What is the Difference Between the Apple Watch Series 9 and 10?

If you’re an Apple Watch fan like me, you’ve probably been eagerly waiting for the Apple Watch Series 10 release date and wondering, 'What is the difference between the Apple Watch 9 and 10?' or 'What’s new with the Apple Watch 10?' In this complete breakdown, we’ll explore the Apple Watch Series 10 vs. 9 specs, highlights, and whether the Series 10 Apple Watch price and upgrades make it worth your investment. Let’s find out if the Apple Watch Series 10 is truly worth upgrading to!

Design Changes in Apple Watch Series 10

At first glance, you might not notice a dramatic redesign with the Series 10. But as they say, the beauty is in the details.

On the left is the Apple Watch Series 9, and on the right is the Series 10. Image credit: Apple.

Larger Displays and New Sizes

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Apple Watch Series 10 is its larger display. Apple has bumped the smaller model from 41mm to 42mm (9% larger than the 41mm versions of the Series 7, 8, and 9), and the larger one has increased from 45mm to 46mm (7% larger than the 45mm models).

I remember my first Apple Watch, and back then, even the biggest screen felt a bit cramped (especially because my fingers are large). Now, the increased size is a real game-changer for usability.

Redesigned Bands and Attachments

Apple is also shaking things up with the band attachments. Rumors suggest that the connectors have been redesigned, meaning your older bands might not fit the Series 10. If you’ve built up a collection of bands like I have, this could be a minor inconvenience, but it opens the door to new Apple Watch Series 10 band options specifically designed for the latest model.

On the image above, located at the top are some of the Apple Watch Series 10's color options, while below are from the Series 9 Apple Watch. Credit: Apple

Performance Upgrades: Series 9 vs. Series 10

Performance is always a focal point for Apple Watch upgrades. With the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple has introduced the S10 chip, which is faster and more efficient than the S9.

S10 Chip in Apple Watch Series 10

The S10 chip enhances machine learning capabilities, which Apple Watches rely on heavily for their health-tracking features and smart notifications. When you’re using apps or accessing information on the go, that speed increase really shines. I’ve personally noticed a slight lag with older Apple Watch models, especially when they start juggling multiple apps. The S10 chip in Apple Watch Series 10 ensures that lag is practically non-existent, making it a smoother user experience overall.

Series 10 Apple Watch S10 Chip vs. Series 9, 8, 7, and SE2: Performance Breakdown

The infographic below provides a detailed comparison of the S10 chip in the Apple Watch Series 10 against previous models, including the Series 9, Series 8, Series 7, and SE2. See how the S10 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor improves speed, efficiency, and performance, along with upgrades like the 4-core Neural Engine, Ultra Wideband Chip (gen 2), Bluetooth 5.3, and increased 64GB storage.

Health Monitoring Features: New Sensors and Capabilities

Apple continues to lead the charge in wearable health technology, and the Series 10 is no exception.

Blood Pressure Monitoring (Delayed Feature)

One of the most anticipated health features in the Series 10 is blood pressure monitoring, although it may not be ready at launch. Apple has been working on perfecting this feature, and if you’ve ever struggled with high or low blood pressure like me, you know how valuable this could be. That said, it might not be fully functional until later updates.

Sleep Apnea Detection and Oxygen Monitoring

The oxygen sensor from previous models has been improved in the Apple Watch Series 10, and sleep apnea detection is a new addition, although there have been some development delays. For anyone who struggles with sleep issues (I’ve had my share of restless nights), these features could provide valuable insights into your overall health.

The Apple Watch's new sleep apnea detecting feature seen on two iPhones. Credit: Apple

Existing Health Features in Series 9

The Series 9, on the other hand, still offers a robust set of health-tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, ECG, and fall detection. These features are vital if you're monitoring specific health conditions, and they remain top-notch in the Series 9.

Apple Watch Series 9 Battery Life vs. Apple Series 10 Battery

While both the Apple Series 10 and Apple Watch Series 9 battery life offer up to 18 hours of power supply, the Series 10 benefits from the more efficient S10 chip, allowing for better energy management. While both the Series 9 and Series 10 have similar battery capacities, you might squeeze a few extra hours out of the Series 10 with lighter usage. The Apple Watch Series 10's improved energy efficiency can make a big difference for those who use their watch all day long.

Apple Series 10 and Series 9 Charging Speed Comparison

A key advantage of the Apple Watch Series 10 is its faster charging speed. It reaches 80% in about 30 minutes, while the Series 9 takes around 45 minutes to hit 80%. For users who need quick top-ups throughout the day, the faster charging speed of the Series 10 is a significant improvement.

Software: watchOS 11 for Series 9 and 10

The watchOS 11 update is available for both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10, but it’s optimized to perform best with the Series 10’s upgraded hardware. This ensures smoother performance and a more efficient user experience.

New Features in watchOS 11

The watchOS 11 update introduces new Smart Stack widgets, improved interfaces, and more health-tracking capabilities. In my experience, Apple does an excellent job of rolling out updates that make their devices feel new again. But with the Series 10’s upgraded hardware, watchOS 11 will run more smoothly and efficiently than on older models.

Price Comparison Between Series 9 and Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS) model is similarly priced to the Series 9, but going for the  GPS + Cellular version increases the cost. However, if you’re like me and you value extra features like cellular connectivity, the Series 10  GPS + Cellular version may be the better investment. 

When comparing prices, the Apple Watch Series 9 45mm GPS model is currently priced at $329 on Amazon, with the Apple Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellular model being slightly more expensive. For those looking for a deal, the renewed Series 9 offers savings much lower than the $529 cost of the new version, which currently is available on Amazon for only around $319.

The Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS) is similarly priced to the Series 9, but going for the GPS + Cellular version increases the cost. However, if you’re like me and you value extra features like cellular connectivity, the Series 10 GPS + Cellular version may be the better investment. 

Should You Upgrade to Apple Watch Series 10?

Should you upgrade? This is the million-dollar question, and it really depends. It depends on what you need from your watch.

Key Reasons to Upgrade

If you want a larger screen, improved performance, and the potential for enhanced health-tracking features down the line, then the Apple Watch Series 10 is the way to go.

As someone who relies heavily on my Apple Watch for fitness tracking and staying connected, I’d say the Series 10’s upgrades are enough to make it worth the investment.

Who Should Stick with Series 9?

However, if you already own the Series 9 and are tight on budget or don’t feel like you need the larger screen or new sensors, sticking with the Series 9 is perfectly fine. It’s still a fantastic device that will handle most users' needs.

Conclusion: Which Apple Watch Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the Apple Watch Series 10 brings some exciting new features and performance improvements, making it a worthy upgrade for those who want the latest tech. But if you’re happy with your Series 9, it’s still an excellent smartwatch for daily use.

Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Series 10: The Apple Watch Series 10 in Jet Black aluminum [left] and titanium [right]

Personally, as someone who’s been using Apple Watches for years, I always appreciate the incremental improvements Apple makes, but it’s important to weigh whether the enhancements are financially feasible for you and align with your personal needs before making the upgrade.

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