IT'S UPGRADE TIME

As the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch approached, rumours about a revolutionary device with a dramatic design change swirled-the Apple Watch X. But as it turns out, we got the Apple Watch Series 10 instead.

- KENNY YEO

While it may not boast radical innovations, the updates it does bring are some of the most significant in recent years. In a feat of engineering, Apple has made the watch larger yet slimmer and lighter. The case sizes have grown by 1mm, now available in 42mm and 46mm, but the thickness has been reduced by 10%, coming in at a sleek 9.7mm.

This reduction in thickness, coupled with a weight decrease of at least 10%, makes the Series 10 one of the most comfortable Apple Watches to wear. The thinner profile doesn't just add comfort; it also improves usability. For those who wear their watches to bed, the slimmer build makes the Series 10 much less obtrusive, which is crucial given the new sleep-centric features introduced in watchOS 11.

Additionally, Apple has updated the material choices for the Series 10. There's a new Jet Black aluminium version that is dramatically different from the Midnight finish of last year. The polished titanium cases, replacing the previous stainless steel options, stand out for their mirror-like finish, a surprising achievement for a material known for its strength rather than its aesthetic appeal.

Apple has also increased the display size, with the 46mm model's screen now slightly larger than the Apple Watch Ultra's. Though the difference is only 3%, it contributes to better legibility and usability, making tapping on buttons and interacting with the watch more seamless.