Apple’s Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2 are the latest smartwatches Apple has to offer, and there’s a lot on offer that users of Apple smartphones will want to consider when shopping for their next (or first) smartwatch. The Apple Watch devices have become iconic in the sense that several smartwatch makers have tried to mimic its design. Not just the physical design, but down the user interface.
Even Apple’s latest watches, specifically the Apple Watch Ultra 2, have inspired designs from other brands. One only needs to look as far as the Galaxy Watch Ultra to see the similarities, like the squircle shape for the watch case design. Samsung even added “Ultra” to the name. Try as companies might, though, imitating the Apple Watches is a lot easier said than done. And long-time users of the device will be the first to tell you that. Our own Alex Maxham has used several of the Apple Watch versions alongside several Wear OS watches, and he always seems to go back to the Apple Watch.
Whether you’re a long-time Apple Watch user and looking to upgrade to one of these newer models, or this will be your first time wading into the Apple side of the pool, we’ve got you covered on everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. So let’s dive into this guide and take a look at both devices.
What are the Apple Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2?
As mentioned above these are Apple’s latest smartwatches. They come with the most advanced features that Apple has ever come up with for its smartwatch platform. You can do just about everything you expect a smartwatch to do with both of these models, including activity tracking, controlling music playback, answering phone calls and messages, and even tracking sleep and various other health metrics.
They come with a wide variety of watch band options so that you can tailor your watch to your specified look. Plus, there are several color options for both the watch and most of the bands. Think of either smartwatch model as your companion to your iPhone. Extending its functionality in a huge number of ways.
How much do the Apple Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2 cost?
The cost of the watches will depend on a few different factors. For instance, The Apple Watch Ultra 2 will cost you $799. Yes, it is expensive, but it comes with several features that the Apple Watch Series 10 does not. Then there’s the more premium design with the Titanium watch case. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 only comes in one model, GPS + Cellular, so you will only ever find it at $799 unless you get it with the Titanium Milanese loop which is an extra $100.
The Apple Watch Series 10 will cost $399 if you go with the Aluminum watch case option with the GPS connectivity option only, in the 42mm size. If you bump up to 46mm the cost bumps up to $429. There’s also the option to go with the GPS + Celluar model in 42mm which increases the price to $499, or $529 for the 46mm size. Additionally, you can buy the Watch Series 10 with a Titanium case for $699. This is GPS + Ceullar only.
Where can you buy the Apple Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2?
You can buy the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 pretty much anywhere you can buy other smartwatches. However, there are some limitations, as Apple only has so many retail partners that sell its products. You can buy both watches directly from Apple, of course, both online and in physical Apple stores. If you want to avoid Apple entirely for either purchase for any reason, you can also buy both watches from retailers like Amazon, and Best Buy, and even at carriers if you’re going for the GPS + Cellular model. Which, let’s be honest is the better option.
For convenience, you can find links that go directly to each retailer below.
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch Ultra 2
How many models are there of each watch?
There are two models of the Apple Watch Series 10, and one model of the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Apple Watch Series 10 comes in a GPS model, which connects through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and then the GPS + Cellular model which can also connect through your phone carrier with the watch having its own data plan. Additionally, you an choose from an Aluminum case or a Titanium case for the Watch Series 10.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in the GPS + Cellular model only. It also only comes with a Titanium case.
What are the color options for each watch?
The Apple Watch Series 10 comes in 6 different colors (Apple calls them finishes) and these are for the watch case. So when we refer to colors here in this specific segment of the guide, we’re referring to the watch case. The Apple Watch Series 10 finish options are Silver, Rose Gold, and Black for the Aluminum case, and then Natural, Gold, and Slate for the Titanium case.
The Apple Watch Ultra comes in two finishes which are Natural and the recently launched Black finish that Apple announced back in September.
What are the specs of the Apple Watch Series 10?
The Apple Watch Series 10 comes with a slew of new specs while having some of the same specs as previous models. For instance, the watch comes in 42mm and 46mm case sizes. However, Apple has increased the display size of the watch by slimming down the bezels. So there’s now more usable screen area than ever before. In terms of actual display sizes, the Apple Watch Series 10 has 1,220 sq mm of display area in the 46mm case, while the 42mm model has a display area of 989 sq mm.
The display is also an LTPO3 OLED panel with a wide-angle view for seeing even more on-screen at one time. The peak brightness is 2,000 nits as well.
When it comes to weight, the 42mm weighs 30g for the GPS model and 29.3g for the GPS + Cellular model in Aluminum. The 46mm Aluminum option weighs 36.4g in the GPS model and 35.3g in the GPS + Cellular model. The Titanium versions of the 42mm and 46mm Watch Series 10 weigh 34.4g and 41.7g respectively. The Apple Watch Series 10 also has sensors for tracking various health metrics. Including an electrical heart sensor and an optical heart sensor on the back.
Additionally, there’s a temperature sensor, compass, always-on altimeter, high-g accelerometer, high dynamic range gyroscope, ambient light sensor, depth gauge, and a water temperature sensor.
There’s one side button on the right side of the case with the digital crown positioned just above that. The watch is also powered by the new S10 chip, which enables new features and even better performance and battery life.
What are the specs of the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has some of the same features as the Apple Watch Series 10, yet there are still tons of differences because of the specs. For instance, the size. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a considerably larger device. It comes in one size option which is a 49mm case, and two finishes which are Titanium Natural and Titanium Black. The watch case itself also comes in Titanium only with no Aluminum option.
It has an 1185 sq mm display size, and it weighs 61.4g (the Black model weighs slightly more at 61.8g). The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is also using the S9 chip instead of the S10 chip, which is understandable given it was launched several months before the Apple Watch Series 10.
There’s 64GB of storage inside which is plenty of space for apps on the watch. You’ll find all of the same sensors here that are on the Apple Watch Series 10. The display is brighter at up to 3,000 nits for the peak brightness, however, so if you want a smartwatch with a display that’s easier to see in the sunlight, this is the better choice.
For battery life, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 can last for up to 36 hours of normal use, and up to 72 hours in the low-power mode. You’ll turn that on if you really need to extend its lifespan on a single charge. Such as when you’re out camping.
What version of watchOS do these watches come with?
You’ll find Apple’s latest version of Watch OS on both of these smartwatches. Specifically, watchOS 11. That means all of the latest features for Apple Watch that Apple announced earlier this year. Including an updated Training Load, the Photos Face watch face, and many more.
watchOS 11 also includes the new Vitals app. This is a big one if you want to keep tabs on your health status on a daily basis. The software update launched on September 16 so it’s already available for both watches. This means if you’re planning to buy one of these, you’ll get to experience watchOS 11 right from the start.
What are the new features?
The Apple Watch Series 10 has a handful of new features worth speaking about. We’ll go over the most notable ones here. If there are any features that are also present on the Apple Watch Ultra 2, we’ll mention them specifically.
The Vitals App
This is really more a part of the watchOS 11 software but since the Apple Watch Series 10 launched with this software, we’ll lump it in as one of the new features. This is also available on the Apple Watch Ultra 2 since it has been updated to watchOS 11.
The new Vitals app is all about keeping daily tabs on your health status. A big part of this is the tracking of health metrics from overnight tracking. You can use this app and its associated features to take an overall look at your heart rate, respiratory rate, and more. This feature can also tell you what your sleep duration was so you know how well you slept. And if it notices anything off, you’ll get an overview of those outliers with a recommendation to look into them further.
It’s the perfect feature for anyone who prefers to stay on top of this kind of information.
The Watch Series 10 is Apple’s thinnest watch yet
Apple made the Watch Series 10 even thinner so if you value having a watch that’s as sleek as you are, then you’ll love the Watch Series 10. The depth measures 9.7mm for both the 42mm and 46mm models of the watch. Apple says this is 10 percent thinner than the Watch Series 7, 8, and 9 models.
It’s not paper thin, of course. But it’s thinner than any Apple Watch models that have come before it. So that’s a big plus.
A larger display with a wide-angle OLED panel for easier side viewing
Apple has increased the visible display area for the Watch Series 10 compared to previous models. It has a 30 percent increase in the active screen area compared to the Watch Series 7, 8, and 9 models. Plus, the wide-angle OLED makes it easier to read the display at an angle for increased glanceability. So when you’re out running or taking a quick peek at the watch when your hands are full, things will be easier to read.
Faster charging
No one likes having their tech devices die on them in the middle of the day. The good news is that if your Watch Series 10 dies on you in the middle of the day, it’ll charge up faster now. It has a larger charging coil on the back and can charge up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. Apple also says that 15 minutes on the charger will give you up to 8 hours of normal use. Even if you have to rush out the door, you should always have plenty of time to juice the watch up for the day.
Depth and water temperature sensors, plus a new Depth app
The Apple Watch Series 10 now includes depth and temperature sensors so you can be more aware of how deep and how warm the water is if you’re planning on going in for a swim. The depth sensor can measure down to 6 meters beneath the water’s surface, and the water temperature sensor will be able to tell you the temperature after you submerge the watch. You can view both of these details in the new Depth app, which Apple says is highly visible when underwater.
Sleep Apnea detection
While the Apple Watch can’t tell you for certain if you have Sleep Apnea, it can detect the possible signs of it. This new feature allows you to get a head start on figuring out if you have this condition by alerting you to potential signs that you have it. Should you see these notifications, you can then take that information to your physician and take the proper steps to deal with it. Using the accelerometer, the watch will measure small movements in your wrist that are linked to interruptions in normal respiratory patterns.
If any of these nightly breathing disturbances are discovered, users can view that data in the Health app.
Audio playback
Apple Watch Series 10 now allows users to play audio through the built-in speaker. This can be used for phone calls, music, books, and more. It works with Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple Books, and even third-party apps. The watch can also now suppress background noises if using the speaker for voice calls or Face Time.
Can you use either watch with non-Apple phones?
The Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are only compatible with iPhones. So you will need to use an Apple phone to use these watches. This is not too much different from the Wear OS watches. Although you can use them with several different types of Android phones, they do have to be Android phones.
Does Apple offer any new band options?
Apple launches new bands for the Apple Watch all the time and always when it launches a new watch model. It tends to do the same thing with watch faces. For the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra, Apple has released a huge amount of new colors for all of its existing bands. This includes new colors for the Solo Loop, Fine Woven Magnetic Link, Link Bracelet, Sport Band, Trail Loop, Ocean Band, and more.
It has also updated the Milanese Loop so the colors match the new finishes of the Titanium cases of the Watch Series 10. Additionally, Apple now offers a slew of new Hermès bands for those seeking something a little more on the luxury side. Just keep in mind these will be much more expensive.
Should you buy the Apple Watch Series 10 or the Apple Watch Ultra 2?
If you use an Apple phone and you want a smartwatch, then you should definitely buy one of these watches. You’ll get a lot more functionality that was designed for the Apple ecosystem than you would if you go with a non-Apple smartwatch that’s compatible with iOS. As for which of these two watches you should buy, meaning if you’re trying to decide between the Watch Series 10 or Watch Ultra 2, that depends on what you like and what you want out of the watch.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a bigger, bulkier watch. So you’ll have to be ok with a bigger watch on your wrist. However, it does have the Action Button on the side for quick launching functions. Something that the Apple Watch Series 10 does not offer. That being said, the Apple Watch Series 10 is likely the better option for the majority of users. And thanks to the increased active screen area, it’ll probably be more glanceable.
There’s also the matter of price. The Apple Watch Serie 10 will be less expensive. For the most part, though, both watches will offer a lot of the same features. So consider what you prefer for the watch size and what you want to spend, and go from there.