In a Friday post on Weibo, serial leaker Setsuna Digital, also known as Instant Digital, suggested that Apple may soon launch an all-glass version of the Apple Watch. The concept of an all-glass device has been circulating for over a decade, though the specifics of such a product remain unclear.
The idea of an “all-glass” design isn’t entirely new. Back in 2016, rumors circulated about an all-glass iPhone 8, which ultimately didn’t mean a completely glass structure. Instead, it referred to the phone’s all-glass back, a feature Apple had already implemented in the iPhone 4.
When it comes to the Apple Watch, Apple currently uses Zirconia for the back, valued for its durability. Replacing this with glass could be problematic, as glass is more prone to breakage—a concern given the tendency for users to crack their devices. However, Instant Digital’s leak suggests that a future Apple Watch might feature a full glass enclosure, leaving only the digital crown and side button as metal components. This would allow Apple to extend the screen across the watch’s sides, offering more display space.
While Instant Digital did not provide a source for the leak, the concept aligns with ideas Apple has explored in patents. A patent from early 2020 revealed Apple’s interest in a wraparound touchscreen for the iPhone. But, as with any patent, it’s important to note that not all ideas make it to market, as evidenced by the company’s failed attempt at a “round iPhone.”
Despite some past misses, Instant Digital has accurately predicted Apple developments in the past. For example, the leaker correctly anticipated the release of the iPhone 12 mini before its launch. However, they have also made incorrect predictions, such as their forecast for iPad releases in March 2024, which instead came in May.
Additionally, Instant Digital recently suggested that Apple may use “amorphous alloy” or “metallic glass” for the hinge material in the anticipated iPhone Fold, another unannounced product.
As always, until Apple officially confirms or denies these rumors, it’s unclear whether the all-glass Apple Watch will become a reality. For now, the possibility remains speculative, but it does spark interest in the direction Apple could take with future designs.
Related Topics: