As anticipation builds for the launch of the Apple Watch 10, slated for next month’s highly anticipated Apple event, rumors and leaks are intensifying. Having worn every iteration of the Apple Watch since its debut in 2015, I am particularly keen on what the 10th-generation model will bring. Set to be unveiled on September 10, according to leaked invitations, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10—or potentially Apple Watch Series X—promises significant advancements.
Design Overhaul Expected
The Apple Watch 10 is projected to commence at $399 for the base model, with the larger variant likely starting at $429. This iteration might bring notable design changes. Historically, Apple has followed a three-year pattern for design updates, with the last major overhaul occurring with the Series 7, which introduced a 20% larger display. Given this pattern, the Apple Watch 10 could see a more substantial redesign compared to the Series 8 and Series 9 models.
Reports from Ming-Chi Kuo, a respected Apple analyst, suggest that the new watch sizes could increase from 41mm and 45mm to 45mm and 49mm, potentially mirroring the size of the Apple Watch Ultra. Leaked CAD renders indicate that the Apple Watch 10 might reach up to 2 inches in size, aligning it more closely with the Ultra’s dimensions.
Potential for Advanced Health Features
Though detailed information on the Apple Watch’s health features is typically less abundant than that of competitors like Samsung and Google, early hints suggest the next model may include sleep apnea detection and hypertension alerts. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has indicated that these features might face delays due to testing challenges and ongoing legal disputes with health-tech firm Masimo. Apple’s ongoing legal battles over blood oxygen sensor patents with Masimo might delay these anticipated features, though a redesigned sensor could still introduce sleep apnea monitoring.
Enhanced Battery Life on the Horizon
The Apple Watch 10 might also benefit from improved battery efficiency. Reports from The Elec suggest that Apple could implement LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxide) thin-film transistor technology in the new model’s display. This advancement could enhance power consumption efficiency, potentially extending battery life while maintaining current brightness levels. While there have been previous disappointments in this area, a significant boost in battery life would represent a substantial improvement for the device.
As the launch date approaches, these key rumors highlight the potential for major enhancements in design, health monitoring, and battery efficiency with the Apple Watch 10. Stay tuned for official announcements and further details.