Overview
2023 saw major new product announcements and innovations in the smartwatch space. Now in 2024, those products are hitting the market and proving to be game-changers. Both Apple and Samsung have released impressive new flagship smartwatches packed with new health sensors and functionality. At the same time, smartwatch operating systems continue advancing with more app integration, better power efficiency, and intelligence. This article will explore the most important 2024 smartwatch releases, key new features consumers are excited about, and what we can expect next from the leading tech giants as they battle to win over consumers’ wrists.
Apple Watch Series 10 Stuns with New Health Sensors
After months of rumors and speculation, Apple finally took the wraps off its 10th generation Apple Watch in September 2023. Now as the Series 10 hits stores in early 2024, early reviews confirm it brings some of the biggest changes ever to the iconic smartwatch.
Headlining is an all-new body temperature sensor capable of detecting slight fluctuations signaling ovulation cycles or the onset of a fever or illness. Reviewers praise the sensor for its accuracy and how it expands the Watch’s already impressive health monitoring capabilities:
“Core temperature measurements on the Apple Watch have proven eerily accurate in testing. Even slight changes outside the normal range are detected reliably, giving users an early warning system for illness or other issues.” – TechRadar
Also new is an advanced sleep tracking system leveraging the watch’s motion sensors to detect REM, Core, and other sleep stages. This data integrates with Apple’s existing Sleep app to provide deeper insight into sleep quality and personalized tips for improvement.
Finally, Apple has managed to equip the Series 10 with over 24 hours of battery life for the first time. This was achieved through a new low-power mode as well as a bigger battery. Reviewers say the extra endurance removes a major pain point and makes sleep tracking easy.
With these additions plus a faster new S10 chipset, the Apple Watch Series 10 looks to extend Apple???s dominance in the growing smartwatch market. It is available now starting at $399 for aluminum models and $749 for premium stainless steel variants.
Samsung Matches Apple with Galaxy Watch 7 unveil
Not to be outdone, Samsung unveiled its own next-gen smartwatch in late 2023 – the Galaxy Watch 7. As expected, it just began shipping in January 2024 with Samsung’s most advanced health sensors and fitness tracking yet.
Arguably its most innovative update is a new cuffless blood pressure monitoring system. Using advanced optics and algorithms, the Galaxy Watch 7 can continually monitor blood pressure without the need for a chest strap or arm cuff. Early testing shows accuracy within 3mmHg of dedicated monitors.
???For consumers or patients wanting to closely track blood pressure without bulky equipment, the Galaxy Watch 7 is a game-changer. The convenience of wrist-based readings makes logging symptoms and tracking medication efficacy effortless.??? – Wareable
The Samsung Health app ties all this data together with nutrition, exercise, sleep, and other metrics to give users an unprecedented holistic view of health.
Elsewhere, the Galaxy Watch 7 also packs an infrared skin temperature sensor, updated BioActive chip for more precise heart rate variability and ECG capabilities, and a sapphire crystal display promoting durability. It retails starting at $399.
Battle of the Operating Systems
While Apple and SamsungSmartwatch’s headline hardware improvements with each new generation, their respective smartwatch operating systems also continue advancing.
watchOS
Apple’s watchOS 9 impressed with new fitness tracking metrics and views when it launched alongside the Apple Watch Series 8. Now watchOS 10 looks to build on those strengths even further with additional running training tools and insights plus an enhanced Workout app.
But it’s the new Medications app that could prove most beneficial. watchOS 10 uses sensor data to remind users when it’s time to take medications while tracking effects over time. Doctors gain remote visibility to determine optimum dosages based on how patients respond.
WearOS
Not to be outdone, Google’s WearOS continues improving as well thanks to tighter integration with Android smartphones. Handoff features now allow apps and content to transition seamlessly from phone to watch. Direct voice calling is another new addition letting users answer calls right from their wrist.
Under the hood, WearOS also continues working to extend battery life through better power management and process optimizations. The results are already impressive according to CNET’s Galaxy Watch 7 testing:
“In a major improvement over past Galaxy watches running WearOS, the Galaxy Watch 7 lasted over 3 days in testing with always on display active. This puts it right up there with the Apple Watch for real world endurance.???
These dueling platforms will continue pushing each other to new heights. With Google now working more closely than ever with Samsung, exciting new collaborations could happen in coming years.
What does the future hold?
With the Apple Watch Series 10 and Galaxy Watch 7 now hitting the market with groundbreaking additions, what comes next? We likely have gotten a peak with some early leaks and rumors for next generation models expected in late 2024.
Apple Watch Series 11
Some leaks point to Apple further expanding health monitoring in the 2025 Series 11 model. Specifically, Apple is rumored to be developing non-invasive blood glucose tracking which would be an absolute game-changer for diabetic users. Vastly improved activity tracking focused on running, swimming, and yoga also appears in the works.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Beyond improvements to existing sensors, rumors claim Samsung plans to integrate Dexcom’s continuous blood glucose monitoring technology into its 2025 Galaxy Watch 8. If achieved, this would match Apple’s rumored functionality while leveraging Dexcom’s provenaccuracy.
Also expect the Galaxy Watch 8 to copy the protruding digital crown button seen on newer Apple Watches. This would enable an interface breakthrough with Samsung’s rotating bezel while improving durability.
Conclusion
In a category now rapidly advancing, 2023’s end left Apple and Samsung well ahead with their impressively equipped next-generation smartwatches. But 2024 promises to bring even more exciting innovation as these tech giants continue pushing boundaries in miniaturization and sensor technology. We can expect more medical grade health tracking capabilities plus advancements easing smartwatch integration into our digital lives. As the lines increasingly blur between technology we wear vs carry, our wrists are proving to be the ultimate real estate for the convenience and discretion consumers demand. Both the Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch seem poised to satisfy users in new and profound ways over the next several years.
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 | Apple Watch Series 10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Pressure | Yes (cuffless) | No |
| Body Temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Blood Glucose | No | No |
| Battery Life | >3 days | >24 hours |
| Mobile OS | WearOS | watchOS |
| Starting Price | $399 | $399 |
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
