* Safety features connect you to help when you need it.* Faster charging gives you 80 percent battery in about 30 minutes.*
- ADVANCED HEALTH INSIGHTS — Take an ECG anytime.* Get notifications if you have high or low heart rate or an irregular heart rhythm.* Understand your menstrual cycle and get retrospective ovulation estimates.* See overnight health metrics like heart rate, respiratory rate, and more with the Vitals app.* Track sleep and get notifications if Apple Watch detects signs of sleep apnea.*
- A POWERFUL FITNESS PARTNER — Measure all the ways you move with Activity Rings, which are customizable to match your lifestyle. Get advanced metrics for a range of workouts with the Workout app. Track the intensity of your workouts with training load. Use depth and water temperature sensors for your aquatic adventures. And Apple Watch comes with three months of Apple Fitness+ free.*
- STAY CONNECTED — Send a text, take a call, listen to music and podcasts, use Siri, and get notifications on the go. Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS) works with your iPhone or Wi-Fi to keep you connected.
- INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES — Fall Detection and Crash Detection can connect you with emergency services in the event of a hard fall or a severe car crash. Emergency SOS lets you call for help with the press of a button.* Check In automatically notifies a loved one when you’ve arrived at your destination.*
Is Apple Watch Series 10 worth upgrading to?
| Your situation | What the review suggests |
|---|---|
| You are buying your first Apple Watch or replacing an older one | The thinner, flatter fit and larger off-angle-readable display make Series 10 more compelling. |
| You have a Series 9 or Ultra 2 | Weigh the physical refinements and charging against your needs; sleep-apnea notifications are already available on those models. |
| You value blood-oxygen readings | Verify whether the specific device and region provide usable measurements before deciding. |
| You expect multi-day battery life | Series 10’s rated runtime does not resolve the daily charging routine. |
There is not enough evidence in the cited review for a comprehensive comparison with every current Apple Watch or a present-day best-buy ranking. As of October 7, 2026, Apple’s current lineup page lists Series 12, Ultra 4, and SE 3, so Series 10 is no longer the latest model. Its current price, availability, and condition were not established in this research; check sellers before buying.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
What’s new on Apple Watch Series 10?
The main changes highlighted in the 2024 hands-on review are a thinner, lighter case that sits flatter on the wrist, a larger display that is easier to read at an angle, useful speaker playback, and faster charging.
Rank #4
![Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS, 46mm] - Silver Aluminum Case with Denim Sport Band, S/M (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QK6T8A0yL._SL160_.jpg)
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length. There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product will have a battery which exceeds 80% capacity relative to new.
- Accessories will not be original, but will be compatible and fully functional. Product may come in generic Box.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
How long does the Apple Watch Series 10 battery last?
Apple’s rating reported by Digital Trends was up to 18 hours of normal use or up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode. Reviewer Joe Maring reported a little over 24 hours with always-on display and sleep tracking, with workout tracking reducing runtime. His experience is not a general guarantee.
Is Apple Watch Series 10 worth upgrading to?
It is more compelling for first-time buyers and people replacing older watches who value the thinner fit and larger display. Series 9 and Ultra 2 already support sleep-apnea notifications, so that feature alone does not distinguish Series 10 for those owners.
Best Value
- STAY CLOSER TO YOUR HEART HEALTH—The most accurate heart rate sensing in a wearable,* Series 12 now measures HRV as often as every five minutes for insights on stress and recovery, and takes background heart rate readings every five seconds.
- A FULL-FEATURED HEALTH TRACKER—Better understand your body with invaluable health insights. View your overnight health metrics with the Vitals app and get a daily sleep score,* track your menstrual cycle,5 and take readings of your blood oxygen.*
- CHECK YOUR READINESS FOR THE DAY—Know when to rest or put yourself to the test. The readiness experience can help you determine your capacity to take on the day by analyzing your recent activity, vitals, and sleep.
- A POWERFUL FITNESS TRACKER—With advanced metrics and motivating features like Pacer, Heart Rate Zones, and Workout Buddy powered by Apple Intelligence from your nearby iPhone8—Series 12 helps you stay active, from running to hiking to strength training.
- KEEP HELP CLOSE AT HAND—A smartwatch that puts your safety first. Series 12 can detect a hard fall or severe car crash, automatically help connect you with emergency services, and notify your emergency contacts.*
Does Series 10 have blood oxygen tracking?
The 2024 review reported that the reviewer’s U.S. unit did not provide usable blood-oxygen measurements. That period- and unit-specific report does not establish current availability everywhere; verify the exact device and region if the feature matters to you.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
