As we approach the fall - was Apple Watch Series 10 a bit of a flop?

[Adelphos33]

Apple made a big deal out of the Apple Watch Series 10 redesign, including larger face, Jet Black in the aluminum, the new titanium finishes for the premium watches, etc. But I have to wonder - has it been a bit of a flop relative to the initial buzz?

1) Many people on Series 7, 8 and 9 don't seem to notice a big difference - unless their old watches were losing battery capacity (or otherwise just needed updating), at which point it was a needed upgrade.

2) Apple Watch Ultra wearers seem to have generally stuck with their devices, and are waiting to see what AWU3 brings (and honestly the leaks don't seem very enticing for that device this fall)

3) There were some issues with watch faces, bezels, etc which don't seem to have been really solved yet. For example, some of the watch faces look a bit worse with larger bezels, and I remember some of the faces looked a bit odd with the new aspect ratio

4) Band innovation seems to have been stagnant. They added the new metal bands for the titanium models, but I find it a bit odd the metal bands are steel (both Milanese and link) while the watch itself is titanium. The link bands were delayed a bit, which I think took some of the wind out of them. In contrast, the titanium Milanese bands for the ultra were a hit. The loss of leather bands, without a real replacement (no one seems to like FineWoven) is a loss.

Honestly, I think the Series 7 redesign was in hindsight a much bigger upgrade for most than this Series 10. I understand many are super happy with the Series 10, but it doesn't seem to have really brought new people into the Apple Watch or encouraged a bunch of upgrades. It is still a great buy, especially at Amazon at $299 or $329, but the constant sales don't seem to suggest a lot of demand. We also know Apple Watch sales are down significantly year-over-year, which isn't good for a watch that was supposedly sporting a brand new, advanced design.,

Looking forward - how can Apple get these watches going again? I love wearing my Apple Watches, but I also would like more innovation and new features, both in the Series and the Ultra...

 

[I7guy]

I really like it. Smaller footprint, faster charging plus the other what-nots that come along with redesign. So was it a flop. Can't say that it was. If one was waiting to purchase an AW the S10 is compelling. In fact two were purchased. One for me and the other for the missus.

 

[PPCmike]

Im thinking about getting the AWU the battery life on my S10 is so short if I don't charge it each night it will run out before noon the next day.

 

[CharlesShaw]

Regardless of the model, features, or any metrics that Apple will never disclose, lots of people have been saying online (and in person to us AW owners) since 2015 that they see no need for an Apple Watch and cannot imagine how one could be useful. (Consider the Garmin arguments where the only metric is battery life)

If the number of users is going to noticeably increase, it's going to be by advertising the benefits more than advertising new attributes.

 

[jz0309]

Apple made a big deal out of the Apple Watch Series 10 redesign, including larger face, Jet Black in the aluminum, the new titanium finishes for the premium watches, etc. But I have to wonder - has it been a bit of a flop relative to the initial buzz?

1) Many people on Series 7, 8 and 9 don't seem to notice a big difference - unless their old watches were losing battery capacity (or otherwise just needed updating), at which point it was a needed upgrade.

2) Apple Watch Ultra wearers seem to have generally stuck with their devices, and are waiting to see what AWU3 brings (and honestly the leaks don't seem very enticing for that device this fall)

3) There were some issues with watch faces, bezels, etc which don't seem to have been really solved yet. For example, some of the watch faces look a bit worse with larger bezels, and I remember some of the faces looked a bit odd with the new aspect ratio

4) Band innovation seems to have been stagnant. They added the new metal bands for the titanium models, but I find it a bit odd the metal bands are steel (both Milanese and link) while the watch itself is titanium. The link bands were delayed a bit, which I think took some of the wind out of them. In contrast, the titanium Milanese bands for the ultra were a hit. The loss of leather bands, without a real replacement (no one seems to like FineWoven) is a loss.

Honestly, I think the Series 7 redesign was in hindsight a much bigger upgrade for most than this Series 10. I understand many are super happy with the Series 10, but it doesn't seem to have really brought new people into the Apple Watch or encouraged a bunch of upgrades. It is still a great buy, especially at Amazon at $299 or $329, but the constant sales don't seem to suggest a lot of demand. We also know Apple Watch sales are down significantly year-over-year, which isn't good for a watch that was supposedly sporting a brand new, advanced design.,

Looking forward - how can Apple get these watches going again? I love wearing my Apple Watches, but I also would like more innovation and new features, both in the Series and the Ultra...

do you have any data to support the flop claim and the sales are down significantly claim?

AW/smartwatch is maturing, just like smartphones. People don't upgrade every year, and from the posts here upgrades seem to be occurring more like every 3-4 years.
Ultra owners didn't "upgrade" as there was no updated Ultra last year except for the color.
As an Ultra 2 owner (but I also have a 7 that I wear for sleep tracking every other night) I have not really looked at the 10, and surely not comparing it to my 7 so cannot comment how it overall compares.
I think that not offering stainless steel anymore was a bad move, SS is a very traditional watch material.

Apple touted the watch as a health/fitness device. The temperature sensor in the 8 was the last addition from a HW perspective. Apple needs to focus on health/fitness and introduce new sensors (eg blood pressure) and better interpretation of collected data - that will make it move forward, imo.
Also, rumors about AW have traditionally been scarce and often false, we shall find out in ~ 6 weeks what Apple has to offer.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I’m happy with mine.

 

[svish]

Upgrading from a Series 5 and I can say that I really like my Series 10. The larger screen with very fast charging compared to my older watch, the improved always on display with the seconds hand and a slimmer watch. The watch is way faster for everything compared to the series 5.

Overall I can say that I am very satisfied with the watch. Was thinking ahead of the launch that there will be a complete redesign for the 10th anniversary watch. Thought that did not happen, I would still call it a very successful product. Of course, there might not be anything groundbreaking for anyone upgrading from a Series 9 or even the series 8.

Not sure what Apple can change every year on their watches other than the addition of new health sensors, maybe every few years. Already it is a very good device. Would like to see some nice color choices for the watch. Also hope that the Sport bands continue to be available for sale and that it is not discontinued due to Apple's effort to reduce carbon and their overall 2030 goal.

 

[alongdingdong]

I am actually considering the AW10 i used to have a AW4 and Later a Ultra.

I really liked my AW4 form factor, i hated the Ultra being too heavy and bulky on my thin wrist, it kinda hurt as well having its weight flopping around.

The 2 day battery life of the ultra did not stop me from having recharge anxiety and i still charged daily... Plus 99% of the features were useless for me while i am a daily gym goer, i do not have to monitor every single calory burned. So it was wasted on me.

Plus i really want a mobile wrist phone again via LTE when i skateboard not having to carry my phone in my pocket.

 

[JPack]

I know a few people who bought S10 because of the large display and thin case. They didn't want to wear a clock on their wrist (Ultra).

 

[bigglow]

I came from a 2018 Watch Series 4 to a 2024 Watch Series 10 and the upgrades are nice. I can't imagine replacing it sooner than every 6 years. So here's to the 2030 Watch Series 16.

 

[NoBoMac]

I know a few people who bought S10 because of the large display and thin case.

Same. Throw in doctor harping on me for a while now to upgrade from SE to something with ECG, $100 off at Amazon w/discount AC+, no brainer for me.

I came from a 2018 Watch Series 4 to a 2024 Watch Series 10 and the upgrades are nice. I can't imagine replacing it sooner than every 6 years. So here's to the 2030 Watch Series 16.

And this. Used the SE for just shy of four years and could have hung onto it for at least year five.

Since it seems Apple is on a tock-tick release schedule with products, makes little sense to be a frequent upgrader, especially the AW as seems not frequent with "must have" upgrades. And with that in mind, 11 will be a tick release so... even bigger flop?

 

[MisterSavage]

It was to me. I thought with a screen as big as the Ultra and a CPU better than the Ultra that it would definitely be getting the Modular Ultra watch face.

I passed.

 

[Adelphos33]

Series 11 success will depend on if they get these blood pressure or other sensors actually implemented in a way that people feel useful (the sleep apnea detection is a bit roundabout - we need new real sensors)

 

[Bichon]

Series 11 success will depend on if they get these blood pressure or other sensors actually implemented in a way that people feel useful (the sleep apnea detection is a bit roundabout - we need new real sensors)

According to rumors, what is expected from Apple is simply a hypertension alert to warn of elevated blood pressure, as opposed to actually displaying systolic/diastolic readings.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Update:

Absolutely not.

I have just started up my S8 again, to wear when doing activities which could cause damage, and I can instantly notice the smaller size, weight, and slower charging time.

My S10 is without a doubt a clear upgrade.

Just my own observation.

 

[Abazigal]

Coming from a Series 5, the main benefits are the better battery life, the slightly larger display and the improved performance overall.

It’s not just about getting a fresh battery out of the box. My Series 10 could probably just make it to 2 days, but I typically just charge it in the morning while I am washing up (~30 on the charger is enough to take it back to 100%). I think people underestimate how hard it is to have a device with roughly the same battery capacity, give it a larger screen, and either preserve the battery life or actually extend it.

Everything is also a little smoother. Bringing up Apple Pay on my watch feels a little faster, for example. It’s one of those things you don’t notice until you go back to an older Apple Watch and then you realise the small performance hits here and there.

One issue I have been experiencing with my Series 10 though is that the coating seems very prone to chipping and falling off, necessitating it being replaced with AppleCare. I recently went back to my Series 5 while waiting for it to be replaced. At 76% battery health, it barely lasts a day, but I also noted that I didn’t really miss anything else. This is likely because I am using my Apple Watch largely for the basic stuff - notifications, Apple Pay, some basic health tracking, and quick access to apps like 1password and Authy.

I don’t regret updating, and I think this is what Apple is going with as well. There won’t be any one “must-have” feature that makes you want to toss your existing Apple Watch into the bin and run out to upgrade right away. But replace your watch every 4-5 years and all those enhancements add up and make for a nice upgrade after all this time.

This longevity is not a bad thing when you consider that one of the common criticisms levelled at Apple is how they intentionally sabotage their devices to force users to switch.

 

[jz0309]

I don’t regret updating, and I think this is what Apple is going with as well. There won’t be any one “must-have” feature that makes you want to toss your existing Apple Watch into the bin and run out to upgrade right away. But replace your watch every 4-5 years and all those enhancements add up and make for a nice upgrade after all this time.

This longevity is not a bad thing when you consider that one of the common criticisms levelled at Apple is how they intentionally sabotage their devices to force users to switch.

I think that a new health sensor (eg blood pressure) might just do that ...
we shall see in 6 weeks or so what Apple announces

 

[ger19]

I upgraded my watch every cycle since my original purchase of an 8. I do this because if you upgrade they have offered a pretty good trade in so I've gotten a new watch for a very good price. Not the most cost effective way to own a watch, but a good way to keep a new one on my wrist. Sort of like leasing a car. I can't say I noticed much difference between the 8 to 9 or 9 to 10. That probably has more to do with the fact that I don't use many of the functions. I just like it as a way to connect to my phone (for things like verbally capturing reminders, my calendar and text notifications. . . ). I also like the ability to have Complications for a timer, heart rate, weather temp and date. Pretty simple so no major change in models over the years for me.

 

[Jackbequickly]

So many wearing an AW these days. It is hardly a watch to impress!😬

 

[ndouglas]

One issue I have been experiencing with my Series 10 though is that the coating seems very prone to chipping and falling off, necessitating it being replaced with AppleCare. I recently went back to my Series 5 while waiting for it to be replaced. At 76% battery health, it barely lasts a day, but I also noted that I didn’t really miss anything else. This is likely because I am using my Apple Watch largely for the basic stuff - notifications, Apple Pay, some basic health tracking, and quick access to apps like 1password and Authy.

Ah so they replaced your watch for free? I have the same Jet Black coating falling off / chipping, it’s irritating to witness happen for such a new and otherwise nice-looking, premium-looking and -feeling device. I wanted to ask what magic words or strategy you used, to get the staff to agree to replace your watch? — since two different stores now, for me, have immediately rejected my concern and request, robotically repeating the phrase “it’s just cosmetic damage” so not under warranty. It seems like the magic word must be simply “AppleCare.” Darn. But I’m glad for you getting it replaced. I usually do pay for that, but didn’t this one time, out of frustration with having it on my previous Apple Watch and the battery being very bad but they wouldn’t even consider replacing it for that issue either.

To the OP question, Series 10 seems mostly as good of an upgrade as previous years — that is, incremental as usual but arguably worth it for some people. For me it was and is a good improvement, simply for the aspect of needing to charge it only once a day instead of at least twice a day, as happened with Series 7.

 

[subjonas]

I went from S3 to S10. I didn’t upgrade for so long because all I really use my watch for is time, weather, alarms, notifications, and Apple Pay, and the S3 did all those fine. And since I’m a light user and I charge every night anyway, battery life was fine too. I did notice the S3 was a tad slower than I would have preferred. Also I wanted features like the double tap gesture and the compass app. But I guess these weren’t enough to get me to upgrade. For me, the straw that broke the camel’s back and got me to finally upgrade was the thinner design of the S10 and the flick gesture (introduced with S10 but also supported on S9). The S10 feels noticeably better to wear than the S3, I think because of the thinness. I’m very happy with the upgrade.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Love my Ti S10. My black Ultra 2 was the flop, sits in a drawer. Way too bulky for me to put up with. My S10 does everything I need it to do.

 

[kevink2]

I'm considering an upgraded watch this fall, so I'll probably just go with the series 11. My current watch is the S8, with the main issue is that I started wearing while sleeping, and I often forget to charge it before bed.

The current ones don't have blood oxygen sensor for US, but since I plan to keep my 8, that isn't really an issue. I can do either sleep apnea checking or oxygen reading based on which watch I use Not that I really need the oxygen reading, mine stays well. I checked this morning and it overages over 98%.

I considered the AW10 on Prime day, but the big specials I saw were for the GPS only models. I'll want the cellular model, and transfer my service to the new phone.

 

[bigglow]

Since it seems Apple is on a tock-tick release schedule with products, makes little sense to be a frequent upgrader, especially the AW as seems not frequent with "must have" upgrades. And with that in mind, 11 will be a tick release so... even bigger flop?

It depends on what you're after. Series 4's remarkable feature was the ECG. When Series 10 came out was when the final watchOS security update was released.


With the Series 10 will replace to the next model after the final watchOS security update, again.

Unless it has blood pressure monitor built-in or continuous glucouse monitor.

 

[johannnn]

It's their best watch ever. In some senses it's even better than the Ultra. And the screen is actually larger than the Ultra (the "49mm" includes the large border which is not actually a screen)