Apple Watch 10 vs 9: What’s new? – 9to5Mac

The Apple Watch Series 10 is here and it comes with the biggest screen ever with the thinnest design ever, a new chip, faster charging, and new health features. Join them for a closer look at what’s new and improved with Apple Watch 10 vs 9 and earlier.

Apple Watch Series 10 vs 9 and earlier

processor, GPU, Neural Engine, storage

Series 10 is powered by the new S10 SiP. Apple hasn’t shared details on how much faster it is compared to the S9 and earlier. But it says it was designed for “performance, energy efficiency and intelligence.”

At the time of its unveiling, Apple suggested that the S10 will provide better experiences with machine learning functions, Siri on the device, health features, and capabilities such as dual control of the Apple Watch.

	Series 10	9	8	7	SE 2
SiP/processor	S10 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S9 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S7 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor	S8 SiP 64-bit dual-core processor
Neural Engine	4-core	4-core	❌	❌	❌
Ultra wideband chip	✅ – type 2	✅ – type 2	✅ – type 1	✅ – type 1	❌
bluetooth	5.3	5.3	5.3	5.0	5.3
Security	64GB	64GB	32GB	32GB	32GB

If you’re coming from a Series 9 you might not notice much of a difference in speed and capability, but if you have an older model you might.

Two other advantages, compared to the Apple Watch 8 or earlier, you get an increase in storage to 64GB and an Ultra wideband gen 2 chip with Series 10 that provides accurate detection.

Case and display

Apple Watch Series 10 introduces new models for wearables with larger displays and slimmer design.

The 46 and 42mm cases offer what Apple says is up to 30% more screen real estate compared to the Series 6. That means you get an extra line of text on the display and for the 46mm Series 10 , a show that is always simple. larger than even the 49mm Apple Watch Ultra/2.

The display and case of the Series 10 have rounded corners that give it a soft and smooth feel. Interestingly, Apple increased the display bezel slightly with the Series 10.

As for thickness, Apple says the Series 10 is about 10% thinner than the Series 7-9:

	Series 10	9	8	7	SE 2
The size of the case	46/42 mm	45/41 mm	45/41 mm	45/41 mm	44/40 mm
Display size	416 x 496 pixels, 1220 sq mm (46mm model)	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model)	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model)	396 x 484 pixels, 1143 sq mm (45mm model)	368 x 448 pixels, 977 sq mm (44mm model)
Brightness max	2,000 lice	2,000 lice	1,000 pieces	1,000 pieces	1,000 pieces
A permanent display	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
Wide OLED display	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Sapphire crystal on the front	In titanium models	In metal models	In metal models	In metal models	❌
Ion-X in front	In aluminum models	In aluminum models	In aluminum models	In aluminum models	✅

Another innovation is the multi-dimensional OLED display that offers a 40% brighter screen when viewed from one angle.

Apple Watch group collaboration

Apple emphasizes “You can match most bands with the Apple Watch Series 3 or the latest case of the same size.”

Battery life and charging

Apple has improved charging with the Series 10. It can go from 0-80% in just 30 minutes. That compares to 45 minutes for the same Series 7-9.

Battery life remains the same at up to 18 hours in normal mode and up to 36 hours in Low Power mode.

	Series 10	9	8	7	SE 2
Battery life – conditions	18 hours	18 hours	18 hours	18 hours	18 hours
Extended battery with Low Power Mode	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours	36 hours
Charging	0-80% in 30 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 45 minutes	0-80% in 90 minutes

If you’re interested in using Apple Watch Series 10 for sleep tracking, you also get 8 hours of use from an 8-minute charge (same as Series 9 and 8).

Apple Watch 10 vs 9 and above – Key features

New with the Apple Watch Series 10 are sleep apnea notifications (although this will arrive for the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in an update).

You can also play the sound directly through the speaker, and the Series 10 gets features from Ultra 2 – water depth measurement and water temperature sensor.

Like the Series 9 and Ultra 2, the Blood Oxygen feature is not available in the US for the Series 10.

Apple Watch model / features	Series 10	9	8	7	SE 2
Sleep apnea alerts	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
ECG device	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
Blood Oxygen Monitor	❌	✅/❌ Not included on US models sold after 1/18/24	✅	✅	❌
High/low heart rate alerts	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
IP6X is dust resistant	✅	✅	✅	✅	❌
Water resistant up to 50m	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Water depth measurement	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Water temperature sensor	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
Sleep tracking	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Risk detection	✅	✅	✅	❌	✅
Fall detection	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Advanced tracking circle with heat detection	✅	✅	✅	❌	❌
Emergency SOS	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
On the Siri app	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Double-click the gesture control	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Secret+Life	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
Playing with the speaker	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌

Finishes/colours

For the Series 10, Apple has gone from stainless steel to grade 5 titanium for the high-end models.

Meanwhile, it has retained aluminum for the original models but now offers a polished Jet Black finish.

The Series 10 aluminum Apple Watch comes in:

• Silver
• Rose gold
• Jet Black

The Series 10 titanium Apple Watch comes with:

Price

• Series 10 in aluminum starts from $399/$429 (pre-orders open at Apple)
• Series 10 in titanium comes from $699/$749 (pre-orders open at Apple)
• Series 9 or 8 and above are often sold at a discount (Amazon and others)
• Apple Watch SE 2nd gen comes from $249 (Apple, Amazon, more)

Apple Watch 10 vs 9 consumer guide

The Apple Watch Series 10 brings a larger screen with improved viewing angles, a slimmer design, improved S10 SiP, faster charging, and depth/water sensors that could entice users to upgrade.

For those with older Apple Watch models, you’ll get some upgrades like an always-on display, fast charging, and all of Apple’s health features.

New sleep apnea notifications will be available on Series 10, 9, and Ultra 2.

What do you think? Are you going to upgrade? Are you going to skip this one? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for reading our guide to Apple Watch 10 vs 9!