# Apple Watch Series 10: A Six-Month Assessment of Hardware and Software
Time moves quickly, and it’s amazing to realize that it’s been six months since Apple’s last fall releases. During this period, I’ve had the chance to thoroughly use the Apple Watch Series 10. This article will explore how the new watch has fared and why its hardware advancements are somewhat held back by software constraints.
## Apple Watch Series 10 Hardware Shines in Various Aspects
The Apple Watch Series 10 is loaded with remarkable hardware enhancements that greatly improve the user experience.
### Upgraded Display
A key feature of the Series 10 is its display. The watch includes a wide-angle OLED screen that enables users to see the time without needing to twist their wrist. This function is especially handy for quick views throughout the day. Furthermore, the new always-on mode now includes seconds, which is a nice touch for those who value accuracy.
The expanded 46mm size of the watch has been transformative for me, offering more screen space, although the software has not yet fully capitalized on this extra area (more on that later). Apple has successfully created the largest Watch screen to date while noticeably decreasing the casing’s thickness, rendering the Series 10 thinner than its predecessors. This reduction in bulk has made wearing the watch all day far more enjoyable, allowing me to resume sleep tracking without any discomfort.
### Accelerated Charging
Another noteworthy hardware enhancement is the improved charging speed. As I track my sleep each night, the quicker charging capability has proven to be a significant benefit. This feature ensures that the watch is charged in a fraction of the usual time, making it simpler to keep up with a regular tracking schedule.
### Visual Appeal
The Jet Black aluminum finish stands out, providing a sleek and contemporary aesthetic that many users appreciate. While I haven’t personally tested the integrated speaker for music and podcasts, feedback from other users suggests that this hardware upgrade has significantly improved audio experiences on the watch.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 10 positions itself as a noteworthy hardware advancement.
## Software Improvements Are Needed
Despite the outstanding hardware, I find the software experience a bit lacking. Two main issues stand out:
1. **Absence of Watch Faces Designed for Large Displays**: The available watch faces do not fully utilize the larger display. For example, the Apple Watch Ultra features exclusive faces like Modular Ultra and Wayfinder, which are tailored to maximize screen size. Regrettably, these faces are not accessible on the Series 10, even though its larger model slightly surpasses the Ultra’s screen size. The lack of these optimized faces hampers the overall experience and functionality of the device.
2. **Restricted Support for Always-On Seconds Display**: Although the Series 10 features an always-on display that can show seconds, not every watch face supports this functionality. My preferred Modular watch face does not employ analog time, and when switching to an analog face like Palette, the seconds view disappears in always-on mode. This inconsistency can be frustrating, as it diminishes the functionality that the new hardware is capable of providing.
## Apple Watch Series 10: Plenty of Potential Ahead
In conclusion, after half a year with the Apple Watch Series 10, I can confidently assert that it provides numerous advantages that make it a worthwhile upgrade—especially now with a price drop of $100. However, the software deficiencies prevent it from achieving its full potential. Apple prides itself on the seamless harmony between hardware, software, and services, yet the Series 10 only partially reflects this ethos.
As we anticipate future updates, particularly with watchOS 12, there’s hope that these software concerns will be resolved, allowing the Series 10 to reach new levels of excellence.
What has your experience with the Apple Watch Series 10 been like? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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