Buying an Apple Watch Series 10? Consider these 3 features before upgrading

The Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches, and its integration with the Apple ecosystem makes it a go-to for iPhone fans. Apple is holding its annual September event on Monday, where we expect to see a new lineup of iPhones, AirPods, Apple Watch, and maybe even an iPad Mini. 

Also: What to expect from Apple’s iPhone 16 ‘It’s Glowtime’ event, and how to watch the livestream

While we don’t know exactly what upgrades Apple plans to give its devices, however various reports and rumors, combined with what we’ve seen in the past, give us a good idea of what will be featured. There are many rumors about the Apple Watch’s new upgrade, which will mark the company’s 10th smartwatch model, including what seems to be one of the biggest redesigns yet. Here’s what we look forward to Apple unveiling about the newest Apple Watch:

1. One of the biggest Apple Watch redesigns ever

The Apple Watch’s aesthetic has remained largely unchanged for the past ten years since its launch. Apple did a big redesign with the Apple Watch 7 three years ago, but most of the upgrades since then have been largely internal — until now. 

Also: The best Apple Watches of 2024: Expert tested

Several reports indicate that the Apple Watch Series 10 will get its first big redesign since the launch of the Series 7. While we don’t expect Apple to give it a huge redesign, as the company’s proven loyal to its renowned aesthetic, sources say the Apple Watch 10 will have larger screen options and a considerably thinner design. 

We don’t expect a redesigned Apple Watch Ultra 3, as Apple is expected to focus on internal updates rather than the physical look.

2. All new Apple Watch models

The Apple Watch SE is due for an upgrade, so we expect Apple to release new versions of all Apple Watch models at once for the first time in a couple of years. Apple is likely to announce a new Apple Watch SE, the Apple Watch Series 10, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. 

Also: 4 reasons I’m not upgrading to an iPhone 16 Pro from my iPhone 14

3. Extra health tracking: sleep apnea

In true Apple fashion, the iPhone maker appears to be taking a page out of Samsung’s playbook, preparing to give the Apple Watch sleep apnea detection for the first time. This feature is expected to build on the Apple Watch’s current sleep-tracking capabilities, which give wearers insight into their sleep trends by processing heart rate, oxygenation, movement, and breathing data during sleep. 

If the smartwatch detects patterns consistent with sleep apnea during sleep, the wearer will receive a notification and a prompt to contact a healthcare provider for testing. 

Also: M3 MacBook Air vs. M2 MacBook Air: Which Apple laptop should you buy?

The Apple Watch’s sleep apnea detection isn’t expected to be immediately available upon the release of the new devices, as we expect to see the company roll it out with a software update down the line. It’s still unclear whether Apple plans to give this feature to older Apple Watch models.

What we don’t expect to see on the Apple Watch Series 10

1. Blood oxygen tracking has yet to return

A lawsuit from Masimo Corp embroiled Apple in a legal battle over its newest Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensors, forcing the company to remove the blood oxygen tracking feature completely. The feature has yet to make a comeback. 

Unfortunately, we don’t expect the new Apple Watch models to bring back the blood oxygen monitoring, as there have been no reports that the company is working on bringing it back in time for the launch next week.

Also: The most durable Android phone I’ve tested also has a week-long battery life

Currently, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 don’t have the blood oxygen sensor-enabled, so users looking to upgrade from an older model (Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, and Ultra) should know they’ll likely lose that feature until Apple resolves its issue.

2. No hypertension capabilities yet

While Apple is constantly working behind the scenes to give its wearables extra health-tracking features, some aren’t quite ready for the market yet — blood pressure measuring is one example. 

Also: The iPhone 16’s new camera button is the feature I’m most excited about. Here’s how it works

Many users have expected Apple to release blood pressure monitoring on the Apple Watch for some time, especially since the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 launched with blood pressure tracking. It appears 2024 isn’t the year for Apple, as the feature is reportedly delayed and not planned for the new models launching on Monday.