Apple Designers Discuss Evolution of Apple Watch Series 10

Apple executives recently highlighted the latest redesign of the Apple Watch Series 10, marking a decade since the introduction of the popular smartwatch, in an interview with GQ.

Despite Apple’s usual practice of avoiding anniversary celebrations, the company has made an exception for this release, focusing on design improvements and new features.

“Steve said, ‘If you do something great, you don’t spend a lot of time looking back,’” explained Eric Jue, director of Apple Watch product marketing, reflecting on Apple’s forward-looking philosophy.

Alan Dye, head of human interface design at the company, discussed the wearable’s versatility, noting that the ability to pair the Apple Watch with traditional analogue watches or other accessories has contributed to its success. “If you don’t want to take your Apple Watch off, that’s probably not the worst thing,” said Dye.

The Series 10 features Apple’s largest-ever display and a new titanium case, offering enhanced durability and aesthetics. Molly Anderson, head of industrial design, noted the influence of traditional horology on the new design, specifically the introduction of a Reflections face modeled after hand-carved guilloche dials found in luxury watches.

“We got obsessed with understanding where the object was in any place or time,” said Dye, highlighting the Watch’s use of gyroscopes and sensors to create realistic light reflections.

Apple designers also touch on the new colour for Apple Watch Ultra 2. “The diamond-like carbon coating is even harder than the surface of natural titanium,” says Anderson. “If you scratch it on anything apart from maybe diamond, you’re going end up with that object on your watch rather than scratching the coating off.”

The design team also credited their ongoing collaboration with Hermès for inspiring whimsical touches, such as asymmetrical straps and unique watch faces. Anderson noted that Apple’s partnership with the luxury brand has allowed them to introduce unexpected elements to the Watch’s design, bringing “whimsy and joy” to the device.

As Apple continues to refine its wearable technology, Dye emphasized that the company is always exploring new possibilities. “We’re not afraid of the new at all,” he said, indicating that the Watch will continue to evolve in its second decade.

At the end of the day, Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2 are minor refreshes, but are considerable upgrades for those still sporting older generations (that likely have terrible battery life by now).