Apple Watch Series 10 Has Same Heart Sensor as Series 9

Though there were rumors that the Apple Watch Series 10 would get a new heart and ECG sensor, that does not appear to have happened. According to the technical specifications for the Apple Watch Series 10, it is equipped with a third-generation optical heart sensor, which is the same sensor that was used in the prior-generation Series 9.

apple watch series 10 silver
Apple also made no mention of the heart rate sensor during yesterday's event, and there is no information about any kind of upgrade on the Apple Watch Series 10 product page.

The rumor, shared by 9to5Mac, said the alleged upgraded heart sensor would "unlock new features and provide more accurate results." The site said that it would enable sleep apnea detection, but as Apple explained yesterday, sleep apnea detection actually uses the accelerometer. Sleep apnea detection did not require an upgrade to the heart sensor, and it is in fact also being added to the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, both of which have the same third-generation heart sensor as the Series 10.

Apple was working on blood pressure monitoring for the Series 10, but the feature was not ready in time for the device's launch. Apple did not introduce health features other than the ability to detect sleep apnea.

A new design is the main focus of the Series 10, and it is thinner and lighter than prior Apple Watch models. It does have a new water temperature sensor, depth sensor, Oceanic+ app for snorkeling, and Tides app, which brings it closer in functionality to the ‌Apple Watch Ultra 2‌.

There were rumors of improved water resistance that would allow the Series 10 to be used with high-speed water sports up to 20 meters deep, but Apple did not update the Apple Watch Series 10's water resistance. It continues to have a water resistance rating of 50 meters, and while it can be used for shallow-water activities like snorkeling or swimming in a pool, Apple still warns against using it for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.

The Apple Watch Series 10 models are available for pre-order right now and will begin arriving to customers on Friday, September 20.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

DrJR Avatar
7 months ago
“PHONING IT IN” should have been event tag line this year.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nutmac Avatar
7 months ago
I suspect S10 is also largely identical to S9 processor.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jarrodbcall Avatar
7 months ago

I’m curious how often you actually use the blood oxygen sensor? I can see how it would have been useful back when Covid was in full swing, but now that the virus is attenuated and hypoxia is rare, I don’t see much use for it unless you have underlying lung disease like asthma or copd.

Or maybe it’s just a “I’ve got this feature and taking it away would be a downgrade” sentiment which I absolutely understand.
I have sleep apnea and have been in an ongoing battle with medical providers about it (thankfully, my symptoms reduced when I moved to sea level, but because of that I'm having insurance cover my equipment). Having my blood oxygen show up in AutoSleep or through the vitals has really helped me learn more about what makes my symptoms better or worse. I agree that most people don't need it, but for those of us with medical conditions it is helpful!
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BrentD Avatar
7 months ago
If you use the Apple product comparison tool on their website, it confirms that the optical heart sensor is the same one that has been in the watch since Series 6. https://www.apple.com/watch/compare/?modelList=watch-series-7,watch-series-10

I'm coming from series 7 and still got over $100 trade in credit for a 3 year old watch. Seemed like a decent deal to me to upgrade.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Cirillo Gherardo Avatar
7 months ago
Those Apple engineers really worked overtime for the last year didn't they...
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
vegetassj4 Avatar
7 months ago
It’s still the most amazing, magical, revolutionary heart sensor that they’ve ever created with more power than any heart sensor in a phone.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)