Apple has significant changes planned for this year’s Apple Watch. The Apple Watch Series 10 line-up will feature larger screens, a thinner design, and faster performance.
However, Apple has encountered challenges with new health features, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Apple Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 3
Mark Gurman reports that the Apple Watch Series 10 models, codenamed N217 and N218, will have bigger screens. The larger model will feature a 2-inch display, slightly larger than the Apple Watch Ultra’s 1.93-inch screen. The Series 10 will also be thinner, with a design largely unchanged.
Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 will boast a more powerful processor. While this could pave the way for future AI enhancements, Gurman notes that Apple currently has no plans to introduce the full set of Apple Intelligence features to the Apple Watch.
Health Features
Previous reports suggested the Apple Watch Series 10 would include blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection. Despite progress last year, Apple has faced significant challenges.
The blood pressure feature has proven unreliable in testing, potentially delaying its release. When available, it will show blood pressure trends instead of exact readings.
The sleep apnea detection feature, linked to blood oxygen data, faces its own issues. Current Apple Watch models in the U.S. lack blood oxygen monitoring due to an ITC import ban.
Gurman expects Apple to either resolve this by September or find a workaround, potentially delaying the feature.
Apple Watch X
Gurman previously mentioned Apple’s plans for an “Apple Watch X” overhaul to commemorate the device’s 10th anniversary. It remains unclear if this year’s Apple Watch will receive the anniversary branding, or if a larger release is planned for 2025.
Gurman suggests Apple may celebrate the anniversary this year or opt for a more significant launch next year.
Apple Watch SE
Alongside the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple is developing a new Apple Watch SE. Gurman suggests Apple is exploring a shift from aluminum to a plastic design for cost reduction.
This could lower the starting price below the current $249, making it more competitive with Samsung’s Galaxy Watch FE, priced at $199.
Launch Date?
The Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 are expected to debut in September, coinciding with the release of the iPhone 16.