Apple is gearing up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Apple Watch by introducing a new series of updates to its original smartwatch line this fall. According to a report by Bloomberg, these updates will include larger displays and a slimmer profile while maintaining a similar overall design. The upcoming Series 10 models, codenamed N217 and N218, will feature screens comparable in size to the Apple Watch Ultra, which was recently updated in 2022. However, the Ultra will not see significant design changes.
In terms of hardware upgrades, both the Series 10 and the new Ultra 3 will receive a new chip, potentially paving the way for future AI enhancements. However, it has been reported that Apple’s forthcoming Apple Intelligence suite of AI features will not be available on the Apple Watch initially. These features will remain exclusive to the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and eventually the Vision Pro. The exact timeline for the release of these new features remains uncertain.
Apple’s branding strategy for these new watches, whether tied to the anniversary of the Apple Watch or part of a larger release in 2025, is still unknown. The original Apple Watch was announced in 2014 but launched in 2015, giving Apple flexibility in planning its anniversary celebrations. There is keen anticipation surrounding the addition of new health tools to the Apple Watch, including technology for detecting high blood pressure and sleep apnea, originally scheduled for release this year.
However, the development of these health features has been met with significant challenges. The blood pressure monitoring feature has faced reliability issues in testing, potentially delaying its release. The sleep apnea detection feature is facing even more significant obstacles due to its reliance on blood oxygen saturation measurements. An ongoing legal dispute with Masimo Corp. has hindered Apple’s ability to incorporate this functionality. Apple may resolve the dispute or find alternative ways to implement the feature, but a delay is possible.
In addition to new features, Apple is exploring manufacturing innovations, such as 3D-printing the chassis for some models, which could streamline production and reduce material usage. The company is also working on a new version of the lower-cost Apple Watch SE, last updated in 2022. This new version could potentially compete with Samsung’s $199 Galaxy Watch FE, as the current SE model starts at $249. These updates and innovations signal Apple’s commitment to enhancing its smartwatch offerings and staying at the forefront of the wearable technology market.
