Hands-on review: Apple Watch Series 10 a sleek, advanced smartwatch for iPhone users
If there had to be one word to describe the Apple Watch Series 10 in Rose Gold, it would simply be: impressed.
From a sleeker, more refined design to enhanced health features and a larger display, this latest version of Apple's smartwatch is a perfect blend of style, performance, and utility.
If you're an iPhone user like me, the Series 10 could well be the perfect companion to track your health, fitness, and keep you connected.
Design and Display: Sleek, Stylish, and Comfortable
The design of the Series 10 is subtly improved, and I can immediately feel the difference when I wear it.
The watch is thinner than its predecessor, with a reduction of 0.4mm in depth, making it far more comfortable on my wrist. This thinner profile is particularly noticeable during sleep tracking, where comfort is key. It feels lighter and less bulky, even during extended wear, which is something I greatly appreciate.
I also love the slight increase in size; it's only a millimetre wider and taller, but those extra millimetres add up to a much more refined look. The corners are more rounded, and the watch's glass wraps more smoothly down the edges.
A particularly striking feature is the larger display. The 42mm model now offers 9% more screen area, allowing for additional space for notifications and app interactions. I noticed the increase immediately, especially when reading messages or viewing apps—everything feels less cramped.
The wide-angle OLED display is a standout.
Whether I'm checking the time in bright sunlight or looking at notifications with my wrist down, the screen remains incredibly readable. With a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, I never struggle to see the screen, even outdoors.
Adding to the appeal is the watch's eco-friendly credentials. The Series 10 is certified carbon-neutral, which I really appreciate as a consumer.
Paired with the Sport Loop band, this version not only looks great but is also part of Apple's broader commitment to sustainability. Knowing that my watch is helping Apple move towards carbon neutrality is a nice touch.
Health and Fitness Features: A Powerful Health Companion
Apple has always prided itself on its health and fitness features, and the Series 10 doesn't disappoint.
I'm particularly excited about the ECG feature, which allows me to take a heart reading anytime I want.
It's reassuring to know that the watch will alert me if there are any irregularities, whether it's a high or low heart rate or an irregular rhythm. The Vitals app gives me an in-depth look at my health metrics overnight, tracking things like my heart rate and respiratory rate.
For anyone tracking menstrual health, the Series 10 now offers even more detailed insights, including retrospective ovulation estimates. This is a feature I've found incredibly useful in gaining better insights into my health, making it more than just a fitness tracker.
Fitness Tracking: Perfect for Every Workout
When it comes to fitness, the Series 10 is an all-in-one powerhouse.
The Activity Rings are still my go-to for tracking daily movement, and I appreciate that they are customisable to fit my lifestyle. Whether I'm going for a run, cycling, or even swimming, the Workout app offers precise metrics. I've even started using the new water temperature sensors for my snorkelling trips, and it's a feature I didn't know I needed but now find invaluable.
Apple's addition of training load tracking makes it easier to understand the intensity of my workouts and optimise my training. Plus, the three-month free trial of Apple Fitness+ is a fantastic bonus, offering access to a wide range of guided workouts right on my wrist.
Safety and Durability: Always Looking Out for Me
The safety features are another reason I trust the Series 10.
Fall Detection and Crash Detection provide extra peace of mind, knowing that in the event of an accident, emergency services can be contacted automatically.
The Emergency SOS feature is incredibly convenient, letting me call for help with just the press of a button. I've also found the Check In feature handy—it automatically notifies a loved one when I've arrived at my destination, so they can stay updated on my whereabouts.
Durability is another strong suit of the Series 10. With an IP6X dust-resistant rating and WR50 water resistance, I've taken it swimming without hesitation.
The watch holds up well, even in the water, and the new micro-perforated speaker grille adds to its sleek look while improving sound quality.
Performance: Fast and Reliable
Powered by the updated S10 SiP, the Series 10 delivers smooth, lag-free performance.
I've found watchOS 11 to be intuitive and responsive, and the device doesn't miss a beat when I'm switching between apps or checking notifications. The battery life is impressive, and with fast charging, it reaches 80% in just around 30 minutes. This is incredibly convenient when I'm in a rush and need to power up before heading out.
The Ultimate Smartwatch for iPhone Users
In conclusion, the Apple Watch Series 10 42mm Rose Gold Aluminium is an excellent smartwatch for anyone with an iPhone.
The blend of design, functionality, and health features makes it an indispensable tool for those looking to stay connected, track their fitness, and maintain overall wellness.
While the upgrades may not be revolutionary, the incremental improvements in screen size, health features, and durability make it the best smartwatch I've used to date. If you're an iPhone user, this is definitely the smartwatch to go for.
