The Apple Watch X Launch Is Likely Just Weeks Away: Here's Everything We Know
The Apple Watch is about to hit its 10th anniversary. It was announced a decade ago, and Apple could reveal a special new X model to celebrate.
Sareena is a senior editor for CNET covering the mobile beat including device reviews. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with more than a decade's worth of experience producing stories for television and digital publications across Asia's financial capitals including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Mumbai. Prior to CNET, Sareena worked at CNN as a news writer and Reuters as a producer.
The Apple Watch Series 10 (or Apple Watch X) could be revealed alongside the iPhone 16 in a matter of weeks. Apple usually holds a September event to launch new iPhone and Apple Watch models. But what could make this year's event extra special is that it will be the 10th anniversary of Apple announcing its first smartwatch. And to celebrate, Apple is rumored to be launching an Apple Watch X (unofficial name) with a major overhaul to commemorate the occasion.
The Apple Watch X could have a leaner design and a new mechanism for attaching bands magnetically. According to several Bloomberg reports, we could also see added health features, such as blood-pressure monitoring. The name is reminiscent of the 2017 iPhone X, which saw a dramatic shift from Apple's previous design and coincided with the device's 10-year anniversary.
Apple could take the wraps off the Apple Watch X, alongside the latest iPhone, at its annual launch event in the fall. However, the Watch X could also make its debut in 2025 since the first-gen Apple Watch shipped in 2015, even if it was announced in 2014.
Until then, here's what you can expect based on the most credible sources.
Read More: What Happened to the Apple Watch Being About Fashion
Apple Watch: Bigger screen, slimmer design
The screen on the Apple Watch has been getting progressively larger -- and this year could see that happen again, or at least the option to sport a larger size. According to a June report by noted Apple analyst Min Chi Kuo, Apple will be providing larger screen-size options for the next-gen Apple Watch, increasing it from 41mm to 45mm and from 45mm to 49mm. Meanwhile, the design of the Apple Watch will get slimmer, according to Kuo.
Apple has been known for its sleek and minimalist designs, and the Apple Watch X is expected to follow this trend. The slimmer design will not only make the watch more comfortable to wear but also more aesthetically pleasing. This change is likely to attract a broader audience, including those who may have found previous models too bulky.
The larger screen size will also enhance the user experience by providing more space for apps and notifications. This is particularly important for users who rely on their Apple Watch for fitness tracking, navigation, and other daily tasks. The increased screen real estate will make it easier to interact with the watch, reducing the need to pull out a smartphone for certain functions.
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Apple Watch X: New health tech
After pivoting from fashion, Apple has found success in positioning the Apple Watch as a health device. Apple introduced various new health tracking tools in recent years, including blood-oxygen monitoring, temperature sensing and new software features for cyclists and runners. It's worth noting, however, that the blood oxygen feature is no longer available in new Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches sold in the US due to an ongoing patent dispute.
Next year's Apple Watch could see the addition of a few more health-tracking features, potentially furthering its usefulness as a wellness and fitness device. Apple may add a new feature that can show when a person's blood pressure is high, according to a November article by Bloomberg. It will reportedly be accompanied by a blood pressure journal, allowing people to note down when the elevation happened. But it won't provide exact systolic and diastolic measurements, Bloomberg reported.
The report also suggests the Apple Watch could get a new system for detecting sleep apnea by monitoring an individual's sleeping and breathing habits. This would be a significant expansion of the Apple Watch's current sleep-tracking features, which are limited compared to those offered by Oura, Fitbit and others.
Apple is also reportedly developing a way to check blood glucose levels without pricking your finger, thanks to infrared and other sensors. It's unlikely that will make its way to the Apple Watch this year, though, if it ever does.
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Apple Watch X: Blood oxygen feature?
Given the current patent dispute, it's unclear whether the Apple Watch X will include blood-oxygen monitoring. At the moment, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, don't ship with the feature in the US. The International Trade Commission recently ruled that the blood-oxygen sensors in the Apple Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 infringe on patents from Masimo, a medical device maker.
The blood-oxygen monitoring feature has been a significant selling point for the Apple Watch, especially for users focused on health and fitness. The absence of this feature in the US market could impact the watch's appeal. However, Apple is known for its innovation and may find a workaround or introduce an alternative feature that offers similar benefits.
The blood-oxygen monitoring feature allows users to measure the oxygen saturation level in their blood, which can be an indicator of overall health. This feature has been particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it can help detect early signs of respiratory issues. The potential absence of this feature in the Apple Watch X could be a drawback for health-conscious consumers.
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Apple Watch X: Magnetic bands
If you own or have ever owned an Apple Watch, you know that the bands slide into the edges of the chassis and click into a locking mechanism. After about a decade, this could change with Apple Watch X. As early as this year, Apple could introduce a mechanism that lets the bands attach to the watch face magnetically. This would apparently help free up space internally to make way for other components such as bigger batteries.
The introduction of magnetic bands could revolutionize the way users interact with their Apple Watch. This new mechanism would make it easier to swap out bands, allowing for greater customization and personalization. It could also enhance the overall durability of the watch by reducing wear and tear on the locking mechanism.
However, this change could also pose challenges. For instance, it might render existing bands incompatible with the new model, which could be a drawback for users who have invested in multiple bands over the years. Apple will need to carefully consider how to implement this feature without alienating its loyal customer base.
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Apple Watch X: MicroLED display
For years, there have been rumors about the Apple Watch gaining a microLED display. It's possible that we'll finally see those rumors come to fruition either this year or next.
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman expects microLED to arrive on the Apple Watch X, but it's unclear whether the smartwatch will make its debut this year or next. But a report by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the wait might be longer. According to Kuo, the Apple Watch will have a microLED display in either 2025 or 2026, but not in 2024.
MicroLED is more energy efficient than the OLED tech currently used on the Apple Watch. But it's also brighter and more responsive than OLED screens, which would allow for more consistent viewing from all angles.
The introduction of a microLED display could significantly enhance the user experience by providing a brighter and more vibrant screen. This would be particularly beneficial for outdoor use, where visibility can be a challenge. Additionally, the improved energy efficiency could extend battery life, making the watch more convenient for daily use.
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Conclusion
The Apple Watch X is shaping up to be a significant upgrade in celebration of the device's 10th anniversary. With a larger, slimmer design, new health features, and potentially a microLED display, the Apple Watch X promises to offer a more advanced and user-friendly experience. The introduction of magnetic bands and the uncertainty around the blood-oxygen feature add layers of intrigue to this upcoming release. As Apple continues to innovate, the Apple Watch X could set new standards in the smartwatch industry, making it a highly anticipated device for both new and existing users.
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