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Tom's Guide
4 hours ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
The future of wearable wellness tech: 5 wild predictions for 2035 according to experts and industry leaders
Artificial Intelligence | Smart Glasses | Wearable TechSmartphones | iPhones | Robots | Cars | TVs In 2035, your Apple Watch Series 36 could arrive with enough battery power to last the lifetime of the wearable; I'm talking years rather than days, i.e., no recharging required. Don't like wearing a watch? All those holistic sensors may come in an assortment of new forms, including flexible and near-invisible stick-on 'smart patches' that look kind of like a Band-Aid but stay put for weeks or even months. As the speed in which health data can be processed and analysed continues to improve, while physical holistic sensors get tinier and tinier, keeping tabs on your vitals ten years from now will likely not be handled by one piece of dedicated wearable tech, but by an array of health-sensing devices you don't even have to think about, like the steering wheel of your car if you commute by automobile, your contact lenses (even if you don't require corrective vision), or even the waistband of your favorite underpants. With so much information to decipher, AI will be the backbone that powers future wearable wellness technology. The promise of early detection of not just chronic disease but everyday illness will be another crucial selling point of tomorrow's wearable devices, and the best devices will offer sensible, actionable steps to follow if something does come up. To get a clearer picture of our possible wearable/embeddable future, I spoke with an array of experts and industry leaders in the field, including, Angela McIntyre, the director of the Stanford's Wearable Electronics Initiative; Amaury Kosman, the founder and CEO of the smart ring brand, Circular; Jason Russell, the vice president of software at Oura Ring; Antoine Joussain, a lead product manager at the consumer health technology brand, Withings; Roman Axelrod and Dr Valentyn Volkov, cofounders of the smart contact lens startup Xpanceo; and Michael Hayes, the CEO of the smart contact startup InWith Corp. These conversations resulted in five major trends surrounding wearables and embeddables for the year 2035: More form factors, batteries that last the life of the device, predictive monitoring for both chronic diseases and everyday conditions, AI connecting the dots between wellness metrics and healthcare, and further incorporation of smart features that make life easier/less stressful. Battery life, or lack thereof, is one of the biggest factors holding back today's wearables. Relatively reliable subscription-free wearables can be picked up for $100 or less (see the Amazfit Active 2), but few last longer than a week on a single charge. Fortunately, in 2035, the need to plug in may be as antiquated as the away message. 'Our goal is for [the battery] to last the lifetime of the device,' says Antoine Joussain, a lead product manager at the French wellness tech brand, Withings. 'So if a device is lasting for five years, we'd like [the battery] to last for five years too.' This will come through both innovations in battery technology and reductions in power consumption. Nearly everyone I spoke to for this article mentioned flexible or even stretchable batteries. Such technology would be crucial for developing a truly band-aid-style "smart patch," notes Angela McIntyre, the Executive Director of Stanford University's Wearable Electronics Initiative (eWEAR). More on that below. Some wearables brands like the smart ring manufacturer, Circular, already use bendable batteries in their product design. However, at the rate at which battery technology is currently developing, the batteries of 2035 will likely look vastly different than today's. 'We already have flexible batteries in our rings, and we're trying to max them out. Over the past six years, I've seen three different technologies used in batteries, so different materials that can withstand more and more capacity,' says Amaury Kosman, the Founder and CEO of Circular. 'By 2035, it's plausible that wearables could integrate hybrid energy systems that passively recharge throughout the day, vastly extending runtime and reducing dependency on charging cycles.' Power management improvements won't only come in the form of better batteries. 'More efficient signal paths and the ability to disable unused sensors will also contribute meaningfully [to improved battery life]' says Jason Russell, Oura's VP of consumer software, when asked what a theoretical Oura Ring 10 might look like. Another hot topic: energy harvesting. While ten years is likely too soon for our smartwatches to be powered solely by body heat, McIntyre reports that researchers at Stanford and elsewhere are hard at work making the concept a reality. 'Motion of a person could be harvested as well,' says McIntyre. Of course, self-charging wearables do exist in 2025. The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar, which features a light-sensative cell behind the device's screen, is a great example. However, by 2035, solar charging capabilities might be small enough to fit directly into a contact lens. 'We are developing light-harvesting features integrated into the lens surface, allowing ambient sunlight or indoor lighting to contribute to the power supply. While energy harvested this way is modest, the low power demands of contact lenses make even small boosts valuable," says Dr Valentyn Volkov, the cofounder of Xpanceo. While the founder of the Circular Ring, Amaury Kosman, seemed skeptical of wearables' self-generating energy by 2035, Oura's VP of Consumer Software, Jason Russell, sounds more optimistic. 'By 2035, it's plausible that wearables could integrate hybrid energy systems that passively recharge throughout the day, vastly extending runtime and reducing dependency on charging cycles,' says Russell. Don't expect watches or rings to disappear anytime soon, because whether smart or not, this style of jewelry is likely here to stay. On the flip side, do expect the sensors you already see in smart rings and smartwatches to eventually appear in other wearable products, like earbuds, bracelets, stick-on patches, contact lenses and smart clothing. 'The idea is to make it disappear,' says Joussain when asked what the future of health-sensing technology looks like for Withings. That's a pretty bold statement for a brand that makes a somewhat chunky metal smartwatch with considerable heft in 2025. Ultimately, ten years from now, holistic sensors will be small enough to be installed just about anywhere, not just in wearables but also your computer mouse and even your car's steering wheel. Essentially, wherever you're most likely to interact with them. 'All these new [health tracking] technologies will be implemented in everyday objects. So, you take your car every day, when you are holding the steering wheel, it will monitor your vitals,' predicts Joussain. Ultimately, Joussain suspects that health sensors will be embedded directly into the user's body. However, he confesses that the concept is almost certainly more than a decade off. Stanford's McIntyre agrees. Instead, she thinks stick-on smart patches packed with holistic sensors are more likely to make an impact in the next ten years. 'There are new sensors that are coming, and with your flexible, stretchable capabilities, they'll be even more that we can do from a sticky patch,' says McIntyre. 'All these new [health tracking] technologies will be implemented in everyday objects. So, you take your car every day, when you are holding the steering wheel, it will monitor your vitals' Much to my surprise, Circular's founder, Amaury Kosman, also thinks that smart patches could be the way of the future when it comes to at-home health monitoring. 'A patch, which is tiny and anybody can wear, I think that's the future of where we're heading. As time goes by, everything gets miniaturized, everything gets more precise, and it gets cheaper. So it's just a logical next step for me,' says Kosman when asked what future wearables will most likely look like. Similarly, Oura's Jason Russell acknowledges that the future of wellness monitoring might go beyond the singular smart ring. "We foresee stretching the boundaries of biometric sensing via the ring while integrating complementary wearables that together enable an even more complete picture of your health," Russell says. Outside of smart patches, what other new wearable health-monitoring tech can we expect to take off in the next decade? 'Smart contact lenses, being in direct contact with the eye's surface and tear film, function as a tiny biochemical laboratory on the eye. This close proximity enables continuous, noninvasive monitoring of a variety of health metrics,' says Dr. Volkov. The best smartwatches already alert users to potential signs of chronic health issues. Popular models like the Apple Watch 10 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 monitor for signs of sleep apnea and heart abnormalities, like AFib. The Google Pixel Watch 3 can even trigger an alert and send for help if a loss of pulse is detected. However, these tools are just scratching the surface. In ten years, your smart wearable may be able to screen for a whole range of chronic conditions, like diabetes, cancer or heart disease. These devices may also be able to give you a 72-hour heads-up to an upcoming cold, or alert you to heightened biomarkers that could indicate elevated stress, with actionable advice to return to your baseline. 'As sensors become more advanced and miniaturized, the depth and granularity of data will also increase significantly. But the biggest shift will be in how insights are delivered: instead of just showing you the data, future insights could anticipate changes in your health, offer personalized, real-time guidance, and adapt to your unique physiology and goals—making the experience more predictive, proactive, and deeply personalized than ever before,' says Oura's Jason Russell. Ultimately, the future of disease detection may rely less on developing new sensor technology and more on making the most of the data already coming off the sensors we currently have. Enter, the promise of AI. 'AI is getting a lot better, being able to discern what's a 'real' signal out of very noisy data, and then being able to make insights that are more valid for us from that data,' says McIntyre. The use of artificial intelligence to analyze health data, effectively replacing manually written code, will exponentially increase the ability for software to sniff out health trends and make personalized recommendations, notes McIntyre. 'As sensors become more advanced and miniaturized, the depth and granularity of data will also increase significantly. But the biggest shift will be in how insights are delivered: instead of just showing you the data, future insights could anticipate changes in your health, offer personalized, real-time guidance, and adapt to your unique physiology and goals—making the experience more predictive, proactive, and deeply personalized than ever before.' Tomorrow's wearables might even analyse your blood, urine, or sweat, as all three contain a multitude of easily trackable biomarkers that could indicate whether you're dehydrated, stressed, or a whole host of other conditions. Monitoring stress, in particular, is a focus of researchers. 'Cortisol is another ingredient that people are trying to sense with sensors on wearables. I should say that people have cortisol and sometimes feel very pumped and excited, and other people might have a lot of cortisol and feel very afraid. So it really depends on circumstances and on the individual what putting out cortisol means, ' says McIntyre. Future wearables may additionally be able to take the guesswork out of taking medication, says Michael Hayes, the CEO of the smart contact startup InWith. 'There's a plethora of health applications with smart contacts. From early warning of disease to therapeutic delivery of drugs to the eyes to prevent certain conditions, to bringing new focus capabilities. The tear fluid is a rich medium for biomarkers,' says Hayes. yes. Smart contact lenses could even one day replace today's blood-based health monitoring methods. 'Glucose levels in tears can be tracked to assist people with diabetes in managing their condition without the need for finger-prick blood tests. Similarly, fluctuations in hormone or vitamin concentrations in the tear film can offer valuable insights into a person's metabolic or nutritional status,' says Dr. Volkov. The concept of a faceless, nameless artificial intelligence interface spitting out wellness advice based on the augmentation of my sleep, workout, dietary, etc., data is beyond unsettling to me. However, everyone I spoke to on the subject assured me that the aggressive AI analysis of my holistic metrics is actually a positive thing. Doctors are busy. Wearable data is useful, but in 2025, there's no conduit to make that data easily accessible to the medical field. And even if there was, the amount of data would likely be entirely overwhelming. This is where AI can help. With more sensors and more users, it will become better at finding patterns that may warrant alerting your doctor or wellness team. In a time-sensitive health emergency, AI could potentially trigger an alert to your medical provider on its own, similar to Google's Loss of Pulse Detection or crash/fall detection. Representatives from Oura, Circular, and Withings all emphasised the importance of wearable data being more accessible to a user's healthcare team in the future, with AI playing a crucial role as the middleman. 'In the future, [wearable tech] could support clinical applications like remote patient monitoring, early detection of chronic conditions, or continuous tracking of biomarkers relevant to metabolic, cardiovascular, or hormonal health. They may enable secure sharing of health data with care teams, integrate with electronic health records, or even assist with medication adherence through real-time prompts,' predicts Russell. If you're like me, not so hot with remembering names, I've got great news. Tomorrow's wearable tech may make awkward social situations a thing of the past. 'The smart contact lens will act as the ultimate personal assistant embedded directly into your vision and capable of analyzing complex social environments in real-time,' says Roman Axelrod, the (other) co-founder of Xpanceo. 'Yes, at a party, the lenses could scan the room and instantly recognize faces, drawing on your personal contacts and social databases to remind you of people's names, how you met, and important details about them before you even approach,' says Alexlrod, though he acknowledges that privacy concerns and regulations for such features are still far from being sorted out. 'The smart contact lens will act as the ultimate personal assistant embedded directly into your vision and capable of analyzing complex social environments in real-time.' You can also expect these next-gen devices to potentially improve our human capabilities, Inspector Gadget-style. For example, InWith CEO Michael Hayes predicts that smart contacts in 2035 will not only offer night vision but potentially even zoom capabilities. 'Seeing better in the dark is an advanced function, but we've already made significant progress. We can engineer lenses that enhance low-light vision. Nanoparticles alter the way the lens interacts with incoming light, effectively expanding what the eye can perceive in dim environments,' says Dr. Volkov. 'The idea of zooming in on distant objects is perhaps the most futuristic, but not impossible. This feature would require smart lenses with materials whose refractive properties can be dynamically controlled. Using electrical signals, the lens could adjust how it focuses light, effectively creating a variable 'optical zoom' function.' 'Although this technology is still in the research phase,' Volkov says, he also suspects that rapid progress in the field should mean working prototypes well before 2035. • Artificial Intelligence • Smart Glasses• Wearable Tech• Smartphones • iPhones• Robots• Cars• TVs
CNET
4 days ago
- CNET
The Apple Watch Series 10 Is by Far My Favorite Smartwatch, and It's 25% Off Right Now
I've tested dozens of smartwatches over the years, and whenever I'm done with a review, I like to go bare-wristed for a few days to have a bit of a reset. But after I finished my review of the Apple Watch Series 10, I found that I didn't want to take it off. And it's been on my wrist ever since. I've always been on the lookout for a hybrid watch that strikes the right balance between a traditional wristwatch and a smartwatch. Plenty of wearables over the years have promised just that, including the Withings Scanwatch range. The Series 10, which tops our list of the best smartwatches for 2025, and is a CNET Editors' Choice Award winner, strikes the perfect balance. It's the perfect combination of wireless connectivity, fitness tracking features and aesthetics. And right now, Amazon will sell you one for just $299. For me, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the perfect combination of functionality and looks. That's because of the LTPO 3 technology that lets the screen refresh at 1Hz and gives the Series 10 a ticking second hand on a few watch faces, even when the display isn't actively being used. It makes Apple's device feel like a regular watch when I'm not actively using it, which is different from any other smartwatch I've tested. I like being able to change up the look by switching between the Reflections watch face, with its sweeping "analog" second hand, and Activity Digital, with its digital seconds counter. I wish there were more watch faces that supported this ticking second hand. There is Flux, but I've found myself siding with Redditors who think it's kind of goofy. (If you've found a color combination that makes it feel less comical, let me know!) The ticking second hand isn't just an aesthetic choice, or for the times when I'm anxiously checking to make sure I'm not too early for my next meeting. It's also practical for folks in different professions, like health care workers who need to have a second hand even after the display times out. More than the ticking second hand, it's the display itself I was skeptical that the Series 10's wide-angle OLED display would make that much difference to the viewing experience. Apple says it's up to 40% brighter than earlier watch displays when you're looking at it off-axis. So of course I had to compare it to every other Apple Watch in my review cabinet, including the Series 9. When using my eyes alone I'm not able to quantify how much brighter it appears as a percentage, there's no question the Series 10 is easier to see and looks brighter than other Apple Watch models with the same watch face. The Series 10 doesn't have the same battery life or rugged construction, but I miss its display when I have to switch to the $799 Apple Watch Ultra 2. Apple Watch Series 10 specs Case sizes: 42mm, 46mm 42mm, 46mm Battery life: Up to 18 hours Up to 18 hours Screen: LTPO3 OLED Always-On Retina display LTPO3 OLED Always-On Retina display Refresh rate: 1Hz 1Hz Brightness: Up to 2,000 nits Up to 2,000 nits Water resistance: Up to 50m Why I never want to take it off It's not just the display that's made it hard for me to remove the Series 10 from my wrist. There's almost every health and fitness tracking feature I could want, from a range of cycling tools to sleep apnea notifications, which is part of the reason this watch tops our list of the best smartwatches for 2025. Then there's WatchOS 11, which brings helpful safety tools like Check In to my wrist, so I no longer have to manually send the "I'm home!" message to friends and family. If only it worked with recipients who don't use iMessage: I truly hope Apple will add compatibility for RCS messaging for this indispensable safety tool, just like FaceTime works on Android through a web link. I now understand what people mean when they say they feel naked when they leave their house without their phones. Except for me, it's a watch. The Apple Watch Series 10 with cellular connectivity is normally listed at $499, but you can get one for as much as $100 off right now, so it's a great time to snatch one up for yourself or to give as a gift. Prices vary quite a bit depending on case size, finish and band type, so be sure to click around to see all your options, and double-check the price of your selected configuration before finalizing your purchase. If you're looking for more gift ideas, don't miss our favorite tech gifts under $100.
Forbes
25-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
9 Products Our Editors Loved In July—All On Sale
Every month, Forbes Vetted assistant deals editor Jordan Thomas secures exclusive discounts on our staffers' current favorites. Read on for curated offers you won't find anywhere else. In June, I set out to identify what products our shopping editors actually buy and use outside of work. They delivered poetic waxings on everything from pizza oil to a luxe throw blanket. This time, I'm back to see what they're loving in July. Just like last month, I've secured exclusive discounts so you can try all of their favorites out for less. With these codes, you can save up to 25% on a range of items—from a chic Withings smartwatch that looks so good you'll forget it's a smartwatch, to a hydrating Violette_FR lip stain that lasts all day. Shop our editors' favorite products this month for less with these exclusive discounts. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTOS: RETAILER Whether you're looking to lean in to those final days of summer with a high-end pool lounger, invest in your morning routine with our favorite coffee maker overall or treat your furry friend to fresh, human-grade dog food, we've rounded up our recent go-to products here. (Some of the promo codes extend to the brands' entire sites as well—not just our editors' favorite items.) Read on to get the details and deals on all the products we can't stop talking about this month. Withings ScanWatch 2 Smartwatch: Now $296, Was $370 (20% Off With Code FORBES20 ) ) OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker: Now $195, Was $230 (15% Off With Code OXOFORBES15 ) ) Violette_FR Hydrating Lip Nectar: Now $23, Was $29 (20% Off With Code VFRFORBES20 ) ) Badesofa PoolSofa Floating Lounger: Now $1,691, Was $1,990 (15% Off With Code FORBES15 ) ) Portland Pet Food Meal Variety Pack: Now $31, Was $42 (25% Off With Code FORBES25 ) ) Tower28 SOS FaceGuard SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen: Now $27, Was $32 (15% Off With Code FORBES ) ) Fishwife Smoke Atlantic Salmon (3-Pack): Now $29, Was $34 (15% Off With Code FORBES15 ) ) String Ting Pearls Just Wanna Have Fun Wristlet Phone Strap: Now $59, Was $69 (15% Off With Code FORBESVETTED15 ) ) Dash MultiMaker Mini Waffle Maker Set: Now $32, Was $40 (20% Off With Code DASH20) Withings watches forgo the typical smartwatch aesthetic for a sleek analog face, and have a battery life that lasts up to a month (though some users report an average of closer to two weeks). The design offers plenty of smart functions as well, including temperature, heart rate and activity tracking. I purchased my partner one of the brand's original smartwatches years ago, and it's still his everyday staple. It always piques interest, especially at formal events when you usually have to trade out your bulky smartwatch for something nicer. Use code FORBES20 to save 20% on all of the brands ScanWatches now through August 1. My pitch for OXO's coffee maker is that it converts non-black coffee drinkers into black coffee drinkers (or at the very least gives them a passing appreciation for a good, minimalist cup). I've had this coffee pot for over five years and every time I brew a pot for guests, they praise its quality—even if I've used the same store-brand roast they have at home. Besides making an excellent cup, the machine is also easy to use, simple to maintain and programmable, all of which helped secure its spot as our favorite coffee maker overall. Now through August 1, use code OXOFORBES15 to save 15% on our top pick. Many of us have grown disillusioned with lip stains overpromising and underperforming, but Violette_FR's Lip Nectar delivers across the board. Commerce editor (and beauty lover) Katherine Louie approached the lip stain with skepticism, but was pleasantly surprised to find a subtle flush of color still on her lips at the end of the night. 'Beyond its longevity, it has a gorgeous high-shine finish [that allows] you to build color gradually for a bold lip on a night out,' she says. Four shades are available at the moment, but she's hopeful they'll expand the line to offer even more. Use code VFRFORBES20 to try it out for yourself. The offer extends sitewide, excluding sale items, so you can check out anything else that catches your eye. Executive strategy editor Lindsay Boyers recently wrote an ode to this ridiculously chic floating lounger and I have wanted to try it ever since. Outdoor furniture often struggles to check all the boxes: It's either expensive but impractical and hard to maintain, or it's cheap and short lived. Badesofa's lounger dodged both pitfalls. 'It's practical, comfortable and well-designed,' Boyers says. 'If you're looking for something that's as comfortable as it looks, this is a rare case where form and function actually meet.' With code FORBES15, you can try the water-side companion for 15% off. Managing editor Emmy Favilla is our resident dog lover. 'I am pretty maniacal about my dogs' nutrition (after all, I birthed them from my own womb),' she jokes. As such, she's particular about their nutrition. Portland Pet Food Company strikes a great balance between quality and price that lets her treat her pups to something special without stretching her wallet. The recipes don't require refrigeration, use limited ingredients and can be used as full meals or toppers, depending on your needs. Most importantly, her dogs love it: 'Even my notoriously picky geriatric dog, who mainly eats a prescription diet, perked up at the scent of these meals.' Use code FORBES25 to save 25% on the variety pack or 20% sitewide through the weekend. Louie is picky when it comes to selecting a facial sunscreen for her sensitive skin. Tower28's new SPF is non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, sweat-resistant and safe for acne-prone individuals. 'The formula has a creamy texture that blends like a dream and a subtle tint that evens out my complexion,' she says. 'It's my new favorite sunscreen, and I don't leave the apartment without applying it first.' Code FORBES gets you 15% off sitewide, including the new sunscreen above, so you can pick up a few bestsellers while you're at it. I host a regular craft night and always provide dinner or snacks. Last time I made a snack board, this smoked Atlantic salmon disappeared before all of the guests had arrived. (The early snackers showed no remorse, but the late arrivals lamented the loss.) The fish is flakey, rich and smokey with a hint of sweetness that works together to create an addictive crowd-pleaser. In short, you're going to want to have more than one can on hand—hence the suggested three-pack above. The exclusive code is good on everything but caviar, so try some other flavors while you're at it. Form meets function with this fun phone strap. 'I'm constantly on the go, and this handy phone strap has become a game changer for me,' says commerce editor Katherine Louie. The design loops onto your phone so you can go hands-free when you need it, whether you're grocery shopping or grabbing a quick cup of coffee. Even better, it looks great doing it. Louie loves how the design's crystal beads catch the light to further transform her phone into a "statement-making accessory.' Code FORBESVETTED15 gets you 15% off sitewide through August 31. Consumer tech editor Rebecca Isaacs says this Dash Mini Waffle Maker is a must-buy for breakfast lovers. 'As someone who is obsessed with brunch and breakfast foods, I am equally obsessed with my Dash Mini Waffle Iron,' she says. Not only does Dash's design make the perfect waffle—in a size that can 'still accommodate a full brunch of eggs and bacon on a single plate,' she adds—but its compact design also makes it easy to store in her New York City apartment. Just make sure to keep your eye on the timer. As Isaacs says, 'My only (minor) beef is that I wish the 'pop' noise when the light turns on and off would be louder, but so long as I monitor the light at the top, my waffles turn out perfect every time.' Code DASH20 gets you 20% off this seven-piece set through July 28.
CNET
15-07-2025
- CNET
The Apple Watch Series 10 Is Hands-Down My Favorite Smartwatch, and It's 24% Off Right Now
I've tested dozens of smartwatches over the years, and whenever I'm done with a review, I like to go bare-wristed for a few days to give myself a break. But after wrapping up my review of the Apple Watch Series 10, I noticed something totally unexpected: For the first time ever, I didn't want to take the device off. I've always been on the lookout for a hybrid watch that strikes the right balance between a traditional wristwatch and a smartwatch. Plenty of wearables over the years have promised just that, like the Withings Scanwatch range. The Series 10, which tops our list of the best smartwatches for 2025 and is a CNET Editors' Choice Award winner, strikes the ideal balance for me because it doesn't compromise on connectivity, fitness tracking features or the overall look. That's because of the LTPO 3 technology that lets the screen refresh at 1Hz and gives the Series 10 a ticking second hand on a few watch faces, even when the display isn't actively being used. It makes Apple's device feel like a regular watch when I'm not actively using it, which is different from any other smartwatch I've tested. I like being able to change up the look by switching between the Reflections watch face, with its sweeping "analog" second hand, and Activity Digital, with its digital seconds counter. I wish there were more watch faces that supported this ticking second hand. There is Flux, but I've found myself siding with Redditors who think it's kind of goofy. (If you've found a color combination that makes it feel less comical, let me know!) The ticking second hand isn't just an aesthetic choice, or for the times when I'm anxiously checking to make sure I'm not too early for my next meeting. It's also practical for folks in different professions, like health care workers who need to have a second hand even after the display times out. More than the ticking second hand, it's the display itself I was skeptical that the Series 10's wide-angle OLED display would make that much difference to the viewing experience. Apple says it's up to 40% brighter than earlier watch displays when you're looking at it off-axis. So of course I had to compare it to every other Apple Watch in my review cabinet, including the Series 9. When using my eyes alone I'm not able to quantify how much brighter it appears as a percentage, there's no question the Series 10 is easier to see and looks brighter than other Apple Watch models with the same watch face. The Series 10 doesn't have the same battery life or rugged construction, but I miss its display when I have to switch to the $799 Apple Watch Ultra 2. Apple Watch Series 10 specs Case sizes: 42mm, 46mm 42mm, 46mm Battery life: Up to 18 hours Up to 18 hours Screen: LTPO3 OLED Always-On Retina display LTPO3 OLED Always-On Retina display Refresh rate: 1Hz 1Hz Brightness: Up to 2,000 nits Up to 2,000 nits Water resistance: Up to 50m Why I never want to take it off It's not just the display that's made it hard for me to remove the Series 10 from my wrist. There's almost every health and fitness tracking feature I could want, from a range of cycling tools to sleep apnea notifications, which is part of the reason this watch tops our list of the best smartwatches for 2025. Then there's WatchOS 11, which brings helpful safety tools like Check In to my wrist, so I no longer have to manually send the "I'm home!" message to friends and family. If only it worked with recipients who don't use iMessage: I truly hope Apple will add compatibility for RCS messaging for this indispensable safety tool, just like FaceTime works on Android through a web link. I now understand what people mean when they say they feel naked when they leave their house without their phones. Except for me, it's a watch. The Apple Watch Series 10 with cellular connectivity is normally listed at $499, but you can get one for as much as $119 off right now, so it's a great time to snatch one up for yourself or to give as a gift. Prices vary quite a big depending on case size, finish and band type, so be sure to click around to see all your options, and double-check the price of your selected configuration before finalizing your purchase. If you're looking for more gift ideas, don't miss our favorite tech gifts under $100.
Tom's Guide
20-06-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Don't let summer solstice steal your sleep this weekend — how to fall asleep fast even when it's still sunny outside
Saturday will be the longest day of the year — but it might do more harm to your sleep than good, according to a recent study. Research conducted by Withings, a health tech company, shows that Americans have lost around 32 minutes of sleep per night over the last five years. The least sleep in a night was recorded during the June 21 summer solstice, which is the day with the most hours of sunlight within a 12 month period. There are a number of reasons sleep time could be reduced over the summer solstice, which we'll explore here. They include excessive exposure to sunlight and irregular meal times, which can throw off your sleep schedule, delay sleep onset (time taken to fall asleep) and stop you from getting the recommended hours of rest you need. Here are tips to avoid this and save your sleep this weekend: Sunlight exposure during the day (and particularly in the morning) increases your cortisol levels, helping to keep you alert and active and can help with melatonin (the sleepy hormone) production at night (when melatonin is naturally released in response to darkness). This process helps regulate your body's circadian rhythm (sleep and wake cycle), which means you're waking and falling asleep at the right times, and getting a restorative night's sleep. However, continued exposure to bright light in the evening can confuse your brain into remaining stimulated, which can be counterproductive for your sleep at night. With sunlight lasting until beyond 9 pm in the summer, having a late evening meal can be tempting. But before you delay your dinner time, take note that the 2022 Sleep in America Poll , conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, revealed that having regular meal times during the day has a significant positive impact on your sleep. This is, the National Sleep Foundation explains, because of how your meal times are directly linked to your body's internal sleep and wake mechanism, since they "can act as an important cue for the circadian rhythm." Eating at different times on a day or missing meals "can negatively influence the ability to maintain sleep and wake schedules, especially if meals are eaten too close to bedtime." Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Which leads us to why it's better to avoid late-night summer meals. Some foods can increase the body's core temperature (which can suppress the release of melatonin) when metabolized, and the overall process of metabolizing food will also raise your body temperature. Eating late can also cause other issues like bloating, indigestion or heartburn which can keep you awake and sabotage your sleep. It might be tempting to stay awake to see the sunset on the longest day of the year, and perhaps even longer, but this may also lead to having a bad night's sleep. That's because disrupting your normal bedtime will throw off your sleep schedule. Sticking to regular sleep and wake up times helps regulate your circadian rhythm, leading to better quality sleep (and sleep quality is equally as important as quantity), can help you avoid daytime sleepiness and even lead to better health outcomes. While you may be able to pay back the sleep debt you get from a late night on summer solstice during the same weekend, a consistent schedule will help you get a good night's rest, every night. External distractions like light can hinder sleep on any night of the year, but obviously there's going to be more daylight in the evening during the summer solstice. Even if you're inside, sunlight seeping into your bedroom can still confuse your brain into thinking you need to be active. Investing in blackout curtains or an eye mask are great tool to avoid this, especially if you're a light sleeper. Sticking to a regular nighttime routine will also help you winddown in time for bed, even if it's still bright outside. Looking for more sleep accessories to help you fall asleep faster and get restful sleep? Scroll down for our top picks... 1. Kitsch Satin Sleep Mask: was from $17.99 from $14.39 at AmazonGetting a soft to touch sleep mask is a more affordable alternative to installing blackout curtains in your bedroom. This one from Kitsch promises to block out light, and includes light padding for extra comfort, perfect for restful sleep. You can now grab this at 20% off, which drops the MSRP from $17.99 to $14.39 on Amazon. 2. QWH Silicone Ear Plugs for Sleeping: was from $29.99 now from $9.98 at AmazonAmbient noise is yet another distraction to sleep, which is more likely to present when the days are longer and people are up and about later. A simple solution is to pop in a pair of ear plugs. The QWH reusable ear plugs boast noise reduction up to 30dB, are crafted from lightweight silicone and are available in four sizes (XS, S, M and L). These currently have 67% off, which brings down the MSRP from $29.99 to just $9.98 at Amazon. 3. YnM Breathable Weighted Blanket: twin in 15lb $34.99 at AmazonDeep pressure therapy has been proven to reduce anxiety and promote rest and relaxation. The YnM breathable weighted blanket will help you achieve this thanks to its glass beads and fiber fill, while our reviewer was surprised to find it breathable and the cover cool-to-touch, which is great for summer nights. You can now find a gray, 15lb weight in a twin size for $34.99 on Amazon. There are cheaper kids' sizes available, and prices vary for other sizes and weights.
