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As the Apple Watch nears its 10th anniversary, Apple is gearing up for a significant overhaul of its smartwatch line.?
Reportedly, the new Series 10 models will feature larger displays and a sleeker design, while the more budget-friendly Apple Watch SE is set to become even more affordable.
Major Updates for Apple Watch Series 10
As the Apple Watch approaches its 10th birthday, Apple is planning a big update to its smartwatch line, according to Mark Gurman in his “Power On” Bloomberg newsletter. This fall, the Series 10 models — codenamed N217 and N218 — will supposedly have larger displays, similar to the size of the Apple Watch Ultra. Even with the bigger screens, the design will stay thin, keeping the classic look.
Major Updates for Apple Watch Series 10
- Larger Displays: The Series 10 should have bigger screens for both N217 and N218 models. These screens are said to be made the same size as the ones on the Apple Watch Ultra, giving users a larger view.
- Design Changes: The Series 10 should be thinner, but the overall design is to stay mostly the same, keeping the familiar look.
- New Chip: Both the Series 10 and the new Ultra 3 are reported to be getting a new chip. This could allow for future AI enhancements, but Apple Intelligence features are not expected to reach the smartwatch yet.
It is still uncertain if Apple will market these new models as anniversary editions or wait until 2025 for a bigger celebration. The original Apple Watch was announced in 2014 but released in 2015, giving Apple some flexibility in celebrating its milestone.
Health Tool Enhancements and Challenges for Apple Watch Series 10
As Apple gets ready to launch the Series 10 Apple Watch, the company is also working on adding advanced health tools. However, these new features are facing some big challenges, which could delay their release.
High Blood Pressure Detection
Allegedly, Apple has had reliability problems with the high blood pressure detection feature during testing. This might make the company postpone its release beyond this year.?
Unlike traditional blood pressure cuffs, this feature is not meant to give exact readings. Instead, it will set a baseline and monitor increases in blood pressure, alerting users when their levels rise.
Sleep Apnea Detection
Sleep apnea detection needs to measure blood oxygen saturation. Apple Watches can’t do this right now because of legal disputes.?
Apple is in a legal fight with Masimo over using blood oxygen measurement technology. The outcome of this dispute will affect when sleep apnea detection can be added to the Apple Watch.
Glucose Monitoring
Apple has been reportedly working on non-invasive glucose monitoring technology for nearly ten years.?
Apparently, they have made significant progress and hit major milestones, bringing them closer to adding this feature to future Apple Watch models.
New Version of Apple Watch SE
Besides the upcoming Series 10, Apple is also said to be focusing on its cheaper model, the Apple Watch SE. The company last updated the SE in 2022, and is now working on a new version to make it even more affordable.
- One idea that Apple is apparently testing is replacing the aluminum shell of the SE with a rigid plastic alternative. This change could significantly reduce production costs.
- Apple is also supposedly considering 3D-printing the chassis for some Apple Watch models. This new method could speed up production and reduce material waste.
- By cutting manufacturing costs, Apple aims to lower the SE’s price — which could help it compete better with Samsung’s $199 Galaxy Watch FE. The current Apple Watch SE starts at $249, so this could make it more attractive for budget-conscious buyers.
