For years, the smartwatch has been a device of iteration, a story of incremental gains in speed and sensing. The Apple Watch X, however, feels less like a chapter and more like a whole new book. It’s a profound shift in ambition, aiming to transform the wearable from a companion device into an essential, proactive guardian of your health.
The first thing you notice is the complete physical redesign. The familiar rounded square is now noticeably thinner, with a sleeker titanium unibody that feels impossibly light yet durable on the wrist. Apple has finally moved to a micro-LED display, and the difference is stunning. Colors are not just vibrant; they possess a depth and clarity that makes the previous OLED screens look muted, and outdoor visibility is best-in-class. A more controversial change is the new magnetic band system. While it allows for a slimmer profile and provides a satisfyingly secure click, it renders an entire ecosystem of existing bands obsolete—a tough pill to swallow for long-time users.
Under the hood, the new S10 chip delivers a significant performance leap. Navigating watchOS 11 is fluid, apps launch instantly, and on-device Siri is finally fast enough to be genuinely useful. This newfound power enables more sophisticated features, like the new “Mindful Focus” mode, which uses a combination of heart rate variability and skin temperature readings to intelligently mute non-essential notifications during periods of detected stress. It’s a clever, subtle feature that works surprisingly well, gently nudging you toward a calmer state without being intrusive.
Of course, the headline feature is non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. Using a new array of infrared spectrometers on the back crystal, the Watch X provides continuous glucose estimates without a single drop of blood. In our testing, the readings were consistently close to those from a traditional continuous glucose monitor (CGM), typically within a 10-15% variance. This is a monumental achievement in consumer health technology. However, it’s not a medical replacement yet; Apple positions it as a wellness tool for tracking trends and understanding your body’s reaction to food and exercise. Battery life, unfortunately, takes a hit. While Apple claims 18 hours of “all-day” use, enabling the continuous glucose sensing and always-on display brought our unit closer to 14 hours, meaning a daily charging commitment is non-negotiable.
The Apple Watch X is a triumph of engineering and a clear signal of the future of personal health. Its value, however, is deeply personal. With a starting price that ventures well into premium territory, it’s a difficult proposition for anyone simply wanting to track steps and get notifications. But for those managing their metabolic health, or for tech enthusiasts who want to be on the absolute cutting edge, the Watch X isn’t just the best smartwatch you can buy; it’s a revolutionary device that genuinely has the power to change lives.
Where to Buy:
Apple Watch X Quick Summary
Key Scores:
-
Value:
78% -
Design:
92% -
Performance:
90% -
Quality:
91% -
Popularity:
95%
Top Pros
- ✅ Groundbreaking sensor enables non-invasive blood glucose monitoring.
- ✅ The new micro-LED display is exceptionally bright and clear.
- ✅ S10 chip provides a major boost in overall performance.
Key Cons
- ❌ Premium health features come with a very high price tag.
- ❌ All-day battery life becomes a challenge with new features enabled.
- ❌ New band connector makes all previous watch bands incompatible.
