Finally, the Apple Watch expected at the end of the year might retain a design similar to previous models. Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman affirms this in his weekly newsletter, even though he previously suggested the look would be very different. Many believed in a possible “Series X” with a sharper chassis to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the range of connected watches, similar to the iPhone X.
- The Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to maintain a design similar to previous models
- This smartwatch could be released in September
- It’s rumored to feature a thinner case and larger screen.
However, while the case will likely continue to feature rounded borders, it could be thinner. The screen might be larger, increasing from 41 millimeters to 44 millimeters for the smaller model or from 45 millimeters to 49 millimeters for the larger one. This size matches the first and second-generation Apple Watch Ultra. It’s still unclear if the Apple Watch Ultra will get a successor this year, and the same uncertainty applies to the Apple Watch SE.
Apple Watch Series 10: Focus on health
In all likelihood, the Apple Watch Series 10 could introduce new health features, including blood pressure measurement to detect hypertension and arrhythmias, and potentially identifying signs of sleep apnea. Rumors also suggest a blood glucose meter could be integrated by 2026.
Undoubtedly, the Apple Watch Series 10 is expected to feature a heart rate sensor, pedometer, and always-on altimeter. It will run on watchOS 11, introducing the Vitals app for daily health metric monitoring and improvement advice. Alongside Vitals, Apple is also introducing new apps like a password manager and Image Playground using AI.
No Apple Intelligence?
Unfortunately, Apple Intelligence won’t be available on the Apple Watch Series 10 this year. Cupertino explains that its AI-powered features require more computing power, currently found in M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips on iPads, Macs, and iPhone 15 Pro models. Compatibility may extend to iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Future mixed reality headsets with visionOS, like the Apple Vision Pro, are expected to support it, but not connected watches, despite Siri’s existing capabilities.
Again, for Apple, the issue revolves around performance: the rumored S10 chip may lack the power for Apple Intelligence. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch offers an alternative with Galaxy AI, powered by Google’s Gemini Nano, already announced for the Galaxy S24 series.