Two years ago, the Apple Watch Ultra revolutionized the game for long-distance runners by combining the beloved features of previous Apple watches with a longer battery life, perfect for extended activities. Since then, Apple has continued to enhance its lineup, especially with the release of WatchOS 11 earlier this year, which offers improved training insights. On Sept. 9, the California-based tech giant announced that many of these advanced training and health features would now be available in the more affordable Apple Watch Series 10. This makes the Series 10 a highly appealing option for runners, as it delivers many of the Ultra’s premium training capabilities at just over half the price.
For endurance athletes who may not need the priciest equipment, the Series 10 offers a perfect blend of smartwatch functionality and advanced training features—all at a more accessible price point.
Battery life and performance
With an 18-hour all-day battery life (compared to around 36 hours for the Ultra), the Series 10 won’t last through an Ironman or a 160-km ultramarathon. However, it’s more than capable of handling most long-distance races, including marathons, regardless of your pace. The Series 10 is also slimmer and less bulky, making it an ideal choice for runners who prefer a lighter option on their wrists—especially those with smaller wrists.
Pricing and design
The Apple Watch Series 10 starts at CAD 549/USD 399 and comes in two sizes: 42 mm and 46 mm. Apple has also introduced a range of new bands, including options that match the new titanium colours.
Design-wise, the Series 10 features the largest display of any Apple Watch—including the Ultra 2—yet it’s Apple’s thinnest watch ever. With sleek rounded corners, the watch is not only functional but also stylish. Available in aluminum and titanium, its metal back integrates the antenna, giving it a seamless, one-piece look. The new design also speeds up charging: you can reach 80 per cent battery in just 30 minutes, and an eight-minute charge will provide up to eight hours of sleep tracking.
Health and fitness features
WatchOS 11 introduces innovative recovery tracking and health monitoring features. The new Vitals app gives you quick access to overnight health metrics, while the Training Load feature shows how your workouts impact your daily life. You can even customize your Activity rings, so you can take a rest day without feeling guilty about missing your stand goal.
The standout health feature is Sleep Apnea notifications. The Series 10 tracks your heart rate, respiratory rate, and wrist temperature while you sleep, identifying signs of sleep apnea—a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep. Thanks to its faster charging and lightweight design, you can comfortably wear it overnight.]
Additionally, like the Ultra, the Series 10 can connect to Bluetooth sensors, such as external heart rate monitors and cadence pods.
Display improvements
The larger screen on the Series 10 makes it easier to read messages and, more importantly, view training data during workouts. The wide-angle OLED display is 40 per cent brighter when viewed from an angle, meaning you won’t need to turn your wrist as much to see your stats. With nine per cent more screen area than the Series 9, the Series 10 improves visibility and usability, making it easier to type messages or pause a workout.
We’ll look forward to putting the new Apple products through more in-depth testing once review models become available–stay tuned for more updates.
