Apple’s iconic smartwatch may be due for its most significant redesign since its 2015 debut. Industry insiders suggest the upcoming 10th-generation “Apple Watch X” could abandon the longstanding band attachment mechanism, requiring users to purchase new accessories for the first time.
A New Era for Apple Watch Design
While recent iterations like the Series 7 through Series 9 maintained visual continuity with their edge-to-edge displays, the 2024 model might introduce a magnetic band connection system alongside larger screen options. The redesign could also incorporate advanced health monitoring capabilities, including blood pressure measurement—a feature currently impacted by an ongoing patent dispute.
Import Ban Complications and Software Workarounds
The U.S. International Trade Commission’s December 25 import ban on Apple Watches with blood oxygen sensing (following Masimo’s patent infringement claims) forced Apple to disable the feature in new Series 9 and Ultra 2 units sold after January 17. Existing devices remain unaffected, and Apple continues legal appeals while awaiting a potential 2028 patent expiration.
Apple Watch Series 9: Refined Performance in Familiar Form
Carbon-Neutral Options Mark Sustainability Push
As Apple’s first carbon-neutral product, the Series 9 offers eco-conscious configurations when paired with specific Sport Loops. The company aims to extend this environmental commitment across its entire product line by 2030.
Under-the-Hood Advancements
The S9 SiP delivers the first processor upgrade in three generations, enabling:
- 30% faster GPU performance
- On-device Siri processing
- Innovative Double Tap gesture controls (added via watchOS 10.1)
- Second-gen Ultra Wideband chip for precision finding
Health and Safety Features
Retaining its life-saving capabilities, the Series 9 includes:
- Crash Detection with automatic emergency alerts
- Fall Detection (auto-enabled for users 55+)
- ECG and irregular heart rhythm notifications
watchOS 11 Introduces Smart Health Monitoring
Pregnancy Tracking and Vitals Analysis
The fall update brings groundbreaking health features:
- Gestational age tracking with trimester-specific alerts
- Vitals app establishing personalized biometric baselines
- Training Load metrics comparing 7 vs. 28-day workout intensity
Enhanced Navigation and Accessibility
Topographic trail maps for U.S. national parks join 20-language translation support in watchOS 11, while redesigned Photos faces use ML to showcase meaningful memories.
Market Position and Availability
Despite minimal external changes from the Series 8, the Series 9’s brighter 2,000-nit display and new interaction paradigms earned it a 4/5 rating from AppleInsider. Starting at 699 (stainless steel), the device remains competitively priced with frequent retailer discounts.
With the Series 10 potentially heralding Apple’s first major wearable redesign and the Ultra 3 rumored for 2025, the smartwatch landscape appears poised for significant evolution in coming years.
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- Apple Watch Series 11: What’s expected to arrive this fall
- Apple’s 2025 Pride Collection features a unique Apple Watch Sport Band
- Lack of updates and new models sees Apple Watch sales decline
