No New Apple Watch Chip for the First Time Ever: All Models Stick to S10

[MacRumors]

For the first time ever, the new Apple Watch lineup does not contain a new chip.

The Apple Watch SE 3, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra 3 all contain the S10 chip. Until now, every new Apple Watch generation featured a new S-series chip since the device's introduction.

Often, these chips were simply rebadged with few to no changes, with the same CPU used across chips. For example, the S6, S7, and S8 chips all shared the same CPU. Similarly, the S9 and S10 are essentially the same chip. The S10 was merely reduced in size to accommodate the smaller casing of the Apple Watch Series 10.

As a result, Apple sticking with the S10 chip for the Series 11 and Ultra 3 is not materially different to if it contained an "S11" chip as expected, and it looks like the company is simply holding off on that name for a more substantial change in the future. The S10 chip comes as the biggest upgrade to the Apple Watch SE, which previously had the S8.

Article Link: No New Apple Watch Chip for the First Time Ever: All Models Stick to S10

 

[macduke]

They've been largely the same chip for a few generations each time anyway.

I bet next year with the 2nm process, we will see some solid improvements in battery life.

 

[fel10]

“This is our most powerful Apple Watches ever”

 

[jz0309]

it is the S10 SiP, system in package, please be clear about that. The SiP not only contains the CPU but also all other "chips", eg GPS, modem etc. So the S11 SiP is different from the S10 SiP.

 

[svish]

Not suprised. All the new watches and of course the Series 10 should function similarly. Not upgrading from my Series 10 and very satisfied with it. Good to see the entry level watch SE also having the latest chip.

 

[jz0309]

They've been largely the same chip for a few generations each time anyway.

I bet next year with the 2nm process, we will see some solid improvements in battery life.

what "CPU/GPU performance" is lacking on the AW? And we are getting 6 more hours of battery life on both the S11 and the U3 ...

 

[roland.g]

They would also have to charge extra for guac.

 

[jdavid_rp]

So the new features will come to last year model? Also how they got better battery life then?

 

[c172fccc]

With the hypertension notifications being series 9+ and sleep score series 6+, there's not much point to this new watch.

 

[ItsASpider]

I mean... The S6, S7 and S8 were all the same chip, just with a different number printed on it, and the S9 and S10 already were too. If anything it is refreshing that they've stopped pretending that these watches get a new chip each year.

 

[Gengar]

Well, it’s an upgrade for the Ultra, at least. The Ultra 2 only had an S9.

 

[HaHaRich!]

Curious how the 11 goes to 24 hours batter battery from the 18 hours on the 10 with the same chip. 🤔 also, isn’t wrist flick on the 10 in Beta? It’s not listed in the comparison spec, but Hypertension is

 

[BelgianChoklit]

The Apple Watch is so fast that imo they should only upgrade the chip if there are noticeable power efficiency gains.

 

[tonie walker]

So the new features will come to last year model? Also how they got better battery life then?

software improvements, less fragmented? more efficient even without hardware changes.

 

[BeatCrazy]

So the new features will come to last year model? Also how they got better battery life then?

Wrist flick doesn't come to Ultra 2, as it needs S10.

 

[BornAgainMac]

I am glad the blood pressure and sleep score will work on my Ultra 2. No need to spend $900 to get that.

 

[ELman]

Looks like I'm waiting until next year to upgrade.

 

[Rafagon]

I'd rather they stick to S10 and call it S10 than stick to S10 and call it S11.

 

[Will Co]

I am glad the blood pressure and sleep score will work on my Ultra 2. No need to spend $900 to get that.

Is that official? The only reason I'd consider upgrading is to get the hypertension feature. Sleep score is a nice to have and the satellite connectivity is just not I'd likely benefit from.

 

[dcingie]

The good news? If you bought your watch 3 years ago you won’t have any FOMO because you still have the latest and greatest 🤣

 

[DrJR]

My AWU original is doing fine….. looks like another year to come with it! My 15 pro as well I guess….. and might as well keep my AirPods Pro 2 till they die, going on 3 years old.

 

[ipoddin]

Maybe now it's time to upgrade from my S7. Battery can only last a little over 12 hours now.

 

[bluecoast]

Even my S9 never feels slow.

A new chip will be great when there's even better efficiency & battery life and/or new sensors.

 

[jpf293]

Seems like all that’s changed is the model number.

 

[applyr]

If the chip is the same as last year’s watch, how did they improve battery life? Did they fit a larger battery?