Wait for Apple Watch Series 10? Key Reasons

You should wait for the Apple Watch Series 10 if you are not in a hurry, because the next model is expected to bring a thinner design, a new magnetic band system, and potentially blood pressure monitoring—upgrades that could make the current Series 9 a less attractive buy in a few months. If you need a new watch today, the Series 9 remains excellent, but waiting a few months could get you a more future-proof device.

Why Waiting Makes Sense

Apple typically announces new Apple Watch models in September alongside the iPhone. The Series 10 (or “Apple Watch X”) is widely expected to be announced in September 2024, marking the 10th anniversary of the product line. Rumors and supply chain reports point to several meaningful upgrades that could justify waiting:

• Thinner design: Apple is reportedly working on a significantly slimmer case, possibly using a new manufacturing process that reduces thickness without sacrificing battery life.
• New band system: The current slide-in band mechanism may be replaced with a magnetic attachment, which could mean existing bands won’t fit—so buying bands now might be wasteful.
• Blood pressure monitoring: After years of development, the Series 10 could include a blood pressure sensor, though it may only alert you to trends rather than give exact numbers.
• Faster chip: A new S10 chip is expected, likely improving performance and enabling new health features.

If any of these features matter to you, waiting a few months is a rational choice. Even if you don’t care about the new features, the Series 9 will likely drop in price once the Series 10 launches.

What the Current Models Offer

The Apple Watch Series 9 (released September 2023) is a mature product. It includes the S9 chip with a 30% faster GPU, a brighter 2000-nit display, the double-tap gesture, and the second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for Precision Finding of your iPhone. It runs watchOS 10, which brought new apps, a Smart Stack, and improved cycling and hiking features.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 (also 2023) is aimed at athletes and adventurers, with a rugged titanium case, a flat sapphire crystal, and up to 36 hours of battery life (72 hours in low-power mode). It also has a brighter display (3000 nits) and the same S9 chip.

The Apple Watch SE (second generation, 2022) is the budget option, with the S8 chip and most core features, but it lacks the always-on display, ECG, blood oxygen, and temperature sensing.

How to Decide: Wait or Buy Now?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do you need a new watch immediately? If your current watch is broken or you need it for a health condition, buy now—the Series 9 is still a great device.
• Do you care about the rumored new features? If blood pressure monitoring or a thinner design is a must-have, waiting is wise.
• Are you on a budget? If you want the best price, wait for the Series 10 launch and then buy the Series 9 at a discount.
• Do you plan to keep the watch for 3+ years? Waiting for the newest chip and sensors gives you more longevity.

If you’re coming from an older model (Series 6 or earlier), the upgrade to Series 9 is already substantial. But if you have a Series 7 or 8, the differences are minor, so waiting is easier.

Common Problems with Current Models

Owners of recent Apple Watches have reported a few issues that might influence your decision:

• Battery drain: Some users on watchOS 10 experience faster battery drain, though Apple has addressed this in updates.
• Band compatibility: If the Series 10 changes the band connector, current bands won’t fit. This is a big deal if you’ve invested in multiple bands.
• Blood oxygen patent dispute: The Series 9 and Ultra 2 were briefly banned in the US due to a patent dispute with Masimo, and the blood oxygen feature is currently disabled on new units sold in the US. The Series 10 may resolve this or introduce a new sensor.

Cost Considerations

Apple Watch prices have remained stable over recent generations. The Series 9 starts at $399, the SE at $249, and the Ultra 2 at $799. If the Series 10 introduces a new design, it may come with a price increase, but the Series 9 will likely drop by $50–$100 after the launch.

If you buy now and the Series 10 comes out in September, you’ll have a watch that’s one generation behind—but still supported for years. Apple typically supports watchOS for about 5 years, so a Series 9 will get updates until around 2028.

Alternatives to Waiting

If you decide not to wait, here are your best options:

• Apple Watch Series 9: The best overall for most people.
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: For athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
• Apple Watch SE: For kids, seniors, or anyone on a budget.
• Garmin or Fitbit: If you prioritize battery life (days/weeks) over smart features, these are strong alternatives.

If you want to wait but need a watch now, consider buying a used or refurbished older model (Series 6 or 7) for a low price, then upgrade later.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Apple Watch Series 10 be released?

Apple typically announces new watches in September, alongside the iPhone. The Series 10 is expected to be announced in September 2024, with pre-orders starting the same week and shipping a few days later.

Will the Series 10 be more expensive?

There’s no official pricing yet. The Series 9 started at $399. If the Series 10 has a new design and additional sensors, it could cost more, but Apple has kept the base price stable for several years.

Should I buy the Series 9 now or wait?

If you need a watch today, buy the Series 9—it’s excellent. If you can wait 2–3 months, you’ll likely get a thinner watch with new features, or a discount on the Series 9.

Will my old bands fit the Series 10?

Rumors suggest Apple may switch to a magnetic band system, which would make current bands incompatible. However, this is not confirmed. If you have many bands, you might want to wait for official confirmation.

Is the blood pressure feature worth waiting for?

If you have hypertension or a family history of high blood pressure, a blood pressure alert could be valuable. However, early implementations may only show trends, not exact readings, and you’d still need a traditional cuff for medical decisions.

What about the blood oxygen feature on the Series 9?

Due to a patent dispute, new Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 units sold in the US have the blood oxygen feature disabled. If this matters to you, waiting for the Series 10 might be wise, as Apple may resolve the issue or introduce a new sensor.

Related

• Cargo Spacecraft After ISS Delivery: What Happens
• Statistical Modeling in America: Uses and Pitfalls
• DMZ Key Locations: Which Door Each Key Opens