As the Apple Watch approaches its 10th anniversary, Apple is set to unveil significant updates to its flagship smartwatch series, known as the “Series” models, this autumn. According to a Bloomberg report, these updates will feature larger screens and a more slender design, while maintaining a similar overall appearance. The Series 10, identified by codenames N217 and N218, will boast screen sizes comparable to the Apple Watch Ultra. However, the Ultra, which was last updated in 2022, is not expected to undergo major design alterations.
Internally, both the Series 10 and the upcoming Ultra 3 will be equipped with a new chip, potentially paving the way for future AI advancements. Nonetheless, the forthcoming Apple Intelligence suite of AI features will initially be exclusive to the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and eventually the Vision Pro, without immediate integration into the Apple Watch. The branding strategy for these watches, whether commemorating the anniversary or marking a broader release in 2025, remains unclear. The original Apple Watch was announced in 2014 but launched in 2015, providing Apple with options for its anniversary festivities.
A significant focus for the Apple Watch includes the introduction of new health tools. Apple has been working on technologies to detect high blood pressure and sleep apnea, originally planned for release this year. However, the report indicates that progress has been hindered by substantial challenges. The blood pressure monitoring feature, despite its potential, has encountered reliability issues during testing, possibly delaying its launch. The sleep apnea detection feature faces even more significant hurdles, largely due to its dependence on blood oxygen saturation measurements. A legal dispute with Masimo Corp. has further complicated Apple's ability to implement this functionality. Apple may resolve this dispute or find alternative solutions to introduce the feature by September, though a delay remains a possibility.
In addition to new features, Apple is also exploring manufacturing innovations, such as 3D-printing the chassis for certain models, which could enhance production efficiency and reduce material consumption. The company is also developing a new version of the lower-cost Apple Watch SE, last updated in 2022, potentially positioning it to compete with Samsung's $199 Galaxy Watch FE, as the current SE starts at $249.
