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I suspect S10 is also largely identical to S9 processor.
I'm very sure your right. For the most part Apple goes years before updating the processor in the SIP (system in a package) on the watches. They change the SIP name yearly (S9 to S10) and might add this or that sensor or rearrange things for the new years watch, but they don't update the processors in them very often at all (unlike the iPhones). Was a huge deal last year for s9 when they finally did.
 
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I have an Apple Watch S4 and was really looking forward to upgrading, but S10 is disappointing to say the least.
I'll just skip this generation again.

Edit: For S10 I was expecting a new design (not just a larger display) with a new band mechanism, hypertension detection, larger battery (instead they made it thinner).
 
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Though there were rumors that the Apple Watch Series 10 would get a new heart and ECG sensor, that does not appear to have happened. According to the technical specifications for the Apple Watch Series 10, it is equipped with a third-generation optical heart sensor, which is the same sensor that was used in the prior-generation Series 9.

apple-watch-series-10-silver.jpg

Apple also made no mention of the heart rate sensor during yesterday's event, and there is no information about any kind of upgrade on the Apple Watch Series 10 product page.

The rumor, shared by 9to5Mac, said the alleged upgraded heart sensor would "unlock new features and provide more accurate results." The site said that it would enable sleep apnea detection, but as Apple explained yesterday, sleep apnea detection actually uses the accelerometer. Sleep apnea detection did not require an upgrade to the heart sensor, and it is in fact also being added to the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, both of which have the same third-generation heart sensor as the Series 10.

Apple was working on blood pressure monitoring for the Series 10, but the feature was not ready in time for the device's launch. Apple did not introduce health features other than the ability to detect sleep apnea.

A new design is the main focus of the Series 10, and it is thinner and lighter than prior Apple Watch models. It does have a new water temperature sensor, depth sensor, Oceanic+ app for snorkeling, and Tides app, which brings it closer in functionality to the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

There were rumors of improved water resistance that would allow the Series 10 to be used with high-speed water sports up to 20 meters deep, but Apple did not update the Apple Watch Series 10's water resistance. It continues to have a water resistance rating of 50 meters, and while it can be used for shallow-water activities like snorkeling or swimming in a pool, Apple still warns against using it for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.

The Apple Watch Series 10 models are available for pre-order right now and will begin arriving to customers on Friday, September 20.

Article Link: Apple Watch Series 10 Has Same Heart Sensor as Series 9
I can't locate this watch face. Any ideas?
 
How many times has Apple told us the watch had an "all new design" when in reality it's the same design as the first model 10 years ago, just with the screen stretched further to the edge. Was the Dalmatian iMac an all new design?
 
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I don't understand why sleep apnea detection isn't coming to the original Ultra. It's the same with playing media directly from the speakers... I'm sure the original Ultra is capable of both of those features.


I don't get why sleep apnea detection is series 9 and up. Even my series 7 has the accelerometer so if that's all it needs why do us with under 9's get shafted?


Perhaps this is like Double Tap?

MR: “Double tap already exists on the S8 and U1”.

Then

MR: “Double tap is different, but the S8 and U1 can do it, come on Apple!!


Meanwhile Apple: “We’re using the upgraded NPU on the S9/U2 for Double Tap.
 
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I have an Apple Watch S4 and was really looking forward to upgrading, but S10 is disappointing to say the least.
I'll just skip this generation again.
and your battery still works? I traded in my S5 last year cus it was getting weak... but still the biggest upgrade the Apple Watch has ever gotten since the S4 is the S5's always on display.
 
I don't get why sleep apnea detection is series 9 and up. Even my series 7 has the accelerometer so if that's all it needs why do us with under 9's get shafted?
S9 has the better processor that runs the algorithms better.. at least supposedly... that's why we get the gestures.
 
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I’m curious how often you actually use the blood oxygen sensor? I can see how it would have been useful back when Covid was in full swing, but now that the virus is attenuated and hypoxia is rare, I don’t see much use for it unless you have underlying lung disease like asthma or copd.

Or maybe it’s just a “I’ve got this feature and taking it away would be a downgrade” sentiment which I absolutely understand.
I do have a lung issue and I check my blood oxygen several times a day. Yes, I have a stand alone checker, too, but the watch is always with me and I count on it! There's no upgrading my series 6 watch until this issue is resolved.
 
Coming from a Series 7, this is a very nice upgrade for me for the following reasons:

- it's much lighter (coming from stainless steel, and I only bought stainless steel Apple Watches because of the sapphire display, but I always hated the weight of it because it not only feels heavy but also absorbes so much of the taptic feedback)
- brighter display (2000 nits peak) and while not a must, it can be handy when doing hikes
- on device Siri
- 64Gb storage (I store offline music, podcasts and Wikiloc trails)
- brighter from an angle
- skin temperature
- thinner look
- slightly larger display than my current 41mm S7
- double tap (handy when cooking)
 
I do have a lung issue and I check my blood oxygen several times a day. Yes, I have a stand alone checker, too, but the watch is always with me and I count on it! There's no upgrading my series 6 watch until this issue is resolved.
You could buy an older version series 9 on eBay. I have the series 9 with O2 sensing and I’m upgrading to the 10.
 
Are there influential women on the Apple Design teams? Last year Apple introduced temperature measurements to help women monitor their period. At the same time, the size of the smallest AW was increased. This was already odd. Now, with the AW10, the size of the smallest AW was again increased. I don't understand why Apple would design options for women on the one hand, and design the watch such that it doesn't fit many women on the other hand. Is this men at the helm? Or ....
 
I'd trade a new heart sensor (and even apnea detection) for the ability to shut off the ambient light sensor. I hate that we cannot adjust that sensor.
 
"Apple was working on blood pressure monitoring for the Series 10, but the feature was not ready in time for the device's launch. Apple did not introduce health features other than the ability to detect sleep apnea."

The B/P monitoring feature would've made the S10 a must buy for anyone watching their blood pressure. The sleep apnea... not sure much, esp. if one already has a CPAP.
Best to consult a sleep specialist/doctor about sleep issues.
The S9 is still good and, with a battery replacement, will last another ~2~3 yrs until Apple decides to stop supporting it. The main reason for many, like self, using the iWatch is the fitness/health monitoring features.
 
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“PHONING IT IN” should have been event tag line this year.
I know, right? How dare Apple not come up with a brand new and completely different heart sensor every year! If it ain't broke, fix it anyway! Tim Cook is the worst! Bean counters! Steve Jobs spinning in his grave! No innovation or imagination! Apple is doomed, I say. DOOOOMED.

/s
 
I have an Apple Watch S4 and was really looking forward to upgrading, but S10 is disappointing to say the least.
I'll just skip this generation again.
I also have a S4 that is working just find (knock on wood). I might update eventually, but not right away. I'll just keep the money and put it towards the M4 Mac I am really looking forward to. LOL
 
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