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topicnews · September 12, 2024

Apple Watch 10 vs. 9: All the differences in comparison

Apple Watch 10 vs. 9: All the differences in comparison


Apple has also introduced new wristbands to match the Series 10. (Angela Ksen – Adobe Stock)
Apple has also introduced new wristbands to match the Series 10. (Angela Ksen – Adobe Stock)

The Apple Watch Series 10 may not have a completely new design, but there are still some new features worth mentioning. Our article shows which functions have been added to the latest smartwatch compared to the Series 9.

Anyone considering the Apple Watch Ultra 2The following article might be of interest to you instead: Apple Watch Watch 10 vs. Ultra 2: All the differences in comparison.

Apple Watch 10 vs. 9: All the new features at a glance

  • New sizes: The Apple Watch 10 comes in two new sizes: 46 and 42 millimeters (instead of 45 and 41 millimeters).
  • Housing and colors: Instead of stainless steel, Apple is now using titanium for the premium versions. The new smartwatch is available in silver, rose gold, diamond black (aluminum), as well as titanium gold, titanium natural and titanium slate.
  • Mass: The Series 10 case is narrower and has shrunk by 10 percent.
  • Advertisement: The brightness remains at 2,000 nits, but Apple has installed a new OLED display that is said to be up to 40 percent brighter at an oblique viewing angle.
  • Water resistance: The new watch has a depth gauge (up to 6 meters) and a water temperature sensor on board. In addition, the 10th generation now supports the Oceanic+ app for snorkeling (not diving).
  • microphone: The Series 10 microphone will have a voice isolation function – in case calls are answered via the smartwatch. The feature potentially ensures better call quality in noisy environments. In addition, audio (such as music) can now be played directly through the speakers.
  • S10 chip: The new processor is more powerful than the S9 chip and is particularly optimized for on-device requests to Siri.
  • Charge: The Apple Watch 10 charges faster and reaches 80 percent in 30 minutes, according to the manufacturer. The Series 9 takes 45 minutes to reach 80 percent.

Apple Watch 10 and 9 in spec comparison

Technical data Apple Watch 10 Apple Watch 9
Sizes 46mm
42mm

Aluminium or titanium

 45mm
41mm

Aluminium or stainless steel
Dimensions and weight 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm (46mm)
36.4 g (aluminum, GPS)
35.3 g (aluminum, GPS + cellular)
41.7 g (titanium)

42mm x 36mm x 9.7mm (42mm)
30 g (aluminum, GPS)
29.3 g (aluminium, GPS + cellular)
34.4 g (titanium)

 45mm x 38mm x 10.7mm (45mm)
38.7 g (aluminum, GPS)
39.0 g (aluminum, GPS + cellular)
51.5 g (stainless steel)

41mm x 35mm x 10.7mm (41mm)
31.9 g (aluminum, GPS)
32.1 g (aluminum, GPS + cellular)
42.3 g (stainless steel)
Advertisement Always-on Retina LTPO3 OLED display
2,000 nits peak brightness		 Always‑On Retina LTPO OLED display
2,000 nits peak brightness
chip Season 10 Season 9
Depth gauge Up to 6 meters No
Water temperature sensor Yes No
Sensors Electrical heart sensor (ECG app)
3rd generation optical heart sensor
Blood oxygen app
Cycle protocol with retrospective ovulation estimates
Nighttime temperature measurement on the wrist
Sleep tracking
Sleep Apnea Messages
Vital signs app with heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration
Mindfulness app with mood protocol
Training load
Waypoints, backtrack and elevation view		 Electrical heart sensor (ECG app)
3rd generation optical heart sensor
Blood oxygen app
Cycle protocol with retrospective ovulation estimates
Nighttime temperature measurement on the wrist
Sleep tracking
Sleep Apnea Messages
Vital signs app with heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration
Mindfulness app with mood protocol
Training load
Waypoints, backtrack and elevation view
Sleep apnea detection Yes Yes
microphone Microphone with voice isolation Yes
Speakers Speakers with media playback Yes
Charge 80 percent in 30 minutes 80 percent in 45 minutes
compatibility iOS18 iOS 17 and newer
Price from 449 euros from 449 euros (RRP)
Street price probably cheaper

Apple Watch 10 vs. 9: Fitness and health functions almost identical

Apple has introduced sleep apnea detection with the Series 10According to Apple, the measurement is clinically validated, but the function still needs to be approved by the FDA in the USA.

Fortunately, the Health function will also be available on the Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the future. This eliminates a unique selling point of the 10th generation.

Sleep apnea detection is coming with an upcoming update to the Apple Watch 10, 9 and Ultra 2.
Sleep apnea detection is coming with an upcoming update to the Apple Watch 10, 9 and Ultra 2.





Sleep apnea detection is coming with an upcoming update to the Apple Watch 10, 9 and Ultra 2.

Also new are the depth gauge up to 6 meters and the water temperature sensorThanks to the Oceanic+ app, the Series 9 can also be taken snorkeling.

Otherwise, there are no significant differences in the area of ​​health and fitness. For ultra-wideband (L1 + L5 GPS) you still have to go for the Ultra version of the Apple Watch.

The biggest innovations come with the upgrade to watchOS 11, which includes many practical features:

Apple Watch 10 vs. 9: Who benefits from the upgrade?

Is it worth upgrading from the Apple Watch Series 9 to the Series 10? In our opinion, the unique selling points of the new smartwatch are too small to be considered a noticeable upgrade.

From Series 7 (and older) onwards, the upgrade is, in our opinion, much more worthwhile:

  • Better and more powerful chip with Neural Engine for AI tasks and on-device Siri
  • Doubled screen brightness of 2,000 nits, which is particularly beneficial in direct sunlight
  • Sleep apnea can be detected
  • Double-tap gesture to answer a call or turn off an alarm
  • Measuring skin temperature at night
  • Battery charges much faster. The newer models also have an energy saving mode on board
  • Bluetooth 5.3 instead of Bluetooth 5.0
  • Water temperature sensor and a depth gauge up to 6 meters

Sleep tracker versus sleep lab – How accurate are Apple Watch and Co.?
Sleep tracker versus sleep lab – How accurate are Apple Watch and Co.?


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Sleep tracker versus sleep lab – How accurate are Apple Watch and Co.?

If you wear an older version than the Series 7 on your wristthe upgrade may be even more worthwhile. You can find a comparison of all Apple smartwatches on the manufacturer’s official website.

Regardless, it doesn’t always have to be the latest model. A look at previous generations can be worthwhile, especially in terms of price.

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