Let’s take a quick trip back to 2015. The Apple Watch dropped, and let’s be real—many dismissed it as little more than a techy fashion statement. Fast forward to now, and that scepticism? Well, it's long gone. Apple has turned this wrist gadget into a bona fide fitness and health powerhouse, refining it year after year. Today, smartwatches are as common as coffee in the morning, with everyone from Google to Oppo playing catch-up. And here we are, with the Apple Watch Series 10—a watch that might not scream “radical redesign” but whispers sweetly, “evolution at its finest.”
Think of it like an F1 car—sleek, fast, and relentlessly optimised. Like Max Verstappen’s RB19, this Series 10 model is faster, bigger (but somehow leaner), and more efficient. The gap between this smartwatch and the next best one is comparable to Verstappen’s record-breaking Formula 1 car, which secured 23 out of the 24 races. And here's the kicker: Apple’s thrown in features from its beefier cousin, the Apple Watch Ultra, giving you Ultra-level functionality without the bulky wrist real estate.
A Subtle Transformation
At first glance, the Series 10 might not look all that different from its predecessors. It’s one of those "blink and you’ll miss it" updates. But upon closer inspection, the subtle changes start to reveal themselves. Apple’s focus on refinement is clear: the Series 10 is thinner, lighter, and sports a larger screen than even the rugged Apple Watch Ultra. And let’s talk about that screen—2,000 nits of brightness when you need to blind your friends in direct sunlight, but it can also dim down to just 1 nit for those late-night Netflix binges in bed.
The real magic happens at the edges. Apple has mastered the art of the bezel-less display, borrowing tech from its iPhones. The Series 10’s screen curves and bends into the aluminium chassis, giving you that seamless, all-screen look. It’s almost an homage to the iPhone X’s groundbreaking design, only now it’s strapped to your wrist. You’ll also appreciate the new watch faces—Flux and Reflections—that seem designed specifically to showcase this screen. These dynamic faces take full advantage of the wide viewing angles, providing a fresh, modern look that only truly shines when you get up close.
But here’s the kicker: despite being only 46mm in size, the Series 10 feels bigger than the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra. It's a design sleight-of-hand that’s all about maximising screen real estate while keeping the device lightweight. It’s a smartwatch that finally feels like it was designed with both form and function in mind.
Speed, Power, and AI at Your Fingertips
While the exterior may steal the show, the real upgrades are happening under the hood. Powered by the new S10 chip, which features a 4-core neural engine, the Series 10 is faster and smarter than ever. This isn’t just about quicker app launches or smoother animations—though you’ll get those, too. It’s about the watch’s ability to handle on-device AI processing. Whether you’re dictating a text or tracking a workout, everything happens instantly, without the need to ping a distant server for help.
Oh, and those speakers? Yeah, they’re loud—surprisingly loud. Apple has made a point of upgrading the internal speakers, and while they’re not going to replace your AirPods for music listening, they’re perfect for quick calls or even cranking up a podcast when your phone’s out of reach. Just don’t expect the same level of fidelity, and be aware that cranking the volume might drain your battery faster than usual.
Speaking of battery life, Apple touts the same 18-hour lifespan we’ve heard about for a decade, but in my week of testing, I consistently hit 24 hours on a single charge. And yes, it charges faster, especially with Apple’s improved wireless charging technology. I mostly used my Nomad wireless pad, and let me tell you, it was a breeze.
Jet Black: The Return of an Icon
If you’ve been yearning for that sleek, jet black finish that made the iPhone 7 so iconic, Apple has heard your prayers. The Series 10’s new jet black aluminium finish is not just a colour option—it’s a statement. The watch looks stunning, especially when paired with a Milanese loop, offering a versatility that previous models couldn’t quite match. Whether you’re at a formal event in a tuxedo or sweating it out at the gym, this is a watch that can do it all.
The only downside? That stunning jet black finish might be prone to scuffs, much like the iPhone 7 was. But that’s a small price to pay for a watch that looks just as at home in a boardroom as it does on a jog.
Health and Fitness: The Real MVP
Now, let’s get to what really matters: the health and fitness features. Apple has been pushing the boundaries in this space for years, and the Series 10 continues that tradition. The new sleep apnea tracking feature is a major win, especially for anyone who suspects they’re not getting quality rest. Using a body temperature sensor, the watch monitors your breathing patterns during sleep, alerting you to potential issues. It’s not available in India yet, but it’s rolling out in other markets, and it promises to be a game-changer for anyone looking to get serious about their sleep health.
And for users in India, there’s an added bonus: a blood oxygen monitor that U.S. users can’t access due to a patent dispute between Apple and Masimo. So, if you’re into tracking every aspect of your health, this feature alone makes the Series 10 worth considering.
I tested the watch on my regular fitness routine—walking 5 kilometres three times a week, plus some casual table tennis—and the Series 10 delivered flawless performance. It tracked my activity with precision, offering detailed metrics on everything from distance to heart rate. Sure, the Series 9 and 8 did a similar job, but the Series 10 takes it up a notch with more accurate readings and a faster response time.
Making a Splash (Literally)
Confession time: I don’t swim. Or rather, I didn’t swim—until now. In the name of testing, I finally took the plunge and hit the pool to see what the Series 10 could do. Thanks to its water temperature and depth sensors, which it borrows from the Apple Watch Ultra, the Series 10 is more than capable in the water. During my test, the watch clocked my pool’s temperature at 35°C, proving that it can handle everything from casual swims to more serious water sports.
For those who are into extreme water activities, the Series 10 pairs perfectly with the Depth app. If you’re snorkelling, paddleboarding, or diving, this watch has you covered. It’s not quite the full dive computer that the Ultra is, but for casual enthusiasts, it’s more than enough.
Tides, Cycling, and Everything In Between
While I’m based in landlocked Delhi, where the Tides app isn’t exactly useful, I did take full advantage of the other fitness features. I used the Paddle Logger app while on a cycling machine, and the haptic feedback was a nice touch. It provided instant feedback on my pace, heart rate, and more, making it an excellent tool for indoor workouts.
The Series 10 also packs a suite of outdoor features for cycling, running, and hiking. Apple has refined the GPS and motion sensors to provide better real-time feedback, and while I didn’t get the chance to use the Tides app just yet, I plan to test it out on my next trip to Goa.
Battery Life: The Underrated Hero
Let’s not forget about one of the most critical features: battery life. Apple rates the Series 10 at the same 18-hour mark we’ve seen for years, but in reality, it performs much better. During my week of testing, I consistently got closer to 24 hours on a single charge, even with heavy use. And while the included charger does its job, I found the watch paired beautifully with my Nomad wireless pad for faster, hassle-free charging.
The Verdict
In the end, the Apple Watch Series 10 isn’t a radical departure, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a leaner, faster, and smarter version of everything that’s come before it. The refined design, coupled with the jet black finish, makes it a standout choice for anyone looking for a versatile, do-it-all smartwatch. For extreme athletes, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 might still be the go-to, but for the rest of us, the Series 10 hits the sweet spot—whether you're diving into fitness, swimming (or learning to, like me), or just enjoying the latest in tech on your wrist. If you’ve got an iPhone, this is the watch to get. Period.
Price: Rs 59,900
