Observations from Apple Store today - Apple Watch

[Adelphos33]

1) The Black Apple Watch Ultra 2 was the star, IMO, in terms of looks. It looks pretty sick. It is black - but not too black. It can go with a variety of outfits and looks, IMO. I am tempted to trade in two of my watches (Ultra 1 and Series 7) and to get it.

2) Jet Black Series 10 looks interesting - but the watch doesn't look different enough from my Series 7 Aluminum Green to warrant an upgrade to it directly. As far as I can tell, the only real feature of Series 10 is Sleep Tracking, which I already have via my SS Series 9 watch. I am not sure the Series 10 itself warrants an upgrade over Series 7/8/9 based on what I saw. Series 6 - sure.

3) The Series 10 titanium colors are all different than the Stainless Steel versions they replaced. Those who bought these models may or may not like them. They are all warmer/eathier than the models before.

4) The titanium Milanese loop for the ultra is much lighter than expected

 

[deeddawg]

2) [...] I am not sure the Series 10 itself warrants an upgrade over Series 7/8/9 based on what I saw. Series 6 - sure.

3) The Series 10 titanium colors are all different than the Stainless Steel versions they replaced. Those who bought these models may or may not like them. They are all warmer/eathier than the models before.

How would you describe the Slate Titanium vs Graphite stainless or the older Space Black stainless? Is it closer to the old SB stainless?

I'd bought a graphite stainless S9 last year having given up on seeing titanium rereleased - and kept my S6 SBTi to use for sleep tracking. With titanium returning I've ordered an S10, would trade my S6 and keep my S9 for sleep tracking since it still has blood ox and will get the sleep apnea detection piece. Yes, this is kinda frivolous as there's not much functional difference between S9/S10, but I really do miss titanium for my daily-wear and feel (optimistically?) the 1mm thinner profile would be nice.

 

[P K]

1) The Black Apple Watch Ultra 2 was the star, IMO, in terms of looks. It looks pretty sick. It is black - but not too black. It can go with a variety of outfits and looks, IMO. I am tempted to trade in two of my watches (Ultra 1 and Series 7) and to get it.

2) Jet Black Series 10 looks interesting - but the watch doesn't look different enough from my Series 7 Aluminum Green to warrant an upgrade to it directly. As far as I can tell, the only real feature of Series 10 is Sleep Tracking, which I already have via my SS Series 9 watch. I am not sure the Series 10 itself warrants an upgrade over Series 7/8/9 based on what I saw. Series 6 - sure.

3) The Series 10 titanium colors are all different than the Stainless Steel versions they replaced. Those who bought these models may or may not like them. They are all warmer/eathier than the models before.

4) The titanium Milanese loop for the ultra is much lighter than expected

Did you see if they're selling the titanium Milanese loop bands separately? I was thinking about going to a store and picking one up today but the Apple Store app says store pickup is unavailable for the band, so I wanted to see if they even had them for sale in the stores today.

 

[rossy100]

1) The Black Apple Watch Ultra 2 was the star, IMO, in terms of looks. It looks pretty sick. It is black - but not too black. It can go with a variety of outfits and looks, IMO. I am tempted to trade in two of my watches (Ultra 1 and Series 7) and to get it.

2) Jet Black Series 10 looks interesting - but the watch doesn't look different enough from my Series 7 Aluminum Green to warrant an upgrade to it directly. As far as I can tell, the only real feature of Series 10 is Sleep Tracking, which I already have via my SS Series 9 watch. I am not sure the Series 10 itself warrants an upgrade over Series 7/8/9 based on what I saw. Series 6 - sure.

3) The Series 10 titanium colors are all different than the Stainless Steel versions they replaced. Those who bought these models may or may not like them. They are all warmer/eathier than the models before.

4) The titanium Milanese loop for the ultra is much lighter than expected

Absolutely agree. I had an Ultra (1) and had ordered both a Series 10 Slate Titanium and a black Ultra 2 as just wasn't sure which I'd prefer. Going in, I really thought i would prefer the Series 10 due to similar screen size but thinner lighter.....

However, as soon as I saw them, and having been used to the Ultra -the Series 10 just looked a bit pitiful and uninspiring. Looked tiny compared to the Ultra and nowhere near as striking. So I cancelled the S10 order and took the Ultra!

 

[Adelphos33]

Did you see if they're selling the titanium Milanese loop bands separately? I was thinking about going to a store and picking one up today but the Apple Store app says store pickup is unavailable for the band, so I wanted to see if they even had them for sale in the stores today.

Yes - in fact, I bought one (see below). Surprisingly, the medium fit me. I like this look so much that I doubt I will trade it in for the black AW2. Maybe I just buy a black AW3 outright next year.

 

[Adelphos33]

However, as soon as I saw them, and having been used to the Ultra -the Series 10 just looked a bit pitiful and uninspiring. Looked tiny compared to the Ultra and nowhere near as striking. So I cancelled the S10 order and took the Ultra!

Ultimately, it’s a stylistic choice - the watches look different enough that some people will prefer one to another. Outside of battery life, performance is similar

 

[profets]

Thanks for sharing OP. I guess when you say the titanium Milanese loop is lighter, you were referring to the weight?

Absolutely agree. I had an Ultra (1) and had ordered both a Series 10 Slate Titanium and a black Ultra 2 as just wasn't sure which I'd prefer. Going in, I really thought i would prefer the Series 10 due to similar screen size but thinner lighter.....

However, as soon as I saw them, and having been used to the Ultra -the Series 10 just looked a bit pitiful and uninspiring. Looked tiny compared to the Ultra and nowhere near as striking. So I cancelled the S10 order and took the Ultra!

I've been using an Ultra for 2 years, and ordered a Series 10 (natural titanium). Was kind of feeling like going back to a thinner / lighter watch. Gotta say, it looks and feels like the stainless steel models I used to buy prior to the Ultra's existence. However, seeing it and wearing it, I have the same kind of thoughts as you. Just seems a bit boring / uninspiring. Almost as if you just see a display on your wrist and nothing else. Kind of throws me off to be honest.

 

[P K]

Yes - in fact, I bought one (see below). Surprisingly, the medium fit me. I like this look so much that I doubt I will trade it in for the black AW2. Maybe I just buy a black AW3 outright next year.

View attachment 2423293

Thanks so much for the prompt reply, and that's great to hear! I think I'll stop in today and get one (and the pic seals the deal for me - thanks for sharing it!).

 

[kitt9000]

Yes - in fact, I bought one (see below). Surprisingly, the medium fit me. I like this look so much that I doubt I will trade it in for the black AW2. Maybe I just buy a black AW3 outright next year.

View attachment 2423293

Wow looks great! I am going to check stock in store later today as well. I was thinking of trading in my ultra 1 since Ive been feeling, it just looks too bulky. Was considering series 10, but this Titanium band looks sweet on it. Thanks for sharing!

Also if you don’t mind me asking, what’s your wrist size? Mine is 190cm and according to apple I would need the large. Your wrist size looks to be similar to mine so wondering if medium is a tight fit for you, or you feel large would be better?

 

[mjschabow]

I ordered the Black Milanese Loop separately just now. Damn 5-6 weeks???

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Yes - in fact, I bought one (see below). Surprisingly, the medium fit me. I like this look so much that I doubt I will trade it in for the black AW2. Maybe I just buy a black AW3 outright next year.

View attachment 2423293

Hopefully the store I'm visiting later today has these in stock, it looks incredible!

 

[northofnowhere]

I spent over an hour at our brand new Apple store this morning picking up my phone. The store, being brand new(today is day one), was packed. There was some corporate person there passing out apple branded stainless steel water bottles to everyone that came in, which was a nice surprise.

I ordered the new black Ultra 2 with the Black Milanese Loop as soon as order were available. This exact option is not even an option to purchase in my store today.
On top of that, I got a call last night from another store telling that due to a "logistics glitch" my watch would not be available to pickup at my schedule 11am pickup time (same time I scheduled for my phone pickup). As of right now my order still says "processing" with no further information. None of the apple store employees could provide me any other information about the status of my order.
Now a waiting game.....................

 

[deeddawg]

How would you describe the Slate Titanium vs Graphite stainless or the older Space Black stainless? Is it closer to the old SB stainless?

Replying to my own question for the benefit of others, now that I’ve picked up my slate titanium S10

So far I find the slate titanium to be very similar to the old space black stainless, darker than the graphite stainless. The brushed space black titanium was my favorite finish, but this will do.

i’ll try to get a picture of it with the OG space black link bracelet tomorrow

 

[PatrickNSF]

Yes - in fact, I bought one (see below). Surprisingly, the medium fit me. I like this look so much that I doubt I will trade it in for the black AW2. Maybe I just buy a black AW3 outright next year.

What's the weight of the band in grams? I didn't see it listed on Apple's site.

 

[caligurl]

How would you describe the Slate Titanium vs Graphite stainless or the older Space Black stainless? Is it closer to the old SB stainless?

I'd bought a graphite stainless S9 last year having given up on seeing titanium rereleased - and kept my S6 SBTi to use for sleep tracking. With titanium returning I've ordered an S10, would trade my S6 and keep my S9 for sleep tracking since it still has blood ox and will get the sleep apnea detection piece. Yes, this is kinda frivolous as there's not much functional difference between S9/S10, but I really do miss titanium for my daily-wear and feel (optimistically?) the 1mm thinner profile would be nice.

i have the black SS 7 and just got the slate Ti and i don't see a difference in the color! they are both gorgeous (and i don't see any brown earthy at all!)

 

[ssledoux]

I came from a series 8 to a series 10, and honestly, I am thrilled. I had a SS 41 and went to a silver aluminum 42, and I am thrilled with it. I barely feel it on my wrist, and am shocked at the difference a single mm makes in the size. I’m super pleased.

I thought I’d keep my SS since I love the look of it, but I doubt I’d ever put it on again.

 

[hagjohn]

AW 10 is great. It is thinner, so it fits better and feels more comfortable on your arm. Fits like a Fitbit Versa, which is what I had before I bought AW's.

 

[Jackbequickly]

I love my black Ultra 2 but dislike the black metal woven band. Not comfortable and not easy to fasten. I went back to
my black leather magnetic band. Wish apple had not discontinued these leather bands, glad a bought a couple extra. Love the watch.

 

[NJRonbo]

Let me start with the black Milanese loop for the Ultra 2

I measured my wrist and got a medium, and when I put it on yesterday, it did not fit. I thought I would have to return it to the Apple Store. Then, I happened to look up the instructions and found that the clasp has a lock that you flip up and it moves it forward or back. Had no idea. Once I discovered that little tidbit, I was able to properly size the band to my wrist. So, be aware of this.

Now the Ultra 2...

I took a gamble. I owned the original Ultra 1 for two years, skipping the second and waiting for Ultra 3. Of course, we all know how that turned out. Reluctantly, I traded in my 1 for a Black Ultra 2. Turned out to be a great decision. The black looks awesome. The watch is also much faster and Siri response is immediate since all the commands are processed on the chip rather than going to the cloud first and then back to the watch. Double Tap is also fantastic though I can't figure out how to use it to dismiss alerts.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Did you see if they're selling the titanium Milanese loop bands separately? I was thinking about going to a store and picking one up today but the Apple Store app says store pickup is unavailable for the band, so I wanted to see if they even had them for sale in the stores today.

I do not see Apple selling the same Milanese band that comes on the black Ultra 2. It is a different Milanese band. Am I mistaken?

 

[updatedfruit]

The new (49mm) Milanese band must be made of unobtainium- both colors are harder to get hold of than any of the other new products launched eg. AWU2 black, IPhone 16PM etc. Deliver of the natural is now well into November around here, black not far behind. I got a black AWU2 but had to get the trail loop (which is actually nice but you want the hero one lol).

 

[DMG35]

I picked up the black Ultra 2 with the black Milanese band and it’s one of my favorite bands that Apple has ever made. I’ve always liked the look of the milanese loop bands, but hated how throughout the day they would loosen a bit and I’d have to readjust them constantly. The new bands and the way they connect is brilliant. They are so comfortable and stay in place perfectly. I slept in mine last night and worked out with it on this morning and it was perfect.

 

[caligurl]

I love my black Ultra 2 but dislike the black metal woven band. Not comfortable and not easy to fasten. I went back to
my black leather magnetic band. Wish apple had not discontinued these leather bands, glad a bought a couple extra. Love the watch.

the milanese? I'm so upset at how sharp and rough it is! And it's not just one defective band! I had originally ordered the aluminum version with the black milanese band and couldn't cancel the order... so just planned to return it unopened.... well when my band was sticking into my wrist and irritating it with its sharpness, I decided to open the other watch and try the band packaged with that one.... NOPE! same thing! SHARP and pointy on the corners of that piece that covers the end of the band.

I'm even more upset that I can't just order again with another band since the delivery is late October now!

I really wish apple would sell the band separately from the watches after all these years! There's really no color I like or need in the rubber loops... they are all just slight shade differences from previous releases... which is why the black milanes was a nice choice... or so i though!

 

[caligurl]

I picked up the black Ultra 2 with the black Milanese band and it’s one of my favorite bands that Apple has ever made. I’ve always liked the look of the milanese loop bands, but hated how throughout the day they would loosen a bit and I’d have to readjust them constantly. The new bands and the way they connect is brilliant. They are so comfortable and stay in place perfectly. I slept in mine last night and worked out with it on this morning and it was perfect. View attachment 2424394

Yours isn't rough and pointy on the little piece that covers the end the band? I'm not sure what you mean that this one is different than the original? they both just fold over and magnet in place?

 

[DMG35]

Yours isn't rough and pointy on the little piece that covers the end the band? I'm not sure what you mean that this one is different than the original? they both just fold over and magnet in place?

This doesn’t fold into place with a magnet. This has a locking system that they’ve never had on a band like this before.