What we can expect from the 10th generation of smartwatches

After the Apple Watch Series 8 and Watch Series 9 (our test), which hardly bring any new functions, a major update to the smartwatch is set to take place in 2024 with the Watch X or Series 10. In addition to a vaguely expected redesign, there is also talk of the introduction of new functions, some of which have been circulating in the rumor mill for years. Rumors are also circulating about the Watch Ultra 3.

Apple Watch X with first major redesign?

There was already speculation about a redesign for the Apple Watch Series 7. (Render image: Jon Prosser; Renders by Ian)

To mark the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch – the first edition was introduced in 2014 – some insiders are expecting a major redesign this year. There was already speculation about a completely redesigned Apple Watch with the Series 7, but as we know, nothing came of it.

To mark the anniversary, Apple could be tempted to refresh the smartwatch, similar to the iPhone X. Perhaps the watch will actually get the design with flat case edges that was leaked years ago – maybe the leaker John Prosser was completely wrong back then.

Now, however, it is said that we can finally expect a major update in September: The cases are to become thinner and the displays larger: the 41-millimeter case is to grow to 45 millimeters and the 45-millimeter model to 49 millimeters. The new, slimmer shape of the watches could mean that there is a new strap system that could be incompatible with the previous solution.

It is not entirely certain whether such a system will be used. According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple is apparently considering “all kinds of radical solutions to dramatically redesign the Watch.” The advantage of a magnetic system is, among other things, that more space could be created for a battery and thus more running time, according to rumors.

… or “just” thinner and with a larger display?

The Apple Watch Series 10/X will have larger screens and casings. (Image: 91 Mobiles)

The Apple Watch Series 10/X will have larger screens and casings. (Image: 91 Mobile)

91 Mobile claims that the renderings show a larger watch with a two-inch display. This would make the watch not only larger than the current large Apple Watch Series 9 with a 1.7-inch display, but also than the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which has a display size of 1.93 inches.

Despite the larger screen, the Watch 10 could be larger in size and yet more compact than the Watch Ultra, the source said. The render images also suggest that the current strap clasp could remain.

Apple Watch X or Series 10 reportedly with blood pressure monitoring

Whether there will be a new, “radical” design is still a matter of debate, so we can look forward to the presentation of the new watches with great anticipation. Aside from the design, there are other exciting reports about possible functions. The next generation of watches is said to have the long-awaited blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection on board. The usually well-informed Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman will have heard this from insiders.

According to Gurman, Apple has been working on wrist-based blood pressure measurement for at least four or now even five years. Similar to other features of the Apple Watch, they are not intended to show users the actual measured values ​​(initially). Instead of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the watch only shows a “trend” of the current blood pressure and could warn wearers that they may be suffering from high blood pressure and prompt them to see a doctor or use a commercially available blood pressure monitor.

As Gurman writes, the company is working in parallel on a follow-up version that can provide more precise information. This will also be linked to a blood pressure diary so that users can note in which situation high blood pressure occurred.

Apple Watch Series 10 should also be able to detect sleep apnea

In addition to measuring blood pressure, the next generation of Apple Watch could have a system for detecting sleep apnea. According to Bloomberg, the Apple Watch should then be able to monitor a person's sleeping and breathing habits in order to predict whether a person is suffering from cessation of breathing during sleep. If this is detected, the Health app or a completely new app should advise users to see a doctor. Other smartwatches such as the Pixel Watch 2 (test) or Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 already support this feature.

In addition to the rumored new hardware features, the company is also preparing a paid health coaching service that could launch in 2024. The new subscription service is intended to offer users personalized health advice and activity and nutrition recommendations, it is said.

Meanwhile, a function for non-invasive blood sugar measurement that is supposedly under development is probably not very advanced yet. Most recently, in February 2023, it was said that the manufacturer was continuing to develop this function, but was making slow progress. According to the report, Apple's glucose measurement system is still in the proof-of-concept phase and a prototype with the corresponding technology is still about the size of an iPhone.

Apple Watch 10: S10 chip possibly identical to S9

As for the other features, Apple could make the displays a bit brighter, bringing them up to the level of the Watch Ultra 2 with 3,000 nits. The Series 9 screen currently comes in at 2,000 nits. Such a step would not be completely unusual for Apple.

There shouldn't be any major leaps in the chip, which is called the S10, because only the Series 9 and Ultra 2 featured an updated chip generation based on a four-nanometer architecture. Apple usually uses its watch chips for several generations and only gives their name to the watch generations.

What about the Apple Watch Ultra 3?

For the third generation Watch Ultra, we don't expect as big a design update as with the Watch 10/X. This is because the category is still quite new and was only introduced in 2022. Apple could also use a new locking system and a larger battery here, according to vague rumors.

If Apple were to give the Watch 10 a larger display, the Watch Ultra 3 could do the same. Rumors about a larger display for the model have been circulating for a while. According to analyst Jeff Pu, who works in tech research for Haitong International Securities Group Limited, Apple could equip the Ultra model with a 2.1-inch display, which would increase the screen area compared to the current version.

The current version has a diagonal of 1.93 inches. However, a larger display does not necessarily mean that the entire watch will be larger, because Apple could also simply make the bezel smaller.

Older rumors that Apple might use micro-LED displays for the Watch Ultra 3 do not seem to be true. According to Bloomberg, Apple has given up on such developments. This decision resulted in contract manufacturer Osram building a new factory for 800 million euros in vain, according to Handelsblatt.

In terms of sensors, Apple will most likely use the same ones that are intended for the Watch 10. It would be quite strange if the more expensive model came with fewer features than the non-Ultra watches.

Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 3: When will the new smartwatches be released?

As with the iPhones, Apple follows a fixed cycle with the Apple Watch: For years, it has always been presented in September. Accordingly, we can assume that the Watch X, accompanied by the Ultra 3, will be presented in the fall. At the same time, we can expect a new Watch SE, which could possibly have the design of the Watch 8 and 9. It is difficult to say what the range of sensors on the SE model will be. What is certain, however, is that it will not have as many sensors as the top models.

As in previous years, Apple will unveil the next generation of iPhones along with the watches. We have put together another summary for you of what the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro will contain.

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