Apple’s latest smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 10, is getting an upgrade. The new watchOS 26 software is rolling out, bringing a bunch of handy features to make the watch more useful every day.
It might not look like a massive change at first glance, but there’s plenty going on under the hood that makes using it smoother and a bit more fun.
So, What’s Different About the Series 10?
At first, the Series 10 looks a lot like the Series 9. But if you wear them side by side, you’ll notice the Series 10 is actually a bit thinner and lighter. It’s about 10% slimmer, which helps it feel less bulky on the wrist, especially if you don’t like the feeling of a heavy watch.
The screen is slightly bigger too, with sizes of 42mm and 46mm available. And the display is brighter now, which makes it easier to see outside when the sun is shining bright.
The edges of the screen curve gently into the case, giving it a more polished look. It’s a subtle upgrade but one that makes a difference in how the watch feels.
What’s Powering the Watch?
Inside, there’s a new chip called the S10 SiP. It’s faster and smarter than before, which means apps launch quicker, and scrolling around feels much smoother. Small things like checking notifications or looking at your heart rate happen with less lag.
Battery life is still about 18 hours, nothing surprising there — but thanks to the smarter chip, it’s a bit more efficient. You might get a bit more juice, especially if you don’t push the watch too hard throughout the day.
What’s New in watchOS 26?
The new software update, watchOS 26, brings a bunch of cool features that improve how the watch works day to day.
Wrist Flick: A Simple Way to Dismiss Notifications
If you’ve ever had a notification pop up while you’re busy or your hands are sweaty from a workout, you’ll appreciate this. The new Wrist Flick lets you get rid of notifications with a quick flick of your wrist. There’s no need to tap the screen or fumble with buttons.
This is part of the accessibility options but works for anyone with the latest watches — Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2. If you’ve got an older model, this feature won’t be available since it needs the newer chip.
Workout Buddy: Your New Virtual Coach
The watch now feels more like a workout partner. Workout Buddy gives you real-time tips and encouragement while you exercise. It can adjust your goals based on how you’re doing and suggest breaks or changes on the fly. It’s a nice touch for anyone who wants some motivation without needing to check their phone constantly.
Live Translations for Messages
If you get texts in another language, the watch can now show quick translations right on your wrist. It’s not for long chats but handy when you just want to get the gist without pulling out your phone.
Smarter Smart Stack
The Smart Stack widget — the thing that shows you different info as you scroll — got smarter. It learns what you use most and when, so it pushes the right apps at the right times. For example, you might see the weather in the morning and your workout stats later in the day. It’s a small change but makes using the watch smoother.
Which Watches Get These Features?
Not all Apple Watches will run every new feature. Wrist Flick and some other cool tricks need the new S9 or S10 chip. That means:
- Series 9
- Series 10
- Ultra 2 Series
Older watches like the Series 8 or the SE will get some updates, but not everything. So if you want the full package, these newer models are the way to go.
Design and Looks
There’s also a refreshed look in the software itself. Apple calls it Liquid Glass design, and it means menus and animations look smoother and feel more natural.
New watch faces are part of this update too, including ones that change as the day goes on. It keeps things feeling fresh without being too flashy.
Health Stuff
No new sensors this time, but the existing health features are as good as ever. The heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, and sleep tracking work reliably.
There’s talk about adding features like sleep apnea detection and blood pressure alerts, but those might come later after some official approvals.
And of course, fall detection and crash detection remain, which many people rely on for safety.
Bands and Colours
Apple’s pushing eco-friendly materials a bit more with some new bands and cases using recycled stuff. So if sustainability matters, that’s a plus.
There are fresh colors too, including midnight black, silver, and a subtle soft pink—nothing wild but nice options for different tastes.
Price and When to Buy
The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at around $399 in the US, depending on the size and whether you want cellular support. The larger models and those with more features can cost more.
It’s available now, along with watchOS 26 for compatible watches.
If the Series 9 or SE models are working fine, they remain good choices but won’t have all the latest features.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch Series 10, paired with watchOS 26, keeps Apple ahead of the curve without going over the top. There’s no need to relearn how to use it. Everything feels familiar, just smoother.
Small things like gesture controls, real-time workout feedback, and better screen brightness all make a difference when you’re using the watch every day.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t try too hard. But it works better in ways that actually count. If your current Apple Watch is older than Series 8, this might be the upgrade that feels worth it.
