Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
WatchRanker
Search
For vendors
Blog

What’s New in Apple Watch Series 10 and Black Titanium Ultra 2?

Apple’s 2024 Watch announcements paired Series 10’s slimmer design and larger display with a new black titanium Ultra 2 finish. Here are the changes and key differences.
Estimate4–5 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Apple’s September 2024 announcements brought a redesigned, thinner Apple Watch Series 10 and a new black titanium finish for Apple Watch Ultra 2. Series 10 added a larger wide-angle OLED display, faster charging, water depth and temperature sensing, and announced sleep apnea notifications. Ultra 2’s headline change was cosmetic: a satin black titanium finish, alongside new band options. The two models serve different priorities—an everyday design and display refresh versus Apple’s sports- and adventure-focused watch.

What changed with Apple Watch Series 10?

Apple described Series 10 as nearly 10 percent thinner than Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9. It came in 42mm and 46mm case sizes, with aluminum or titanium cases. Apple also said the aluminum versions weighed up to 10 percent less than Series 9 aluminum models, while the titanium versions weighed almost 20 percent less than stainless steel Series 9 models. These are Apple’s published comparisons, not independent measurements. Apple’s September 2024 announcement details the design and specifications.

A larger display with wider-angle viewing

Series 10 introduced what Apple called its first wide-angle OLED display. Apple said it offered up to 30 percent more active screen area than Series 4, 5, and 6, and up to 9 percent more than Series 7, 8, and 9. It also claimed the display was up to 40 percent brighter than Series 9 when viewed at an angle. Each percentage is Apple’s 2024 comparison against the named models.

Faster charging, but the same stated battery life

Apple kept Series 10’s all-day battery rating at 18 hours. Its charging claims were that 15 minutes plugged in could provide up to eight hours of normal daily use, eight minutes could provide up to eight hours of sleep tracking, and charging to 80 percent took about 30 minutes. These are manufacturer claims; the release does not establish independent real-world results.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#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
  • 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.

Health, fitness, and water features

Apple announced sleep apnea notifications intended to help identify signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults aged 18 or older who had not already been diagnosed. At the September 2024 announcement, Apple said regulatory clearance was pending and expected later that month. That announcement does not confirm current regulatory status or availability, which may depend on where the watch is used. Series 10 also added water depth and temperature sensing.

Sizes, finishes, and launch details

Apple listed aluminum finishes in jet black, rose gold, and silver, plus natural, gold, and slate titanium. The stated U.S. starting price at launch was $399, and Apple said stores would begin selling Series 10 on September 20, 2024. Those are historical launch details, not current pricing or stock information.

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
  • 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.

What is different about the black Apple Watch Ultra 2?

Apple added black titanium alongside Ultra 2’s natural titanium finish. The company called the new color satin black and said it was made with a custom blasting process and a diamond-like carbon physical vapor deposition coating over grade 5 titanium, with a matching dark zirconia back crystal. Apple described the coating as scratch-resistant and durable; that is a manufacturer claim, not an independent durability test. Apple said both black and natural finishes used 95 percent recycled titanium. Apple’s Ultra 2 announcement describes the finish and accessories.

New band options and sports positioning

Apple announced black hardware options for Trail Loop, Alpine Loop, and Ocean Band, as well as a new Titanium Milanese Loop designed for water activities. Ultra 2 remained Apple’s sports- and adventure-oriented model. In the September 2024 release, Apple listed features including training load, the Vitals app, sleep apnea notifications, the Tides app, and Action button customization with watchOS 11.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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
  • 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.*

Battery and historical launch price

Apple stated that Ultra 2 offered up to 36 hours of regular-use battery life, or up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Its stated U.S. launch price was $799, with store availability for the black titanium version beginning September 20, 2024. These figures describe Apple’s 2024 claims and launch, not current retailer pricing or availability.

How Series 10 and Ultra 2 differ

Comparison Apple Watch Series 10 Apple Watch Ultra 2, black titanium
What was new in the announcement Thinner case, larger wide-angle OLED display, faster charging, water depth and temperature sensing, and announced sleep apnea notifications. New satin black titanium finish and matching band options.
Case and design emphasis 42mm or 46mm; aluminum or titanium. Apple emphasized a thinner everyday design. Black or natural titanium. Apple positions Ultra 2 for sports and adventure.
Battery claim 18 hours of all-day battery life, according to Apple. Up to 36 hours in regular use or up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode, according to Apple.
U.S. launch price Starting at $399. $799.

The launch prices and battery figures above are Apple’s September 2024 statements. They are not a current price comparison or an independent test. Series 10 is the more direct fit for someone drawn to a slimmer case and display changes; Ultra 2’s black finish applies to the sports-focused Ultra model.

Rank #4
Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS, 46mm] - Silver Aluminum Case with Denim Sport Band, S/M (Renewed)
  • 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.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Will older Apple Watch bands fit Series 10?

Apple said older 41mm and 45mm bands work with Series 10’s 42mm and 46mm cases, respectively, and that new 42mm and 46mm bands work with older Apple Watch models. Compatibility is size-specific, so check the size and model details on a particular band listing before buying.

Best Value
Sale
Apple Watch Series 12 GPS 42mm Smartwatch
  • 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.*

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.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More lots from the Journal

  1. Lot1How to Best Sell Your Watch: Choose the Right Channel for Your GoalBlogEstimate 7–9 min
  2. Lot2Spring-Bars and NATOs: A Practical Guide to Watch Straps, Buckles and BarsBlogEstimate 6–8 min
  3. Lot3A Philosophical Guide to Building the Perfect Watch CollectionBlogEstimate 6–8 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.