How Apple Watch 10 Differs From Apple Watch 9
I kept a close eye on Apple’s September 2024 event and took notes on all the new hardware that was unveiled, and leading the show was the Apple Watch 10, which succeeds the Apple Watch 9 released in 2023.
There are quite a few significant changes this year, and this is one of the most notable updates in the history of the Apple Watch (since 2015). Here’s a comparison of the two smartwatches in all the important categories.
Apple Watch 10 vs Apple Watch 9: Key Updates
The design of Apple Watch 10 has been improved in many ways compared to Apple Watch 9. Apple Watch 10 is thinner than any previous Apple Watch, measuring just 9.7 mm (0.38 inches) front to back—compared to 10.7 mm. mm (0.42 in) compared to its predecessor, so this is a noticeable reduction.
The screen has also increased in size and is approximately nine percent larger than the previous model. It’s also brighter than before, especially when it comes to viewing the display at an angle, like you might do when looking at a wearable device, thanks to what Apple calls a wide-angle OLED display.
Some other improvements include an updated built-in speaker for listening without headphones, and a faster S10 chipset to replace the S9 (though Apple didn’t say exactly how much faster). There’s a new brushed black aluminum case with a glossy finish, as well as new titanium cases not seen on the Apple Watch 9.
On top of that, the Apple Watch 10 has a depth gauge and water temperature sensor, making it more useful for keeping an eye on everything that’s going on in the water, although it only works six meters (about 20 feet) below the surface, so it’s a serious dive for anyone. , you’ll still have to rely on the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Finally, there is charging speed. The Apple Watch 10 also outperforms the Apple Watch 9 and all previous Apple Watch models in terms of battery charging speed, apparently being able to charge from 0 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. On the Apple Watch 9, the same charge takes about 45 minutes.
Apple Watch 10 vs Apple Watch 9: What hasn’t changed
It’s also worth noting what hasn’t changed this year. For example, Apple says the Apple Watch 10 will have sleep apnea detection once it receives FDA approval, which is expected to come soon. However, this will not be exclusive to the new model: it will eventually appear on the Apple Watch 9.
Both of these smartwatches can run watchOS 11, so many of the software features will be the same. You’ll be able to track sleep, use the new Vitals health monitoring app, change the watch’s ringtone, include Live Activities in Smart Stack widgets, and more on both of these smartwatches.
And while charging speeds have increased, battery life remains the same as before: you’ll still get about 18 hours of normal use between charges, so unless you’re in Low Power mode, you’ll have to charge your Apple Watch 10 every night like this the same as you already do with Apple Watch 10.
One identical feature that is very welcome is the price: the new 2024 Apple Watch 10 starts at $399, which is exactly the same as last year’s model’s starting price. This price will of course rise if you start adding additional accessories such as different bands and 4G LTE connectivity. Apple Watch 9 is no longer sold directly from Apple.
With faster performance, a larger, brighter screen, additional sensors, and faster charging, the Apple Watch 10 is one of the most compelling updates to Apple’s smartwatches I’ve ever seen. It’s certainly significantly better than the watches that came before it, and perhaps that’s enough. to encourage a significant number of Apple Watch 9 owners to level up.