Apple’s highly anticipated “Glowtime” event, set for tomorrow, promises to be a landmark occasion, celebrating a decade since the debut of the inaugural Apple Watch. The spotlight will likely be on the Apple Watch Series 10, also known unofficially as the Apple Watch X, which is expected to unveil substantial upgrades in honor of this milestone.
In tandem with the launch of the iPhone 16, Apple’s event will be a significant one for fans of the brand, as it marks the 10-year anniversary of the company’s first foray into the smartwatch market. Speculations suggest that the Apple Watch X will feature a comprehensive redesign, commemorating the occasion with notable enhancements.
For real-time updates and in-depth coverage of all announcements, including those about the iPhone 16, follow CNET’s live blog during the event.
Apple Watch X: Design and Display Upgrades
The forthcoming Apple Watch X is rumored to sport a sleeker profile and introduce a new magnetic attachment system for bands. Reports from Bloomberg indicate that the new model may include larger screen options, increasing from 41mm to 45mm and from 45mm to 49mm. The design is also expected to be slimmer, aligning with ongoing trends of refining the smartwatch’s aesthetics and functionality.
Advancements in Health Monitoring
Apple has increasingly positioned its smartwatch as a crucial health tool. Recent models have introduced features such as blood-oxygen monitoring and temperature sensing. However, the blood-oxygen functionality has been removed from the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the U.S. due to a patent dispute with medical device company Masimo.
New advancements anticipated for the Apple Watch X include the addition of blood pressure monitoring capabilities. According to a November Bloomberg report, this feature may come with a journal function for tracking elevated blood pressure readings, though it will not offer specific systolic and diastolic measurements.
Further enhancing its health monitoring suite, the Apple Watch X might include a new system for detecting sleep apnea by analyzing sleep patterns and breathing habits. This would be a significant expansion beyond the current sleep-tracking features, which are relatively basic compared to competitors like Oura and Fitbit.
Apple is also reportedly exploring non-invasive blood glucose monitoring using infrared and other sensors. Although this feature is not expected to debut with the Apple Watch X this year, it represents a potential future advancement.
Potential Changes to Blood Oxygen Monitoring
The inclusion of blood-oxygen monitoring in the Apple Watch X remains uncertain due to ongoing patent issues. The International Trade Commission recently ruled that the sensors used in the Series 9 and Ultra 2 infringe on Masimo’s patents, leading to the discontinuation of this feature in the U.S. market.
New Magnetic Band System
Apple may also innovate the way bands attach to the Apple Watch. The current click-in mechanism could be replaced with a magnetic system, which might provide more flexibility in design and internal space, potentially accommodating larger batteries.
MicroLED Display Anticipations
Rumors have circulated for years regarding the transition of Apple Watch displays to microLED technology. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests that this upgrade could be unveiled with the Apple Watch X, although Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts a timeline extending to 2025 or 2026 for this advancement. MicroLED technology promises greater energy efficiency, brightness, and responsiveness compared to the current OLED screens.
Looking Ahead
Apple’s investment in health and wellness technology continues to drive the evolution of the Apple Watch. By integrating advanced health features and improving display technology, Apple aims to attract a broader audience interested in a smartwatch that supports their health and fitness goals. Future innovations, including potential non-invasive glucose monitoring, could revolutionize health tracking for users worldwide.
