Apple is gearing up for a significant update to its smartwatch line, set to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. The upcoming model, potentially named Apple Watch Series X or Series 10, is expected to feature a major design overhaul, including a larger display and a thinner case.
Display and Size
Recent leaks suggest that the Apple Watch Series 10 will sport a larger display, with screen sizes increasing to 45mm and 49mm. This marks a substantial upgrade from the current models. The 45mm variant is set to replace the 41mm model, while the 49mm version will succeed the 45mm one.
According to CAD renders sourced from industry insiders and reported by 91mobiles, the 49mm Apple Watch Series 10 will feature a 2-inch display. This is a noticeable increase from the 1.93-inch display of the Apple Watch Ultra and the 1.7-inch display of the Apple Watch Series 9. The dimensions for this larger model are reported to be 46 x 39.7 x 11.6mm, which positions it between the Series 9 and the Ultra in terms of overall size.
Design and Features
The renders indicate that the Series 10 will maintain the familiar design elements of previous models, including the Digital Crown, side button, and square display. Despite the larger screen, the watch is expected to be thinner than its predecessors, which aligns with reports from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Kuo also suggests that the Series 10 will not support existing watch bands due to its thinner design. However, there is no confirmation yet on whether Apple will introduce a new magnetic band attachment system, as rumored by some sources.
Advanced Capabilities
In addition to the design changes, the Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to introduce several new health features. These include blood pressure monitoring with the ability to detect hypertension and sleep apnea detection, enhancing the device’s functionality as a comprehensive health monitoring tool.
Launch Timeline and Naming
The new model is expected to be announced in early September 2024, alongside the iPhone 16 series. There is ongoing speculation about whether Apple will name the new device the Apple Watch Series 10 or follow the precedent set by the iPhone X and call it the Apple Watch X.
Context and Comparisons
To provide a clearer perspective, here’s a comparison of the current Apple Watch models:
- Apple Watch SE 2: 40mm display
- Apple Watch Series 9: 45mm display with a 1.7-inch screen
- Apple Watch Ultra: 49mm display with a 1.93-inch screen
The leaked dimensions for the 49mm Apple Watch Series 10 indicate a device that is larger than the Series 9 but smaller than the Ultra, with a display size of 2 inches, offering users a more expansive screen within a manageable form factor.
In summary, the Apple Watch Series 10 promises significant enhancements in display size and health features, coupled with a sleek new design. Whether it will be called Series 10 or X, this model is set to mark a milestone in the evolution of Apple’s wearable technology.