The Apple Watch Series 10 has been unveiled at Apple’s recent iPhone 16 event, showcasing a range of impressive features including a larger screen, a slimmer design, and lighter weight. The new S10 chipset promises enhanced call clarity and a revamped Translate app, while the Jet Black color option adds a stylish touch. For surfers like me, the new Tides app could be a significant upgrade from the defunct Magic Seaweed app, now integrated with Surfline.
Among the notable additions is the Breathing Disturbances feature, aimed at detecting sleep apnea through 30 days of sleep data and providing reports for doctors. This functionality, pending FCC certification, could be transformative for those suffering from undiagnosed sleep apnea. Alongside the Vitals app from watchOS 11, Apple appears to be emphasizing sleep and health monitoring.
However, despite these advancements, one critical area remains a concern: battery life. The Apple Watch Series 10 has made strides with the introduction of rapid charging capabilities, boasting the fastest charging times ever seen in an Apple Watch. It can reach 80% charge in just 30 minutes, thanks to a new metal back design. In theory, this means you can quickly top up the battery before bed.
The problem is that even with these charging improvements, the watch’s battery life remains a meager 18 hours. If you charge it fully at 9 p.m., it could be depleted by 5 p.m. the next day, necessitating another charge during the day. Without access to a charger or 30 minutes to spare, you’re left with a non-functional device. Charging it in the morning could even result in it dying overnight. While Apple’s battery estimates often exceed real-world usage, the short battery life remains a significant drawback.
In contrast, competitors like Samsung and Google offer watches with considerably longer battery life. Samsung’s latest model manages up to 40 hours, while the Google Pixel Watch 3 provides 24 hours even with the always-on display. If the Apple Watch Ultra 2 can achieve 36 hours of use, why can’t the Series 10 match or exceed that?
Extending the battery life to 24 hours would make the Series 10’s new features, such as Breathing Disturbances and Vitals, far more practical and appealing. As it stands, the current battery constraints may limit the utility and adoption of these promising health features. Apple’s focus on rapid charging might have been a missed opportunity to address a more fundamental issue: ensuring that the watch remains functional throughout the day and night.
