On Monday afternoon (9) in the US, Apple unveiled the new Apple Watch 10, also known as Watch X, celebrating 10 years of the Apple Watch lineup. This latest model introduces significant upgrades compared to previous generations, including a more efficient processor, a larger display, and enhanced health monitoring features for more accurate tracking.
10 years of Apple Watch
The Apple Watch X, marking 10 years of Apple’s smartwatch, introduces several exciting updates. One of the most notable changes is the increase in size options, now available in 44 mm and 49 mm, up from the previous 41 mm and 45 mm. Despite the larger screen, the device is thinner and lighter than before.
To achieve this slim design, Apple reduced the size of the speakers, although they assure users that the sound quality remains uncompromised. A key new feature is the ability to play music and podcasts directly from the watch, even without AirPods.
The Apple Watch X boasts a 2-inch AMOLED display, the largest ever in the series, with brighter visuals and more vibrant colors, although it’s not the anticipated MicroLED technology.
Under the hood, it runs on the new S10 chip, which includes a neural processor for local translation of spoken words and enhanced sound quality from the internal microphone, according to Apple’s claims.
Health and exercise monitoring is the focus
The standout feature of the Apple Watch X in terms of health tracking is its new sleep apnea detection capability. By utilizing the watch’s accelerometer, it monitors for sleep disturbances throughout the night. While Apple suggests this could serve as a potential alternative to medical testing, it still requires FDA approval before becoming fully functional.
For fitness enthusiasts, the Apple Watch X is now even more durable, particularly for underwater activities. It supports underwater training modes up to a depth of 20 meters, the same certification as the premium Apple Watch Ultra. This also brings the Depth app, previously exclusive to the Ultra, to the Apple Watch X.
In terms of battery life, not much has changed from previous models. Apple still promises up to 18 hours of usage, though actual performance may vary depending on individual usage. One improvement is the charging speed, with the watch able to charge up to 80% in just 30 minutes.
Price and availability
The Apple Watch Series 10 will be available starting September 20 for a suggested retail price of $399.