More in this week’s Power On: Apple Intelligence’s major Siri upgrades are set for next spring, the latest on AirPods with cameras and Apple will get an OpenAI board observer seat https://t.co/rKfnj1gBjJ
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) July 7, 2024
Apple is set to release its Series 10 smartwatch with a larger screen size and other upgrades, according to a Bloomberg report. The enhancements are believed to be in celebration of the smartwatch’s upcoming 10-year anniversary. The change in screen size will make the Series 10 more in line with the Apple Watch Ultra, which features a 49 mm case.
Apple also intends to reduce the thickness of the new models.
A plastic Apple Watch SE could be in the works to help it hit the Galaxy Watch FE’s price tag https://t.co/wTVL00xcKK
— Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) July 9, 2024
Customers can expect the tech giant to use a new chip to power the Series 10, potentially supporting future AI features. The Apple Watch SE will also receive an update, and the upcoming Ultra 3 will rely on the same new chip as the Series 10.
The most recently released iteration of the Apple Watch, the Series 9, debuted in September last year. It relies on the S9 SiP chip in 41 mm and 45 mm sizes.
The Apple Watch SE 3 could be made of a "rigid plastic" instead of aluminum, according to @markgurman ♻️
This would allow Apple to further cut costs on their budget watch.
Would you buy a plastic Apple Watch? pic.twitter.com/Kc96qp5rKI
— AppleTrack (@appltrack) July 9, 2024
Apple’s wearables, home, and accessories segment, which includes smartwatches, generated $19.87 billion in revenue through the first half of the company’s fiscal 2024.
Although the Apple Watch’s appearance has remained similar since the original, minor changes have made the device more modern-looking. However, the last significant design change was for the Apple Watch Series 7, which saw the display grow by 20%. According to sources, we can expect a thinner case and possibly larger displays, growing from 41mm and 45mm to 45mm and 49mm.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests the Watch 10 will have the largest screen of any Apple Watch. Another rumor points to a complete redesign of the band connection system, which could make all existing bands incompatible with future models. The Apple Watch 10 is expected to adopt the core features of previous models, including comprehensive workout tracking, support for hundreds of apps, on-wrist communication, and safety tools.
Feature upgrades for Apple’s latest watch
Health upgrades are also anticipated, although this might depend on advancements in sensor technology. A longer battery life is at the top of every Apple Watch user’s wishlist.
The flagship Apple Watch currently lasts up to 18 hours with regular use, while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 can last up to 36 hours. A report suggests that a battery life boost could finally happen for Apple Watch 10, including low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) thin-film transistor (TFT) technology on the display, potentially extending its endurance. However, advancements in sensor technology seem less certain.
Apple reportedly struggles with two major health sensor updates it has been planning. The company has faced challenges in getting its rumored blood pressure monitor’s reliability up to standard and has also encountered difficulties in adding sleep apnea detection. In another development, Apple is reportedly planning a cheaper version of the Apple Watch SE, potentially featuring a rigid plastic case.
This move could bring the SE’s pricing more in line with competitors like Samsung. A plastic case could also make the watch lighter, appealing to those seeking a more affordable and lightweight option. We can expect the flagship Apple Watch 10 or Apple Watch X to start at $399 for a 41mm-sized model based on previous pricing.
The larger 45mm version is likely to start at $429. For models with cellular support, the price may range from $499 for the 41mm size to $529 for the 45mm size. We have little doubt that the Apple Watch 10, or whatever Apple names its next smartwatch, will be a significant release.
However, with the Masimo lawsuit looming, all eyes are on Apple to see how it will mark the 10th anniversary of its category-leading smartwatch. The competition is better than ever, and fans are eager to see the innovations Apple will bring.