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Apple Watch Series 10 in practical test: bigger, brighter and thinner


Apple Watch Series 10 in practical test: bigger, brighter and thinner

Now that Apple’s Glowtime event is over, we were able to spend some time with the Apple Watch Series 10.

This is the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, but the Series 10 isn’t that different from what you already know. It looks a lot like previous Apple Watch models, but has an updated design that thins the whole package and expands the screen size from 41mm and 45mm on the Series 9 to 42mm and 46mm. Although the size has increased since the Series 7, neither the 42mm nor the 46mm feel clunky to wear. Apple says the new display is 40 percent brighter and that its always-on mode now refreshes once per second, compared to once per minute on older devices.

The deep black Series 10 has an extremely attractive high-gloss surface.

I’ve been running around trying every version of the Series 10 I could get my hands on. And as tempting as it is to roll your eyes at a bigger, thinner display, it really does make a difference once you wear one of these. I’ve been wearing the Ultra 2 as my daily device for a year and the weight difference has been huge. The titanium models look snazzy too, especially the new rose gold color.

Speaking of colors: Yes, the all-black Ultra 2 is pretty appealing. As is the jet black model of the regular Series 10. This is 100 percent the smartwatch Batman himself would buy. However, the new clasp on the Ultra 2’s black Milanese loop is a bit difficult to use.

It’s the black Ultra 2 you’ve all been asking for.

I saw a quick demo of the sleep apnea feature – which isn’t available yet, but will come via over-the-air update once Apple gets FDA approval. Basically, you can see if you have increased or no increased breathing disturbances. Unlike other sleep apnea features I’ve tried, this one uses the accelerometer instead of SpO2 sensors – handy since Apple is currently in the middle of a patent dispute with Masimo.

Apple has also updated the watch with a new processor, a depth sensor and the ability to detect signs of sleep apnea. It will be available in black, silver and rose gold starting at $399, and in slate gray, gold and natural titanium starting at $699.

We will be receiving review units shortly and you can bet we will be putting all the watches through their paces.

Photography by Victoria Song / The Verge

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