Report: Apple is Working on “Watch X” Redesign for its Smartwatch
- Laurent Giret
- Aug 14, 2023
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Apple is reportedly planning to give the Apple Watch the “iPhone X” treatment for its 10th anniversary. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to release a major “Watch X” redesign as soon as 2024. It’s expected to follow the upcoming Apple Watch Series 9, which Apple should officially announce in September.
Except for the launch of the bigger Apple Watch Ultra last year, recent updates to the Apple Watch have been pretty minor. Two years ago, the Apple Watch Series 7 introduced slightly larger displays, while last year’s Series 8 introduced a body-temperature sensor. The overall design of the Apple Watch also didn’t change much over the years, but that’s apparently set to change with the Watch X.
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“With the X model, Apple designers are working on a thinner watch case and have explored changing the way bands are attached to the device,” Gurman explained. The reporter added that Apple has been experimenting with a new magnetic band attachment system that would leave more room for other components including batteries.
According to Gurman, the Watch X could also come with a new microLED display that “tops the color and clarity of the current OLED screens.” Lastly, Apple is reportedly working on a blood pressure monitoring technology.
According to data from Counterpoint Research, the Apple Watch accounted for 26% of global smartwatch shipments in Q1 2023. Samsung and the Indian brand Fire Boltt closed the podium with a 9% market share, respectively.
Despite Apple being the market leader, there are still lots of consumers who have yet to purchase a smartwatch. For people who are still on the fence, it probably doesn’t help that you have to opt for the more expensive Apple Watch Ultra to get more than a full day of battery life.
Back in 2017, the iPhone X was a major redesign that introduced the infamous notch, Face ID, and a new navigation experience on iOS. Just like Microsoft skipped Windows 9, Apple also cleverly skipped the iPhone 9 to give consumers the impression that the iPhone X was ahead of its time. It will be interesting to see if the same trick will have the same effect on the Watch X.