Time flies, and it’s hard to believe that Apple’s last fall product launches occurred six months ago. I’ve had the opportunity to use the Apple Watch Series 10 for half a year, and here’s my assessment of its performance during this period, especially how its hardware is limited by software constraints.
Apple Watch Series 10 Hardware Excels in Many Areas
The Apple Watch Series 10 brings forward a host of remarkable hardware enhancements.
It all begins with the display.
The display technology has improved significantly, featuring a wide-angle OLED that allows me to easily check the time without needing to turn my wrist. The new always-on functionality that includes seconds is another fantastic feature.
I truly appreciate the larger 46mm size of the Watch, even though the software doesn’t fully utilize that extra display space (more on that shortly).
Apple has introduced its largest Watch screen yet while significantly reducing the thickness of the casing. The Series 10 is noticeably slimmer than its predecessors, enhancing comfort for continuous wear. I started tracking my sleep again with the Series 10, and I often forget I’m wearing it.
Another notable hardware upgrade is the improved charging speed. Since I track my sleep every night, the fact that the Watch charges faster than before has been a game changer.
And let’s not forget the stunning Jet Black aluminum finish; it’s truly beautiful.
While I haven’t personally utilized the built-in speaker for Music and Podcasts, I’m aware that many users have found this hardware change to be significant.
In summary, the Apple Watch Series 10 presents an impressive array of hardware enhancements.
Software Optimizations Fall Short
I’m quite satisfied with my upgrade to the Apple Watch Series 10. However, I can’t shake the feeling of how much more I’d enjoy it if it weren’t for two software shortcomings:
- The absence of watch faces tailored for larger screens
- Limited support for displaying seconds in always-on mode
Watch faces are fundamental to watchOS, yet these limitations prevent the Series 10 from reaching its optimal potential.
The Apple Watch Ultra features two exclusive watch faces: Modular Ultra and Wayfinder. Both of these designs effectively capitalize on the Ultra’s expansive display, making them ideal for that device.
These faces would also be a great addition to the Series 10, which, in its larger variant, barely surpasses the Ultra’s display size. If I had access to Modular Ultra on my Series 10, I would undoubtedly find greater value in its expansive screen.
Additionally, it’s disheartening that very few watch faces capitalize on the new always-on display’s ability to display seconds.
For instance, my favorite watch face is Modular, which does not feature analog time at all. However, when I prefer an analog view, I switch to Palette, which elegantly shows seconds by gradually filling the watch face with color. Unfortunately, in always-on mode, the seconds feature disappears. The Series 10’s always-on capability is missing from Palette, Activity Analog, and other older designs.
Apple Watch Series 10: Great Potential Ahead
After six months, the Apple Watch Series 10 provides a host of advantages that make it a considerable upgrade—especially at a reduced price of $100. Nevertheless, I wish its software could fully leverage the new features to create a more complete experience.
Apple is known for its seamless integration of hardware, software, and services, but at present, its latest flagship Watch partially embodies that ideal. Let’s hope that watchOS 12 introduces changes that elevate my Series 10 to new heights.
How has your experience been with the Apple Watch Series 10? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
