Should you get a new Apple watch for the new fitness feature?

By Sarah Joseph Published September 14, 2024

Apple Watch 10 — Apple

Apple has just unveiled a series of innovative features aimed at tackling a condition that affects many people worldwide: sleep apnea. With new capabilities embedded in the Apple Watch, Apple is offering users more tools than ever to monitor their well-being. But, as with many cutting-edge technologies, it’s worth examining how these features truly fit into everyday life and whether they’re a reason to upgrade your devices.

Apple Watch’s new sleep apnea detection

Apple Watch Series 10 sleep apnea screen — Apple

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition where your breathing pattern repeatedly stops and starts during rest. It that affects over a billion people globally, yet it frequently goes unnoticed, which can lead to health complications such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

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Using an innovative Breathing Disturbances metric, the Apple Watch Series 10 can detect subtle changes in your breathing while you sleep.

Over the course of 30 days, the watch analyzes your breathing patterns and, if it notices consistent disturbances, it sends a notification encouraging you to see a doctor. This data is compiled in the Health app on your iPhone, where you can track long-term trends and even export reports to share with healthcare providers.

This feature is expected to gain FDA approval soon.

The new feature is cool, but should you buy?

Without a doubt, Apple’s new health features are impressive and could be immensely valuable to those who need them. All health data is encrypted end-to-end, so not even Apple cannot access your personal information. However, it’s essential to consider whether upgrading to the newest Apple Watch just for these functions is necessary.

Here’s the catch: if you already own the Apple Watch Series 9 or the Ultra 2, you’re in luck. These sleep apnea notifications will be available on both of these models via a software update.

Although the newest Apple Watch’s ability to detect breathing disturbances is impressive, it’s likely more useful as an early warning system. The true benefit of these features lies in encouraging users to take their health seriously and consult a medical professional when needed rather than replacing proper medical care.

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Fashion & Style

Frederique Constant unveils new Healey limited editions in pale blue

Racing heritage: Frederique constant's healey collaboration shifts to pale blue inspiration

Frederique constant's healey editions

Frederique Constant has extended its partnership with British carmaker Healey, marking two decades of collaboration. This year, two new limited editions have been introduced, departing from the traditional British Racing Green. Instead, they feature pale blue dials inspired by early 1960s Austin-Healey 3000 MKII models. Priced at €1,695 and €3,395, these timepieces continue an unusual collaboration that began in 2004.
At the heart of the partnership is a single historic vehicle: the ex-Works 1953–55 Austin-Healey 100S Special Test Car, registration NOJ393. This car competed in the World Sports Car Championship and was sold unrestored at Bonhams in 2011 for £843,000 ($1,000,000). Since then, it has been restored to its 1955 Le Mans specification.
Unlike typical automotive collaborations that focus on brand logos and color matching, Frederique Constant’s approach is different. The brand aims to capture the essence of this specific car and also supports Healey classic car rallies and community programs. Over 20 years, the partnership has produced many timepieces, most featuring the 100S’s distinctive green livery.
This year’s editions take a new aesthetic direction. The pale blue sunray dials with metallic coloring are inspired by the early 1960s Austin-Healey 3000 MKII, moving away from the traditional green to reflect the broader Austin-Healey palette while maintaining a connection to racing heritage.
The three-handed automatic variant features a curvaceous 36mm polished steel case, incorporating both Frederique Constant and Healey dial elements. Applied hour markers, including an oversized 12, are hand-polished silver with white luminous material. The bright red central seconds hand adds a sporty, dashboard-inspired touch, while the dark blue minute track flange matches the co-signing.
The chronograph edition measures 41mm and has a polished steel case with a two-counter layout. Bright red accents appear on both the central chronograph hand and the 30-minute subdial, which sits opposite the small seconds display. This color coordination visually connects to automotive instrumentation while maintaining horological function.
Both models are paired with blue leather straps and closed case backs engraved with the historic 100S. Each is limited to 1,888 pieces, emphasizing the partnership’s exclusivity while still offering reasonable availability for enthusiasts.
The automatic model costs €1,695, making it an accessible entry point into the collaboration. The chronograph is priced at €3,395, targeting collectors seeking additional complications. These price points are competitive with similar Swiss offerings and provide a sense of automotive provenance.
Frederique Constant has also reintroduced the 40mm 2023 Classics Vintage Rally Healey Automatic, featuring a steel case and British Racing Green dial. This model becomes a core collection piece, losing its limited edition status to broaden accessibility.
This partnership demonstrates how authentic collaborations can move beyond typical co-branding, emphasizing genuine community engagement and respect for automotive heritage. The result is a series of distinctive timepieces that appeal to both watch and car enthusiasts

Fashion & Style

Noah and Timex release lighthouse watch following sun and moon success

Long island heritage: Noah's timex lighthouse watch honors golden ellipse legacy

Noah x timex collab

Noah continues its watch partnership with Timex through the Lighthouse Watch, following last summer’s sold-out Sun & Moon Watch. That earlier collaboration became one of 2024’s most popular affordable timepieces. This new $228 release draws inspiration from Long Island history and pays homage to an iconic watch design.
The Lighthouse Watch reflects Noah designer Brendon Babenzien’s connection to his Long Island roots, specifically the Fire Island Lighthouse near his childhood home. Babenzien explains that the lighthouse was always in the background of his life, making it a meaningful motif for this watch.
Design-wise, the watch is a clear nod to the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, with a softly rounded, gold-plated stainless steel case measuring 31 x 35mm. This silhouette, paired with a croco-pattern leather strap, evokes the elegant, curvy shapes of the 1970s while remaining accessible thanks to Timex’s manufacturing. The minimalist white dial features a charcoal illustration of a lighthouse at six o’clock, serving as the centerpiece of the design. Gold-tone baton hands and subtle Noah NY and Timex branding at three and six o’clock complete the look, while the absence of hour markers keeps the focus on the artwork.
This collaboration stands out from typical fashion watch releases by integrating a personal, artistic touch that fits seamlessly with Noah’s aesthetic—mirroring the brand’s graphic tees and tailored pieces. The watch is powered by a reliable quartz movement, protected by a mineral glass crystal, and offers 30 meters of water resistance for everyday use. The 18mm lug width and compact size make it suitable for a range of wrist sizes, though the elliptical case may appeal most to those open to alternatives to round watches.
Pre-orders run from June 5–12, with delivery expected in November 2025. The $228 price point positions the Lighthouse Watch between entry-level fashion watches and basic Swiss options, reflecting Noah’s accessible luxury ethos and appealing to both streetwear fans and those who prefer preppy style.
Notably, this is the first Noah watch Babenzien plans to wear himself, despite not being a watch collector—a testament to the design’s broad appeal for those seeking a unique, easy-to-wear piece rather than a collector’s item. The collaboration demonstrates how fashion brands can create meaningful, affordable watches through authentic partnerships and storytelling, attracting both core customers and watch enthusiasts looking for alternatives to luxury icons.

Health & Fitness

I tried the Google Pixel Watch 3 after years with Apple — here’s what shocked me

What surprised me about this fitness watch

Google Pixel Watch 3

I've always been a fan of Apple products for every device, from my iPhone to my Mac to my Apple Watch. There's something safe about sticking with what you know. Though there's comfort to be found in familiarity, the safe choice isn't necessarily always the best one.

Playing it safe and sticking with what you know also means you might not be aware of what's out there that could be a better fit for your needs. When I stepped outside of my comfort zone to try the Google Pixel Watch 3, I learned a few things. Here's what surprised me most about trying the Google Pixel Watch 3.
Sizing and comfort