What is the Difference Between Apple Watch 9 and 10

In 2024, the smartwatches market leader is Apple with the new product Apple Watch Series 10 which has been recently launched. Following the Series 9, already relatively powerful, feature-rich, and sleek, the Series 10 offers a few improvements, but are they enough to justify a purchase? In this detailed comparison overview, we’ll compare the Apple Watch Series 10 with the Apple Watch Series 9 in terms of design, performance, health features, and price, to help you decide which one is right for you.

Apple Watch 9 vs 10: Specifications

Here is a comparison table that outlines the key differences between the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10 based on available specifications and features:

The Series 10 offers some enhanced materials (titanium), a slightly larger display, faster charging, and specific improvements for water activities. However, both models share many of the same features when it comes to fitness and health tracking, connectivity, and general performance. The decision to upgrade often hinges on specific preferences such as design, materials, and additional features for specific activities like swimming.

Apple Watch 9 vs 10: Design Difference

The first thing we can see with the Apple Watch Series 10 is the design change. The company has been able to reduce the thickness of the Series 10 to the thinnest of all previous models, with the case coming in at only 9.7mm thick. This has been achieved by slightly decreasing the thickness of the Series 10 to 10.1mm which is thinner than the 10.7mm of the Series 9 making the Series 10 look more elegant.

In addition to the reduced thickness, the Series 10 comes in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm, which are only slightly bigger than the 41mm and 45m types offered for the Series 9. Nevertheless, the Series 10 is lighter, at least in the titanium versions of the watch, despite its growth in size. Apple has brought titanium as a material for the premium models, and it has removed stainless steel. This choice comes with the advantage of durability without having to make the case thick. Titanium is famous for its strength to weight ratio and therefore the Series 10 is lighter than the Series 9, and this is comfortable for those who wear the watch for long hours, especially when exercising.

The Series 10 also brings a beautiful Jet Black option, becoming the first fully anodized Apple Watch. This gives it a high-end, polished look that is different from the more conventional aluminum finishes of both the Series 9 and Series 10. The combination of titanium and Jet Black creates an ultra-premium feel, but it does come at a higher price.

While the Series 9 retains its elegance, with a stainless steel and aluminum case, its slightly thicker design might feel more cumbersome for some users, particularly when worn during exercise or sleep tracking.

Verdict: The Apple Watch Series 10 wins for design and build, thanks to its slimmer profile, titanium material, and refined aesthetics.

Apple Watch 9 vs 10: Display Difference

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 10 have Apple’s always-on OLED screen that is bright, colorful, and contrasty. The Series 10 has a larger display with an edge-to-edge glass, expanding the screen size to the watch without expanding the size of the overall dimensions of the watch itself.

Apple says that the Series 10 display is at least 9% larger than that of the Series 9, which in turn means that more text can be displayed, icons are bigger and the overall experience is more engaging. For instance, the Series 10 can render more lines of text in the Messages or the Mail app, which in turn makes it easier to read and respond to notifications.

However, both watches now boast the same 2,000 nits of peak brightness, meaning they’re just as easy to read outdoors as before. Apple also points out that the Series 10 display is more viewable from different angles, meaning that the screen is up to 40 percent brighter than before if seen at an angle.

This increase in viewing angles is not very significant, but is a welcome addition, especially for those who need to use the watch when exercising, cycling for instance where you will be viewing the screen at an angle.

Verdict: The Apple Watch Series 10 takes a slight lead in terms of a larger screen size and improved viewing angles but the brightness is the same.

Apple Watch 9 vs 10: Performance Difference

The Apple Watch Series 10 is released with the new S10 chip, which is now the tenth generation of Apple’s proprietary SoC for smartwatches. The S10 is a 64-bit, dual-core processor with a 4-core Neural Engine, which should deliver improved performance for AI operations including voice-activated digital assistant Siri, as well as health data processing.

The Series 9 is equipped with the S9 processor and also boasts a 4-core Neural Engine and the device performs incredibly well, whether it is tracking workouts or running third party apps. Most consumers won't be able to feel the difference between the processing speed of the S10 and previous models, so there will be little improvement in this area, especially when dealing with AI-related tasks. Starting and running apps, receiving notifications, and smooth general performance are virtually indistinguishable between the two devices. 

However, where the S10 chip may excel in the future is with the release of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI platform expected to be released later this year. Despite the fact that both Series 9 and Series 10 will have integration with Apple Intelligence through the connected iPhone, it may be expected that Series 10 will be more optimized for AI functions and therefore is more prospective in terms of future evolution.

Verdict: Although both watches are great performers, the Series 10 comes out as a slightly more powerful and AI-capable device for the future.

Apple Watch 9 vs 10: Health and Fitness Features

In terms of health and fitness, Apple is still on top of its game with a full set of sensors and tracking features. The Series 9 and Series 10 both include the heart rate monitor, ECG, blood oxygen, temperature, and sleep tracking.

However, the Series 10 has some enhancements that are targeted at swimmers and water sports people in particular. It comes equipped with a newly developed depth gauge and water temperature sensor, making it possible for users to monitor dives up to 6 meters deep. With the help of this feature, together with the Oceanic+ app, the Series 10 has a clear advantage for those who like snorkeling, diving, or any other water activity. Before, these capabilities were available only to the Apple Watch Ultra.

For those who do not use the watch while water sports, the fitness tracking is still incredible for running, cycling, weight training, and yoga among others. Both models will also feature sleep apnea notifications that will be released in a future software update. This feature builds on Apple’s already strong sleep tracking feature and gives users information about possible sleep disorders that need medical attention.

Verdict: The Series 10 wins for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, but for general fitness tracking, both watches remain equally strong.

Apple Watch 9 vs 10: Battery Difference

Apple has always ensured that its wearables have a good performance and a good battery life as well. The Series 9 and Series 10 are no exception, with up to 18 hours of normal use and up to 36 hours with the Low Power Mode. These numbers are based on lab tests and in actual usage, the Series 9 can go up to 32.5 hours, as per users.

The Series 10 brings a small upgrade in the charging speed, which takes only 30 minutes to charge to 80% capacity when using the right power cord. Nonetheless, the Series 9 takes roughly 45 minutes to get to the same level of charge. This is a welcome change in charging speed though it does not revolutionize the two models and most users will be happy with the battery life they get from both. 

Verdict: The Series 10 is a bit better in this aspect with faster charging time, but the battery life is still comparable between two models.

Apple Watch 9 vs 10: Connectivity and Network Differences

The Series 9 and Series 10 devices come with the W3 wireless chip and the second generation Ultra Wideband chip with Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), L1 GPS, and cellular LTE 4G for the cellular models. These features allow better integration with other Apple devices, accurate positioning and increased accuracy when using features such as Find My and Handoff.

Neither of the models have new connectivity features compared to the other and both come with watchOS 11 software that offers new features for apps, notifications and watch faces.

Verdict: A tie, as both models have the same connectivity feature and the network performance is the same.

Apple Watch 9 vs 10: Price Difference

Regarding the price, Apple has not changed much with the Series 10. The aluminum type of the Series 10 is available at $399 while the titanium one is available at $699. For cellular connectivity, the prices rise to $1,049 for the 46mm titanium version with a plan.

Series 9 might not be available directly from Apple as it used to be the case with Series 7, but it could be found at some shops and online stores at a cheaper price. This makes it an attractive choice for people who want more of a traditional watch than the Series 9 offers, but don’t want to pay for the extra water resistance or the cachet of titanium. You can use Qwintry international delivery service to buy Apple watches in any store you want. We have an extensive list of stores where you're sure to find just the Apple Watch model you want at a nice price.

Verdict: The Series 9 comes out as a better option for those who want a premium smartwatch without the need for the most current technology. But if you want the new look, the larger screen, and the titanium case, then the Series 10 is worth the money.

In conclusion, the Apple Watch Series 10 has made significant enhancements over the Series 9, especially in design, build quality, and specialized features for swimmers and people who are into outdoor activities. The new titanium material and thinner form factor gives it a more aesthetic look and feel, while the addition of a better screen and faster charging increases functionality. However, for many users the performance boost that comes with the S10 chip, though appreciated, may not be a strong selling point for a new device unless one wants a device that is more future ready.

On the other hand, the Series 9 remains to be a reliable and effective smartwatch that provides many of the basic features, including health tracking and fitness tracking, which makes it ideal for those who already own one or are seeking for a high quality Apple Watch at a possibly lower price through the refurbished product. For current Series 9 owners, the decision about upgrading to the Series 10 will depend on personal requirements, such as the desire to use titanium as a material, the desire to have a slightly larger and brighter screen, or the focus on water activities. 

In the end, both watches are still the leaders in wearable technology, and your choice should depend on your needs – the newest features or the reliability of the older model.