In the fall, assuming Apple sticks to the schedule it has followed for quite a few years now, we will see a new Apple Watch. In fact, we may see several. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, there will be three new smartwatches from the Cupertino giant.
The current models are Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra.
Apple Watch Series 9
So—no prizes for guessing this—the Apple Watch Series 9 is a shoo-in. But Gurman has more. Here’s his full quote. After talking about the Apple Vision Pro and developments there, he says:
“Let’s get back to Apple’s existing product categories. The company is focused on several key updates for the second half of this year and the first half of 2024. In addition to the iPhone 15 lineup this fall, there will be two Apple Watch Series 9 models and an updated version of the Ultra (the watches are codenamed N207, N208 and N210).”
A New Color For Apple Watch Ultra?
The second Watch, then, is a second-generation version of the Apple Watch Ultra. I don’t believe there will be any change to the design, for sure. Apple has literally never changed the design of an Apple Watch after one year. Apart from color and material, that is, so it’s possible we could see a darker titanium version alongside the current lighter shade. Just as some earlier Apple Watch Edition models came in titanium and space black titanium. Now, that would be nice, and a clever way to let everyone know you’re wearing the newest version.
The main other change to expect is an upgrading of the processor inside the Ultra.
How About The Third Watch?
First of all, it won’t be a new Apple Watch SE. The original SE remained in the range for several years with no changes at all. I expect the same process to be followed with the current SE. It’s the most affordable Apple Watch so I think the only difference could be a slight drop in price, but don’t hold your breath.
Anyway, the third model, Gurman says, is another Apple Watch Series 9. Since Apple has always differentiated between the two sizes of case, Gurman is saying, I believe, that there will be a smaller and a larger Watch in the Series 9 range. These will almost certainly be the same sizes as currently, that is, a 41mm and a 45mm case.
There will be a GPS-only version of each of these, with an aluminum case, I believe. There will also be a GPS + Cellular version of each size, again in aluminum. And then there will be two sizes of Apple Watch Series 9 with stainless-steel finish. If this year’s road map is replicated, the stainless-steel models will have GPS + Cellular connectivity. Oh, and the Ultra, undoubtedly, will have both GPS and Cellular, as now.
If recent timings are any guide, we’ll likely know the answers to these questions.
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