A recently surfaced prototype of the Apple Watch Series 10 has revealed significant differences from the production model, suggesting Apple initially planned more ambitious health monitoring capabilities before scaling back for the final release. The leaked device, shared by prominent collector StellaFudge, features a radically different sensor array on its underside compared to retail units.
Prototype Shows Experimental Sensor Configuration
The unreleased version displays a compact sensor cluster surrounded by an unusual light ring along the perimeter – a design element never implemented in commercial Apple Watches. The device runs a special watchOS 11.1 build dated October 2024, suggesting Apple continued testing these features months after the Series 10 launch.
Industry analysts note the prototype’s configuration aligns with longstanding rumors about Apple developing blood pressure and glucose monitoring capabilities. The abandoned design indicates these health features may have been technologically ready but were withheld, possibly due to regulatory hurdles or production constraints.
Implications for Future Apple Watch Development
The October 2024 software timestamp confirms Apple’s ongoing work on advanced health sensors, potentially earmarking them for future models like the anticipated Series 11 or next-generation Ultra. The prototype’s functional status suggests these features could appear sooner than expected, though Apple’s exact timeline remains unclear.
This discovery follows Apple’s pattern of testing features years before implementation, as seen with the temperature sensor that debuted years after appearing in prototypes. The company typically prioritizes accuracy and regulatory approval before releasing new health technologies.
Apple has not commented on the leaked prototype, maintaining its standard policy of not discussing unreleased products. However, the discovery provides rare insight into the company’s development process and potential roadmap for its wearable technology.
