Before announcing new handsets during the It’s Glowtime iPhone 16 launch event in Cupertino, Apple execs talked up the company’s latest suite of smartwatches. Rumors suggested we could get an Apple Watch X instead of the Apple Watch Series 10, if the company were to borrow the naming scheme from its 2017 iPhone. But that didn’t happen, it’s indeed the Apple Watch Series 10.
In addition to the flagship wearable, we also saw the announcement of a new finish for the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Unfortunately, after a two-year wait, the Apple Watch SE has not been updated to a third generation. Here’s how you can pre-order the new Apple Watch Series 10, which should start shipping on Sept 20.
Apple
The Apple Watch has always come in two sizes; For the past few generations, your options were 41 or 45mm case measurements. Now with the Apple Watch 10, you can pick between 42mm or 46mm. The wearable has a wide-angle OLED screen and now comes in two metal finishes: Aluminum or titanium. And despite the bigger screen, it’s 10 percent thinner than its predecessor and lighter overall.
Inside, there’s a new, more powerful S10 SiP. A built-in depth gauge, just like in the Ultra, will help with diving and other underwater activities. And, during sleep, the watch can now detect “breathing disturbances” to potentially identify sleep apnea.
Apple’s latest wearable will support watchOS 11, which we heard about during WWDC back in June. The software brings with it a slew of new health and fitness-focused features that the latest wearable will support, including Training Load and a new Vitals app.
We’re big fans of the previous generation — the Apple Watch Series 9 — and even named it the best smartwatch you can buy. Once we get ahold of this new one to test it out, we’ll let you know whether it fills the shoes of its predecessor.
The new Apple Watch 10 comes in a new polished aluminum jet black colorway, along with rose gold and silver aluminum. The new Titanum finishes include natural, gold and slate. The watches start at $399 for the aluminum case and $699 for titanium. Pre-orders are open now and the wearables should start shipping on September 20.
Apple
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 didn’t get a full update, but it does have a new black finish. There’s also a new Titanium Milanese strap — which adds $100 to the price.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 still comes in just one size, 49mm. The watch with the new finish costs $799 and is available for pre-order right now, with units hitting shelves on September 20.
A new Apple Watch SE was not announced during the event, though it remains part of the official lineup. Last year’s Apple Watch Ultra 2 is still the company’s most recent high-end wearable, only getting an additional shiny black colorway instead of a new model.
Catch up on all the news from Apple’s iPhone 16 event!
