Apple Watch 10: What to Expect from the Next Big Release

Major changes may be on the horizon for Apple’s upcoming smartwatch

As we approach the expected unveiling of the Apple Watch Series 10 (potentially named Apple Watch X), rumors have been swirling about the significant upgrades that could be introduced over the Apple Watch Series 9.

Apple has maintained a consistent schedule of releasing a new Apple Watch every year since the original model debuted. Unless Apple deviates from this pattern, the Apple Watch 10 is likely to be announced during the company’s September event. This highly anticipated smartwatch is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 16 series. Given the tradition of marking significant milestones, there’s speculation that this new model might be branded as Apple Watch X, reminiscent of the iPhone X, which marked a decade of iPhones.

While the rumor mill has been abuzz with details about the iPhone 16, information about the next-generation Apple Watch has been more limited. Nonetheless, expectations are high that the Apple Watch 10/Apple Watch X will bring advancements in health monitoring, communication, and safety features. There’s also talk of a possible redesign and the introduction of new functionalities with watchOS 11, which is currently available in public beta.

There are additional rumors suggesting the release of the Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 3, though this could evolve as more details about the Apple Watch 10 emerge. In the meantime, here’s a comprehensive look at what we know so far about the upcoming Apple Watch.

Apple Watch 10 Overview: Key Rumors

• Expected Release Date: September 2024
• Expected Price: Starting from $399
• Design: Potentially larger 2-inch display, slimmer profile, and a new magnetic band mechanism
• Chip: S10 (likely a refined version of the S9)
• Features: Possible sleep apnea detection and other health-focused upgrades
• Software: watchOS 11

Price and Release Expectations

If there’s one thing we can predict with some certainty about the Apple Watch 10, it’s the release timeline. The smartwatch is likely to debut in late summer or early fall 2024, coinciding with Apple’s annual September event, which is currently rumored to take place on September 10.

Much like the iPhone, Apple typically releases at least one new version of its smartwatch each year. Recently, the company has expanded its lineup to include multiple versions of the Apple Watch, offering consumers a broader range of choices.

As for pricing, the flagship Apple Watch 10 (or Apple Watch X) will probably start at $399 for the 41mm model, based on historical pricing trends. The larger 45mm version is expected to start at $429. For those interested in cellular functionality, which allows the Apple Watch to operate independently of an iPhone, Apple is likely to set the price at $499 for the 41mm model and $529 for the 45mm model.

Design and Display Changes

While the Apple Watch’s appearance has remained fairly consistent since its inception, subtle design tweaks every few generations have kept the device looking modern and fresh. Apple has followed a roughly three-year cycle for these changes, with the last major design overhaul occurring with the Apple Watch Series 7, which saw the display grow by 20%. With the three-year mark approaching again, the Apple Watch 10 might be poised for a more substantial redesign than what we saw with the transition from the Series 8 to the Series 9.

According to the latest reports, we shouldn’t expect the long-rumored switch to MicroLED displays just yet. Instead, rumors suggest the Apple Watch 10 may feature a thinner case design, a change that could enhance the device’s overall look and feel. This information comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has a track record of providing accurate insights into Apple’s plans.

Moreover, there’s speculation that the display sizes could increase, with the smaller model growing from 41mm to 45mm and the larger from 45mm to 49mm. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the Apple Watch 10 will likely sport larger screens, with some leaks suggesting sizes as large as 2 inches.

Key Features and Innovations

The Apple Watch 10 is expected to build upon the core features that have made the Apple Watch a market leader: comprehensive fitness tracking, seamless app integration, on-wrist communication, and robust safety tools. The real question is what new features will distinguish the Apple Watch 10 from its predecessors.

One of the standout features of the Apple Watch Series 9 was the introduction of Double Tap, a gesture-based control that allows users to perform actions like answering calls and pausing timers by tapping their index finger and thumb together twice. This feature is powered by the S9 chip, the most advanced processor Apple has designed for its smartwatch lineup.

For the Apple Watch 10, earlier rumors have hinted at a strong focus on health-related upgrades. Bloomberg has reported that Apple’s next-generation wearable could include advanced health monitoring features such as sleep apnea detection and blood pressure alerts. However, recent updates from Mark Gurman suggest these features might be delayed due to challenges encountered during testing. Additionally, sleep apnea monitoring relies on the blood oxygen sensor, a feature that could be impacted by ongoing legal disputes with the health technology company Masimo.

Unless Apple introduces a new blood oxygen sensor that differs significantly from the current model, the ability to read and analyze SpO2 data—and consequently monitor for sleep apnea—might be postponed for the Apple Watch 10.

Battery Life Improvements

One of the most requested improvements from Apple Watch users has been better battery life. The current flagship Apple Watch offers up to 18 hours of use on a single charge, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 can last up to 36 hours. Although the watchOS low power mode and various battery-saving tips can help extend usage, a significant increase in battery life would be a welcome enhancement.

A report from The Elec suggests that Apple may finally deliver on this front with the Apple Watch 10. The company is reportedly considering the use of low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistor (TFT) technology for the device’s display, which could dramatically reduce power consumption. If successful, this could result in longer battery life without sacrificing display brightness or functionality.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Watch 10, Apple Watch Series 10, or Apple Watch X—whatever name Apple decides to go with—is poised to be one of the standout smartwatches of the year. However, with the smartwatch market becoming increasingly competitive and legal challenges on the horizon, all eyes are on Apple to see how it will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its pioneering wearable.