Apple Watch Series 10 - What Has Changed?

Introduction

With the Apple Watch Series 10 right around the corner, many OzStraps customers have reached out to us with questions about our Apple Watch bands and whether they will fit their new Apple Watches. More importantly, is there even anything different between the now "old" Apple Watch Series 9 and the new Apple Watch Series 10?

The Series 10 Apple Watch comes in two new sizes: 42MM and 46MM. This is somewhat confusing to many, as the older Series 1 - 3 Apple Watches actually came in a "42MM" case size previously. In terms of band compatibility, this older 42MM sizing (which we will refer to as the "42MM Pre Series 10") uses a different band width to the current 42MM Apple Watch Series 10.

Compatibility

To aid in the confusion, we have created the table below as a reference guide. You can verify the case size of your Apple Watch on the backplate of the device: 

With the help of the table above, we can confirm that all OzStraps Apple Watch bands are compatible with the Apple Watch Series 10. Whether you're after Silicone, Nylon, Leather or Stainless Steel Apple Watch bands, you simply need to verify the case size of your Apple Watch band and purchase the corresponding OzStraps Apple Watch band size.

Now that we have sizing out of the way, what has actually changed in terms of feature set for the Apple Watch Series 10?

Hardware Upgrades

Thickness

The new Apple Watch Series 10 is the first significant redesign since the Apple Watch Series 7 from 2021. It is 10% slimmer, this means that is is more comfortable to wear and we are finally moving away from all smartwatches being big and bulky.

Display

Not only is the Apple Watch Series 10 thinner than its predecessors, this has been achieved while also increasing the size of the screen itself on the device. The display size on the Apple Watch Series 10 is 9% larger than that on the Series 7-9 and a whopping 30% over the Series 4-6!

In terms of brightness, the Apple Watch series 10 is also up to 40% brighter than the display on the Series 9.

Features

Of the many new features of the Apple Watch Series 10, the we find the following features particularly interesting:

Water Depth and Temperature Sensors

For the swimmers out there, the Apple Watch Series 10 contains water depth and temperature sensors. With features such as stroke detection and a lap counter, these features may be reason for those who spend a lot of time in the water to upgrade.

Audio Playback on Apple Watch

For those times where you've forgotten your headphones or don't have your phone on you, Apple Watch Series 10 now has the ability to play audio through the watch itself. Very useful for those solo gym sessions (when no one else is around, of course!).

Vitals App

A new Apple Watch app that allows for an increased level of overnight tracking. The Vitals app even has the ability to identify sleep apnea and data related to oncoming  sickness, very handy!

Should I Upgrade?

Whether or not you should upgrade your Apple Watch is quite a personal choice, as the circumstances vary from person to person. We would say the new Apple Watch Series 10 would mainly appeal to those who find their existing Apple Watches too big and bulky, or would benefit from the new water temperature and depth sensors.