Apple Watch Series 10 Has Beautiful Design, But It Might Not Be All It’s Cracked Up To Be

Apple Watch Series 10 looks gorgeous, like it just stepped out of a fashion shoot, but the health features are where the glow starts to wobble. The big headline is that blood oxygen tracking, the SpO2 metric people use for respiratory insights, is not included for U.S. buyers right now.

This gets messy because Apple is still locked in a legal fight with Masimo over the measurement system. While the watch adds fresh perks like sleep apnea detection, the absence of SpO2 in the U.S. means certain users are staring at a slimmer health dashboard than they expected, with some Series 10 units even marked with part numbers ending in LW/A to confirm what’s missing.

So the question is not whether the Series 10 is impressive, it’s whether it’s “complete” enough for the people who were counting on that one specific metric.

Meet the Apple Watch Series 10: It’s sleeker than ever but missing a beat. No blood oxygen tracking in the U.S. means it's all style, no SpO2

Joe Maring / Digital Trends

That sleek new design is doing a lot of heavy lifting, even as U.S. Series 10 boxes quietly omit the blood oxygen tracking people keep asking for.

However, Apple’s tussle with Masimo is far from over. While Apple is fighting to overturn the ruling, the future of the blood oxygen measurement system remains uncertain. 

If the court sides with Apple, the feature could make a triumphant return—but until then, U.S. buyers will have to settle for a series of smartwatches that, while impressive, miss out on a key health metric. 

As of January 18, 2024, Apple Watch Series 10 units sold in the U.S. will be marked with part numbers ending in LW/A, indicating the absence of this feature.

The Apple Watch Series 10 has certainly dazzled with its sleek design and the introduction of a sleep apnea detection system. However, the absence of critical health metrics, such as blood oxygen saturation monitoring, raises concerns for potential users. This feature has become increasingly important for individuals with respiratory issues or those who engage in high-intensity activities, as it plays a vital role in early detection and prevention of serious health conditions.

As consumers consider investing in this latest smartwatch, it is crucial that they reflect on their individual health needs and goals. While the Series 10 offers some innovative features, the lack of comprehensive health monitoring could limit its effectiveness for those who rely on such data for their wellbeing.

The Apple Watch Series 10 still has a lot of tricks up its sleeve—just not the one that could’ve ‘sealed the deal’ for many. Too bad!

Joe Maring / Digital Trends

The court drama with Masimo is the reason, because Apple is trying to overturn the ruling that keeps the SpO2 feature sidelined for now.

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And while the watch still brings sleep apnea detection to the table, the part numbers ending in LW/A are basically a neon sign saying, “not in the U.S.”

So, should you hold off on your purchase? If you’re in the U.S. and the SpO2 tracker is your must-have feature, you might want to wait for the legal dust to settle. 

Apple is known to prioritize customer needs, and it’s likely they’ll find a way to resolve this issue. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 10 remains a powerful piece of tech but with a slightly less “complete” health profile. 

Stay tuned, and perhaps keep your fingers crossed for a legal victory that brings back this important feature.

In the meantime, if you’re already using an older model Apple Watch, enjoy the blood oxygen readings while they last. After all, in the world of tech, nothing stays the same for long!

Once you factor in what respiratory monitoring can mean for high-intensity days and health routines, the “missing SpO2” detail stops feeling minor real fast.

To enhance future models, Apple could engage in user surveys and focus groups to understand which health features are most desired, ensuring they resonate with consumer expectations and health trends.

The arrival of the Apple Watch Series 10 showcases the dynamic nature of wearable technology, yet its omission of blood oxygen tracking raises questions about its overall value. While the innovative sleep apnea detection feature is certainly impressive, the absence of a previously standard health metric may disappoint those who prioritize comprehensive health monitoring. This oversight serves as a reminder that understanding user needs is crucial for any tech company's success.

In an era where health metrics play a significant role in consumer choices, it is vital for tech companies to engage with their users directly. By aligning product features with what consumers truly desire, companies can better meet expectations and enhance the overall user experience. The Apple Watch Series 10 may boast a stunning design, but without fully addressing the health functionalities that matter most, it risks falling short of consumer satisfaction.

The Series 10 can be beautiful, but if you wanted SpO2, it’s a lot like buying a lock and realizing the key is still in court.

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