In the competitive world of smartwatches, the upcoming Apple Watch 10 is poised to make waves. As the unofficial smartwatch launch season unfolds, with new models from Samsung, Google, and Garmin hitting the market, all eyes are on Apple’s anticipated reveal on September 9th. Since its inception in September 2014, the Apple Watch has consistently led the market with innovative features and cutting-edge technology. While Google’s Pixel Watch made its debut in 2022 and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch line started in 2018, Apple has maintained a commanding presence in the smartwatch arena.
With the Galaxy Watch 7 and Pixel Watch 3 setting high standards in 2024, Apple faces a significant challenge. To maintain its leadership, the tech giant must focus on several key areas for the Apple Watch 10:
Expand Size Options Samsung has long offered a range of sizes for its Galaxy Watch series, with recent models available in 40mm and 44mm options. Google has also entered the size game with the Pixel Watch 3, available in 41mm and 45mm. The Apple Watch 9 continues this trend with sizes of 41mm and 45mm, but Apple could capture additional market segments by introducing a third size. A larger 49mm variant could appeal to users who favor expansive displays, while a smaller 38mm model could cater to those with petite wrists or a taste for more subtle fashion statements.
Surpass 24-Hour Battery Life Current smartwatches like the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 offer around 24 hours of battery life under normal use, with power-saving modes extending this to 36 hours. The Apple Watch 9, with its 18-hour battery life (36 hours in power-saving mode), lags behind its competitors. For the Apple Watch 10 to truly excel, achieving a minimum of 24 hours of regular use—and ideally extending this to 36 hours—would set a new benchmark, particularly if it matches the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s endurance.
Enhance Water Resistance to 100 Meters While most smartwatches, including the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7, offer 50 meters of water resistance—sufficient for surface-level swimming—they fall short for more demanding water activities like snorkeling or diving. Apple could distinguish itself by increasing the water resistance of the Apple Watch 10 to 100 meters, allowing users to engage in a broader range of aquatic activities without concern.
Boost Screen Brightness Beyond 2,000 Nits Screen brightness is a crucial feature for readability in various lighting conditions. Both the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7 boast a maximum brightness of 2,000 nits. Apple, which has led the industry in screen technology, could enhance the Apple Watch 10 by pushing the brightness to 3,000 nits, matching the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s brightness level. This upgrade would not only improve visibility but also position Apple ahead of its competitors in display performance.
Reduce Thickness for a Sleeker Design Thickness can impact the overall feel and aesthetics of a smartwatch. The Pixel Watch 3 maintains a thickness of 12.3mm, while the Galaxy Watch 7 is slightly slimmer at 9.7mm. The Apple Watch 9, at 10.7mm, is thicker than both. For the Apple Watch 10, reducing the thickness by at least 2mm would not only align it with the Galaxy Watch 7 but also make it the slimmest feature-rich smartwatch on the market, further enhancing its appeal.
As the smartwatch market continues to evolve, these strategies could help the Apple Watch 10 solidify Apple’s position at the forefront of wearable technology.
