I was on the fence with the Apple Watch 10, but these 3 features changed my mind

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

The Apple Watch is among the hottest smartwatches, and its integration with the Apple ecosystem makes it a go-to for iPhone followers. Apple just lately held its annual September event, asserting a brand new lineup of iPhone 16, AirPods 4, and Apple Watch Series 10, now out there for pre-order.

Additionally: Everything Apple announced at iPhone 16 event: AirPods, Apple Watch Series 10, AI, more

Many options include the Apple Watch’s new improve, which marks the corporate’s tenth smartwatch mannequin, together with what appears to be one of many largest redesigns but. This is what we stay up for in regards to the latest Apple Watch:

1. One of many largest Apple Watch redesigns ever

Black Apple Watch Series 10 with blue band

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

The Apple Watch‘s aesthetic has remained largely unchanged for the previous 10 years since its launch. Apple did an enormous redesign with the Apple Watch 7 three years in the past, however many of the upgrades since then have been largely inside — till now. 

The Apple Watch Sequence 10 acquired its first massive redesign because the launch of the Sequence 7. Whereas we did not count on Apple to provide it an enormous redesign, as the corporate has confirmed loyal to its famend aesthetic, I used to be glad to see that the Apple Watch 10 can have bigger display screen choices and a significantly thinner design. Powered by the brand new S10 SiP, the Apple Watch Sequence 10 is 10% thinner than the Sequence 9.

Additionally: Apple’s most affordable Watch SE model may be getting a revamp soon. Here’s what’s new

We did not get a redesigned Apple Watch Extremely, as Apple is anticipated to concentrate on inside updates slightly than the bodily look, however we did see a brand new Satin Black end.

2. Additional well being monitoring: sleep apnea

Sleep Apnea Detection in Apple Watch Series 10

Jason Hiner/ZDNET

In true Apple style, the iPhone maker appears to be taking a web page out of Samsung’s playbook by giving the Apple Watch sleep apnea detection for the primary time. This function builds on the Apple Watch’s present sleep-tracking capabilities, which give wearers perception into their sleep tendencies by processing coronary heart fee, oxygenation, motion, and respiration information throughout sleep. Nevertheless it additionally has a brand new metric powered by the watch’s accelerometer, which the corporate calls “respiration disturbances.”

If the smartwatch detects patterns according to sleep apnea throughout sleep, the wearer will obtain a notification and a immediate to contact a healthcare supplier for testing. 

Additionally: Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Series 9: Should you upgrade to the latest model?

The Apple Watch’s sleep apnea detection is not anticipated to be instantly out there upon the discharge of the brand new units. The corporate will doubtless roll it out with a software program replace later to the Watch Sequence 10, Sequence 9, and Extremely 2.

Apple additionally introduced new WatchOS 11 options for the Apple Watch, together with offline maps and water options like Depth, Water Temperature, and Tides. 

3. New Apple Watch finishes

The Apple Watch SE is due for an improve — however whereas we anticipated Apple to launch new variations of all Apple Watch fashions for the primary time in a few years, Apple solely introduced a brand new Apple Watch Sequence 10 and the brand new Apple Watch Extremely 2 coloration and band. 

The Apple Watch Sequence 10 is on the market in Jet Black, Rose Gold, and Silver Aluminum. The corporate introduced a brand new end, Polished Titanium, which replaces the chrome steel end from Sequence 9 with a brand new titanium wristband. 

Additionally: Apple Watch Series 10 gains sleep apnea detection – and it could save your life

The Apple Watch Sequence 10 begins at $399, out there for pre-order at this time, with common availability on September 20. 

What we did not get with the Apple Watch Sequence 10

Apple Watch Series 10

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

1. Blood oxygen monitoring has but to return

A lawsuit from Masimo Corp embroiled Apple in a authorized battle over its latest Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensors, forcing the corporate to take away the blood oxygen monitoring function fully. 

Sadly, the brand new Apple Watch fashions did not convey again the blood oxygen monitoring. 

Additionally: Here’s one big reason I’m sticking with my Apple Watch Series 7 and forgoing the Series 10

At the moment, the Apple Watch Sequence 9 and Extremely do not have the blood oxygen sensor enabled, so customers trying to improve from an older mannequin (Apple Watch Sequence 6, 7, 8, and Extremely) ought to know they’re going to doubtless lose that function till Apple resolves its challenge.

2. No hypertension capabilities but

Whereas Apple is consistently working behind the scenes to provide its wearables additional health-tracking options, some aren’t fairly prepared for the market but — blood stress measuring is one instance. 

Additionally: The best smartwatches of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

Many customers have anticipated Apple to launch blood stress monitoring on the Apple Look ahead to a while, particularly because the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 launched with blood pressure tracking. It seems 2024 is not the 12 months for Apple, because the function is reportedly delayed and never deliberate for the brand new fashions launching at this time.

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