In his most recent Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman reports that Apple is gearing up for a substantial overhaul of the Apple Watch, tentatively labeled as the Apple Watch X. This revamped iteration of the Apple Watch is slated for a debut in either 2024 or 2025, aligning with the device’s forthcoming 10th anniversary. This impending update is poised to mark the most significant redesign in the history of the Watch, following a series of incremental modifications over the past years (the upcoming Apple Watch Series 9 this autumn will also represent a minor enhancement in specifications).
Gurman elaborates that Apple’s aspiration is to craft a thinner-than-ever Apple Watch X, potentially introducing a novel magnetic attachment mechanism to facilitate the connection and interchangeability of bands.
Although Apple has consistently introduced a fresh Apple Watch model annually since its inception and intends to maintain this trend in the foreseeable future, Gurman discloses that internal discussions within Apple have broached the prospect of moderating this year-on-year cadence. This is evidenced by the progressively diminishing array of novel features integrated each year.
The shift from the existing band-compatible sliding mechanism to a new magnetic attachment system endeavors to economize on space, potentially freeing up additional internal room for the battery.
People involved in the development of new Apple Watches say the system takes up a considerable amount of space that could be better filled with a bigger battery or other components.
It’s worth noting that this magnetic system would render all current bands incompatible with the impending design. Nevertheless, Gurman acknowledges uncertainty regarding the definitive implementation of the magnetic attachment system for the Watch X. However, it’s evident that Apple is exploring a diverse range of innovative solutions to thoroughly reenvision the Watch’s engineering. Other imminent technological advancements encompass the forthcoming micro-LED display and blood pressure sensors.
Anticipations are high that the Apple Watch X will mirror the level of significance akin to the leap from the iPhone 7 to the iPhone X.
