Apple Watch Series 10

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Overall reception

  • Many commenters find Series 10 iterative rather than groundbreaking.
  • Some are glad there’s no Ultra 3 this year (no upgrade/FOMO), others disappointed by lack of major advances (especially battery and sensors).

Health features & sensors

  • Blood oxygen measurement is removed on US-sold units due to patent issues; some consider buying abroad to keep it.
  • Rumored passive blood pressure and blood glucose did not appear; several say the tech isn’t ready yet.
  • New sleep apnea detection is seen as potentially useful, though some doubt its value for “borderline” cases. It reportedly uses motion rather than SpO₂.
  • Training load / readiness features are welcomed, especially by people who struggle to interpret body signals; comparisons made to Garmin and Whoop-style metrics.

Battery life & charging

  • 18-hour “all-day” claim is widely criticized, especially for sleep tracking, long hikes, ultras, and travel.
  • Some say fast charging plus a daily routine (e.g., during shower/coffee) makes battery a non-issue; others reject needing “charging habits” at all.
  • Ultra’s 36–72 hour life is praised but its price and size are barriers. Garmin and other devices with multi‑day or multi‑week battery are frequently cited as superior on this axis.

Design, size & materials

  • Thinner case is appreciated by some (less bulky under sleeves), but many would prefer more battery over thinness.
  • Others want smaller, more elegant, or circular options; some find Apple Watch visually bland compared to traditional watches.
  • New titanium and glossy black finishes generate interest, but there is concern about scratching; sapphire on premium models is praised and users complain it remains gated from base aluminum.
  • Larger Series 10 display is attractive, especially for aging eyes; some analysis suggests it’s now larger than Ultra 2’s actual display area.

Ecosystem, independence & connectivity

  • Persistent frustration that Watch setup and full use still require an iPhone; users want pairing with Mac/iPad or true standalone operation.
  • Some run nearly phone‑free on LTE watches and like that, but others say many apps still assume the phone is nearby.
  • Cellular add‑on pricing from carriers is seen as high; MVNO options are discussed with caveats about deprioritization and roaming.

Alternatives & competition

  • Garmin is repeatedly recommended for serious fitness, battery life, and outdoor use, though weaker as a “general smartwatch” and more fragmented in product line.
  • Whoop is discussed as a no‑screen, subscription tracker with strong behavioral impact for some, but the subscription cost is widely disliked.
  • Pebble, Amazfit, Xiaomi bands, Pixel Watch, and classic Casios surface as options for those prioritizing simplicity and long battery.