China rumor: Apple Watch redesign finally in the pipeline
Apple didn't change much on its smartwatch for years, only the Ultra brought a modified form factor. Apparently, a major redesign is now imminent.
Apple Watch with gesture control.
(Image: Apple)
For years, there have been serious rumors that Apple plans a redesign for its standard Apple Watch models. But nothing (almost) has happened. While displays got larger and hardware was minimally changed, the basic look remained the same. This also has advantages: you can still use watch bands that you bought in 2015 for the very first Apple Watch. Apple only introduced a completely new form factor in 2022 with the Ultra, but even here, the watch bands remain compatible. But now, apparently, a new watch look is finally “really” planned. At least that's what a well-known leaker from China, who has been right many times in the past, claims.
Updates always very mild
According to Instant Digital on the Chinese microblogging service Weibo, the overhaul is reportedly going so far that existing watch bands will no longer be compatible because the attachment mechanism is changing. Apple is reportedly planning to use the gained space for a larger battery. However, Instant Digital is clinging to older rumors about an “Apple Watch X” as a model for the tenth anniversary, which were already circulating in 2023.
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However, nothing happened last year – there was only a slightly improved Series 11 as well as an Ultra 3 and SE 3. Apple did not seize the opportunity for a major redesign. Previously, there was talk of thinner cases, MicroLED display technology, and a new magnetic band attachment system. Apple has always made the rather mild modifications in three-year cycles. Instant Digital assumes that the redesign will not take place this year but only in 2027. This would fit a “Series 13” next year.
20th Anniversary of the iPhone
Instant Digital had previously spread the rumor that the redesign would not come before 2028. Now they are betting on next year. 2027 will be particularly important for Apple regarding the iPhone: the device celebrates its 20th anniversary. Apparently, a special new model is planned for this. Speculation about a new look for the Apple Watch appears regularly. In 2025, DigiTimes claimed that this was planned, including a new arrangement of sensors. New OLED technology is also considered a given.
But first, the Series 12 is expected this fall. Apart from internal improvements, there are few exciting rumors about it. Apple has not incorporated new sensors into the devices for years, instead using existing technology. Most recently, an algorithm was added that can predict hypertension (without readings).
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