Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3: Bigger Displays, Thinner Design

Bigger Displays and Thinner Design

Design and Display

Both the Apple Watch Series 10 (codenamed N217 and N218) and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will feature larger displays.

The Series 10 models will have screens about the same size as the current Apple Watch Ultra, around 1.9 inches.

The Series 10 will also be thinner, though the overall design is unlikely to change significantly.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will maintain a similar design to the current model, which was introduced in 2022.

Performance and AI

The Series 10 and Ultra 3 will be powered by a new, more powerful chip.

This new processor could lay the groundwork for future AI enhancements, but Apple has no plans to bring its upcoming Apple Intelligence suite to the Apple Watch at this time.

Health Features Facing Challenges

Health Features

Apple had planned to introduce blood pressure and sleep apnea detection features this year, but has faced significant challenges in development.

The blood pressure feature has proven unreliable during testing, potentially delaying its release.

The sleep apnea detection feature is tied to blood oxygen measurement, which is currently limited on Apple Watches due to a legal dispute.

Apple may announce these features but delay their actual release, or find workarounds to the challenges.

Glucose monitoring remains a long-term goal for the Apple Watch, with the company making progress over the past decade.

Manufacturing and Cost Changes

Manufacturing and Cost

Apple is exploring the use of 3D printing to manufacture Apple Watch chassis, which could improve production efficiency and environmental impact.

The company is also developing a new, lower-cost Apple Watch SE model, potentially swapping the aluminum shell for a rigid plastic design to better compete with Samsung’s $199 Galaxy Watch FE.

Branding and Release Timeline

It’s unclear whether Apple will brand the upcoming watches as an “anniversary” model or wait until 2025 for a more significant release. The Apple Watch was announced in 2014 but not released until 2015, so Apple could choose to celebrate the milestone this year or have a bigger celebration next year.The Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 are expected to debut in September, alongside the iPhone 16 lineup.

Design and Display

Model	Screen Size
Apple Watch Series 10	1.5 inches (N217) / 1.7 inches (N218)
Apple Watch Ultra 3	1.9 inches

Features

Feature	Description
New Chip	Lays groundwork for AI enhancements
Larger Displays	Both Series 10 models will feature larger screens
Thinner Design	Apple Watch Series 10 will be thinner

Health Features

Feature	Description
High Blood Pressure Detection	Planned but facing reliability issues
Sleep Apnea Detection	Tied to blood oxygen saturation, facing legal disputes
Glucose Monitoring	Long-term goal, in development for about a decade

Manufacturing and Cost

Feature	Description
3D-Printing Chassis	Testing and discussion for some models
Apple Watch SE	New version being developed, possibly with a rigid plastic shell

FAQs

What changes are coming to the Apple Watch Series 10?
- The Apple Watch Series 10 will feature larger displays and a new chip.
Will the Apple Watch Ultra 3 get a major design change?
- No, the design itself is unlikely to look much different.
When can we expect AI enhancements on the Apple Watch?
- Not until Apple Intelligence is fully developed, which is currently only headed to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Will the Apple Watch Series 10 have a blood pressure detection feature?
- Yes, but it is facing reliability issues and may be delayed.
When can we expect sleep apnea detection on the Apple Watch?
- It is tied to a legal dispute and may be delayed or announced without immediate release.
Will the Apple Watch Ultra 3 get a new chip?
- Yes, both the Series 10 and new Ultra 3 will get a new chip.
Will the Apple Watch Series 10 be thinner?
- Yes, the Series 10 will be thinner.
Will the Apple Watch SE get a new version?
- Yes, a new version is being developed, possibly with a rigid plastic shell.
Will the Apple Watch Series 10 have a glucose monitoring feature?
- It is a long-term goal, in development for about a decade.
Will Apple use 3D-printing for some Apple Watch models?
- Yes, the company is testing and discussing the idea.
Will the Apple Watch Series 10 have a higher cost?
- No, the company is looking to get the cost down to rival Samsung’s cheapest watch.
Will the Apple Watch Ultra 3 have a larger screen?
- No, the current design only dates to 2022.