[みんなのケータイ]When I bought a new Apple Watch for the first time in 4 years, it became much more comfortable to use.

This fall, I bought an “iPhone 16 Pro” and an “Apple Watch Series 10.” I chose the cheapest model for both, but the iPhone 16 Pro (128GB) was still 159,800 yen, and the Apple Watch (46mm GPS model) was 64,800 yen, so the total was 224,600 yen . It was a very big expense for me.

Series 10 is available in 42mm and 46mm, but I chose the 46mm model because I wanted the screen to be easy to read. I chose the jet black aluminum case and the GPS module.

I change my iPhone every year because I want to be able to use new features as soon as possible, but it has been 4 years since I used the Apple Watch. It was a replacement from the Series 6. To be honest, I am not satisfied with the performance or features of the Series 6. However, there are several reasons why I decided to buy it.

First, battery life has improved. The battery life of the Series 6 I use is up to 18 hours. However, due to deterioration over time, it was hardly possible to keep it for a day. The 10 series also has a battery life of up to 18 hours, and up to 36 hours in low power mode. However, when I actually used it, it lasted more than 18 hours with the default settings, and when I turned off the persistent display, it lasted 24 hours. I used to take it off before going to bed, but now I also put it on when I go to bed to monitor my sleep.

The charging speed was also faster. According to Apple, it can be charged to 80% in about 30 minutes, but when I tried to charge it from 10% remaining, it reached 82% in 30 minutes and 96% in 40 minutes . I haven’t put in the charging time of the Series 6, but it is true that it is significantly faster. Even if you accidentally forget to charge it, it’s reassuring to be able to charge it quickly.

Now you can charge a battery that lasts all day in a short time

Then, the screen got bigger. The case size of the Series 6 I had been using was 44mm, but the Series 10 has a case size of 46mm and a wider screen. In addition to the screen being easier to see, I feel that touch activity has also become easier. Due to the thinner body, the weight is 36.4g, the same as Series 6 (36.5g). It feels light considering the size of the screen.

Row 10 (46mm) on the left, Row 6 (44mm) on the right

The screen is wider, making touch operations easier.

Apple Watch has a built-in microphone and speaker that allows you to answer incoming calls and use Siri.

However, current models could not output audio from media such as music and podcasts. Series 10 can now output media audio directly from the head unit. It was hard to imagine how useful this feature would be until I tried it, but it goes well with “working while at home”. When I’m doing housework, I listen to audiobooks and podcasts on Audible. Even if I don’t wear headphones and move around, the sound still follows me, which is not bad.

The media audio speaker output is compatible not only with real Apple apps but also with third-party apps such as “Audible”

Another thing I like is the gesture control where you tap the thumb and index finger of the hand you have the Apple Watch with. This is a new feature from Series 9, but it was the first time I experienced it in Series 10. In situations where I only have one hand, such as when walking my dog, I can answer incoming calls, pause music, scan the screen, and more than I expected. Personally, I’d like to see it grow by adding more gestures than just double tap.

The double tap function introduced in Series 9 is also helpful.

So, so far, I’m very happy with the use of the Apple Watch Series 10.