5 Reasons to Wait for the 2024 Apple Watch

[MacRumors]

Are you thinking about upgrading your Apple Watch or buying one for the first time? If your current smartwatch is doing its job just fine and it's only the idea of a good deal that's piqued your interest, it could be worth holding out until later this year when Apple unveils its latest and greatest version.

There are already several rumors from reputable sources that suggest 2024 could be a very big year for the Apple Watch. Here are five reasons to hold onto your wallet for now and wait until the next-generation model arrives.

Major Redesign

The original Apple Watch was released in April 2015, and we are coming up on the 10th anniversary of Apple's first wearable device. With such a landmark anniversary on the horizon, rumors suggest a notable 10-year anniversary update could arrive as early as 2024.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is planning a major redesign for the Apple Watch to coincide with its 10th anniversary. Apple is said to be aiming to make the Apple Watch thinner than it is now, with a slimmer casing, along with different ways to attach bands. The new bands could attach to the watch magnetically, which would free up space inside the Apple Watch for bigger batteries and other internal components.

microLED Display

Analyst Jeff Pu and display analyst Ross Young believe Apple is working on a new high-end watch that will feature a 2.1-inch (diagonal) micro-LED display. The watch is rumored to be coming in 2024 or 2025, although it could be an upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra rather than the Series 9.

That said, Apple could be planning multiple sizes, or the rumored "Apple Watch X" could be a larger-sized watch with a new case design and slimmer bezels. MicroLED is more energy efficient than the OLED technology currently used in Apple Watch models. It also has a longer lifetime, faster response times, better contrast, and brighter colors.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Apple plans to add blood pressure monitoring to the Apple Watch in 2024, according to Bloomberg's Gurman. The blood pressure monitoring featuring will reportedly let users know if their blood pressure is trending upward.

As opposed to the common methods that measure blood pressure using an inflatable cuff wrapped around the upper arm, Apple's system is believed to measure the speed of the wave of a heartbeat through a user's arteries using sensors. However, it may not provide exact systolic and diastolic measurements initially.

Hypertension Detection

As part of Apple's new blood pressure monitoring system, the Apple Watch is also expected to detect episodes of hypertension, or abnormally high blood pressure, according to Gurman.

The system will provide an option for users to note what they were doing when the hypertension occurred, which could be useful for medical diagnosis. And to avoid potentially giving a misdiagnosis, the Apple Watch will direct the user to talk to their doctor or check their blood pressure with a traditional cuff, which can provide exact systolic and diastolic measurements.

Sleep Apnea Detection

Also coming in 2024 is an Apple Watch-based sleep apnea detection feature. Sleep apnea is sleeping disorder in which the temporary cessation of breathing occurs more often than normal during sleep. It can cause hypoxemia and sleep deprivation. Symptoms include loud snoring and making choking noises during your sleep.

According to Bloomberg's November 2023 report, the Apple Watch will use sleep history and breathing patterns to estimate whether someone has the condition, and then direct users to see a physician.

Release

Apple typically releases a new Apple Watch model in September alongside the launch of its latest flagship iPhone, which in 2024 will be the iPhone 16. Apple could however have something different planned if it does indeed unveil a 10th anniversary "Apple Watch X" next year.

It's worth noting that the original Apple Watch was unveiled in September 2014, but it did not release until April 2015, so Apple could use either date for the Apple Watch anniversary. Given that 2023 marked the debut of the Apple Watch Series 9, a Series 10 or "X" would be more appropriate for 2024, not 2025, but the X naming is just speculation at this point.

Article Link: 5 Reasons to Wait for the 2024 Apple Watch

 

[abatabia]

My AW 7 is serving me just fine. As is my 14Pro. None of them need updating before next year at the earliest. If not longer.

In fact this is the least apple purchases I’ve made in years. Just nothing compelling enough to warrant an upgrade for me. I WFH so I’m not out running around taking fancy photos anyway or using my watch all that much.

Although TBH my whole passion for wearables is on the wane anyway. I find myself wearing my AW less and less.

 

[Godspeed8230]

I am torn. On the one hand the new watch will probably be a major upgrade, on the other hand I do have quite a few Apple Watch bands and most likely they will be rendered unusable by the re-design . I am thinking about getting the AWS9 now (with the Black Friday gift card of $50) so I can use my bands for as long as possible.
Seems like a small issue, I know. What are your thoughts?

 

[MrGimper]

I am torn. On the one hand the new watch will probably be a major upgrade, on the other hand I do have quite a few Apple Watch bands and they will become obsolete . I am thinking about getting the AWS9 now so I can use my bands for as long as possible. Seems like a small issue, I know. What are your thoughts?

I have an AW 7 SS and have not had the urge to update yet. I'll wait and see what the 10 brings. I don't feel that the band attachment will be changed TBH. Looks like it could still remain the same mechanism despite a redesign of the chassis.

 

[TigeRick]

Guess Macrumor still not familiar how Apple's naming works. If there is huge redesign of Apple Watch, it would be most likely to appear on Ultra series, thus the successor of 9 series would most likely be XR or something like that...

 

[bassanoclapper]

2024 is the 9th anniversary of the 2015 release. It will be the start of the 10th year but still 9 years and some days

That’s how anniversaries work, HTH

 

[Steve121178]

My day one series 4 is still going strong. Apple has yet to release anything worth upgrading to.

 

[AndiG]

I had to upgrade my iP this year as my "old" iP11pro doesn't support 5G. So now I have an iP15pro. Maybe this iP will be my last as Apple doesn't seem to be evolving.
The same goes for the watch. My AW6 with Cellular serves me well - I would upgrade it if a fresh and cooler look was available, but on the other hand the AW is very limited when it comes to connectivity and maybe my next smartwatch will be a Garmin once Garmin Pay is better supported.

I stopped watching Apple keynotes years ago as it has sadly become totally boring since Steve died. I just can't get excited when I hear the same text every year "This year we present to you the best iPhone ever" - that's fine Timmy.

Tim should go. The Apple crew has become old and boring - and so have their products.

 

[t0rqx]

If Visi-on is an indication it will probably be named Apple Strap-on...Ultra Strap-on powered by the leftover stock M2.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I don't think it is right to encourage people not to purchase the current model because of unsubstantiated rumors for next year.

 

[JCCL]

I don't think it is right to encourage people not purchase the current model because of unsubstantiated rumors for next year.

It’s a site called “MacRUMORS”. What else would we expect?
I’m very skeptic about these ones. Specifically the redesign sounds just like wishful speculation from someone just based on the fact that the watch is turning ten without anything concrete, but in reality except for the iPhone X, I don’t remember Apple doing anything special for anniversary editions. iPad, AppleTV, iPods all turned 10 without much fanfare.

 

[Apple_Robert]

It’s a site called “MacRUMORS”. What else would we expect?
I’m very skeptic about these ones. Specifically the redesign sounds just like wishful speculation from someone just based on the fact that the watch is turning ten without anything concrete, but in reality except for the iPhone X, I don’t remember Apple doing anything special for anniversary editions. iPad, AppleTV, iPods all turned 10 without much fanfare.

I have been here for almost 12 years. I know the name of the site and what it is about.

 

[lewchenko]

I just had to have my S7 replaced with Apple care so it feels brand new again. Honestly not sure what would make me upgrade it.. maybe a total redesign. The pixel watches look better (even if less functionality)

 

[Robert.Walter]

Wish Apple would give us consistent naming. I’m not listing everything but trying to give feel of how nice it would be to not have a non hodgepodge of names.

Such an arrangement helps on the marketing side by putting a psychological pressure on users who FFB (Fear Falling Behind).

Also would make the customer support easier:
- each serial and model number starts with model release year 24xxxxxx,
- marketing footnotes and support articles become compact and comprehensible (the notes are actually ridiculous nowadays due to nonexistent and amazingly incoherent naming strategy.) Not much easier than:

“iOS 23 runs on iPhone 18 and newer. Your features and apps may vary depending on your iPhone model, region, language, and carrier.” (as opposed to list at bottom of this note).

How it could be:

Apple Watch 24 SE
Apple Watch 24
Apple Watch 24 Cellular
Apple Watch 24 Ultra
watchOS 24

iPhone 24
iPhone 24 Pro Max
iPad 24
iPad 24 mini
iPad 24 Pro
iOS 24

Mac 24
Mac 24 Mini
Mac 24 Studio
Mac 24 Pro
iMac 24
MacBook 24 (new entry level netbook).
MacBook Air 24
MacBook Pro 24
macOS 24 San Dimas

Apple TV 24
tvOS 24

AirPods 24
AirPods 24 Pro
AirPods 24 Studio
AirPodsOS 24

HomePod 24 Mini
HomePod 24

Apple Car 25 Green Boss Pro.

Promised footnote:

Current mess (here just iPhone):

“

iPhone XR iPhone XS iPhone XS Max iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12 Pro Max iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone 15 iPhone 15 Plus iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2nd generation) iPhone SE (3rd generation)

Your features and apps may vary depending on your iPhone model, region, language, and carrier.”

 

[bbloyd]

With all the discounted deals on Apple tech currently available, you might be thinking about upgrading your Apple Watch or buying one for the first time. But if your current smartwatch is doing its job just fine and it's only the idea of a good deal that's piqued your interest, it could be worth holding out until next year when Apple unveils its latest and greatest version.

There are already several rumors from reputable sources that suggest 2024 could be a very big year for the Apple Watch. Here are five reasons to hold onto your wallet for now and wait until the next-generation model arrives.

Major Redesign

The original Apple Watch was released in April 2015, and we are coming up on the 10th anniversary of Apple's first wearable device. With such a landmark anniversary on the horizon, rumors suggest a notable 10-year anniversary update could arrive as early as 2024.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is planning a major redesign for the Apple Watch to coincide with its 10th anniversary. Apple is said to be aiming to make the Apple Watch thinner than it is now, with a slimmer casing, along with different ways to attach bands. The new bands could attach to the watch magnetically, which would free up space inside the Apple Watch for bigger batteries and other internal components.

microLED Display

Analyst Jeff Pu and display analyst Ross Young believe Apple is working on a new high-end watch that will feature a 2.1-inch (diagonal) micro-LED display. The watch is rumored to be coming in 2024 or 2025, although it could be an upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra rather than the Series 9.

That said, Apple could be planning multiple sizes, or the rumored "Apple Watch X" could be a larger-sized watch with a new case design and slimmer bezels. MicroLED is more energy efficient than the OLED technology currently used in Apple Watch models. It also has a longer lifetime, faster response times, better contrast, and brighter colors.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Apple plans to add blood pressure monitoring to the Apple Watch in 2024, according to Bloomberg's Gurman. The blood pressure monitoring featuring will reportedly let users know if their blood pressure is trending upward.

As opposed to the common methods that measure blood pressure using an inflatable cuff wrapped around the upper arm, Apple's system is believed to measure the speed of the wave of a heartbeat through a user's arteries using sensors. However, it may not provide exact systolic and diastolic measurements initially.

Hypertension Detection

As part of Apple's new blood pressure monitoring system, the Apple Watch is also expected to detect episodes of hypertension, or abnormally high blood pressure, according to Gurman.

The system will provide an option for users to note what they were doing when the hypertension occurred, which could be useful for medical diagnosis. And to avoid potentially giving a misdiagnosis, the Apple Watch will direct the user to talk to their doctor or check their blood pressure with a traditional cuff, which can provide exact systolic and diastolic measurements.

Sleep Apnea Detection

Also coming in 2024 is an Apple Watch-based sleep apnea detection feature. Sleep apnea is sleeping disorder in which the temporary cessation of breathing occurs more often than normal during sleep. It can cause hypoxemia and sleep deprivation. Symptoms include loud snoring and making choking noises during your sleep.

According to Bloomberg's November 2023 report, the Apple Watch will use sleep history and breathing patterns to estimate whether someone has the condition, and then direct users to see a physician.

Release

Apple typically releases a new Apple Watch model in September alongside the launch of its latest flagship iPhone, which in 2024 will be the iPhone 16. Apple could however have something different planned if it does indeed unveil a 10th anniversary "Apple Watch X" next year.

It's worth noting that the original Apple Watch was unveiled in September 2014, but it did not release until April 2015, so Apple could use either date for the Apple Watch anniversary. Given that 2023 marked the debut of the Apple Watch Series 9, a Series 10 or "X" would be more appropriate for 2024, not 2025, but the X naming is just speculation at this point.

Article Link: 5 Reasons to Wait for Next Year's Apple Watch

With all the discounted deals on Apple tech currently available, you might be thinking about upgrading your Apple Watch or buying one for the first time. But if your current smartwatch is doing its job just fine and it's only the idea of a good deal that's piqued your interest, it could be worth holding out until next year when Apple unveils its latest and greatest version.

There are already several rumors from reputable sources that suggest 2024 could be a very big year for the Apple Watch. Here are five reasons to hold onto your wallet for now and wait until the next-generation model arrives.

Major Redesign

The original Apple Watch was released in April 2015, and we are coming up on the 10th anniversary of Apple's first wearable device. With such a landmark anniversary on the horizon, rumors suggest a notable 10-year anniversary update could arrive as early as 2024.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is planning a major redesign for the Apple Watch to coincide with its 10th anniversary. Apple is said to be aiming to make the Apple Watch thinner than it is now, with a slimmer casing, along with different ways to attach bands. The new bands could attach to the watch magnetically, which would free up space inside the Apple Watch for bigger batteries and other internal components.

microLED Display

Analyst Jeff Pu and display analyst Ross Young believe Apple is working on a new high-end watch that will feature a 2.1-inch (diagonal) micro-LED display. The watch is rumored to be coming in 2024 or 2025, although it could be an upgrade to the Apple Watch Ultra rather than the Series 9.

That said, Apple could be planning multiple sizes, or the rumored "Apple Watch X" could be a larger-sized watch with a new case design and slimmer bezels. MicroLED is more energy efficient than the OLED technology currently used in Apple Watch models. It also has a longer lifetime, faster response times, better contrast, and brighter colors.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Apple plans to add blood pressure monitoring to the Apple Watch in 2024, according to Bloomberg's Gurman. The blood pressure monitoring featuring will reportedly let users know if their blood pressure is trending upward.

As opposed to the common methods that measure blood pressure using an inflatable cuff wrapped around the upper arm, Apple's system is believed to measure the speed of the wave of a heartbeat through a user's arteries using sensors. However, it may not provide exact systolic and diastolic measurements initially.

Hypertension Detection

As part of Apple's new blood pressure monitoring system, the Apple Watch is also expected to detect episodes of hypertension, or abnormally high blood pressure, according to Gurman.

The system will provide an option for users to note what they were doing when the hypertension occurred, which could be useful for medical diagnosis. And to avoid potentially giving a misdiagnosis, the Apple Watch will direct the user to talk to their doctor or check their blood pressure with a traditional cuff, which can provide exact systolic and diastolic measurements.

Sleep Apnea Detection

Also coming in 2024 is an Apple Watch-based sleep apnea detection feature. Sleep apnea is sleeping disorder in which the temporary cessation of breathing occurs more often than normal during sleep. It can cause hypoxemia and sleep deprivation. Symptoms include loud snoring and making choking noises during your sleep.

According to Bloomberg's November 2023 report, the Apple Watch will use sleep history and breathing patterns to estimate whether someone has the condition, and then direct users to see a physician.

Release

Apple typically releases a new Apple Watch model in September alongside the launch of its latest flagship iPhone, which in 2024 will be the iPhone 16. Apple could however have something different planned if it does indeed unveil a 10th anniversary "Apple Watch X" next year.

It's worth noting that the original Apple Watch was unveiled in September 2014, but it did not release until April 2015, so Apple could use either date for the Apple Watch anniversary. Given that 2023 marked the debut of the Apple Watch Series 9, a Series 10 or "X" would be more appropriate for 2024, not 2025, but the X naming is just speculation at this point.

Article Link: 5 Reasons to Wait for Next Year's Apple Watch

I’m using the 6 and it servers my purposes, but blood pressure and sleep apnea detection, sign me up. I’ll be in line to order immediately. Now if they can only solve the blood sugar challenge.

 

[Robert.Walter]

I don't think it is right to encourage people not purchase the current model because of unsubstantiated rumors for next year.

Don’t worry. Most folks don’t read. And of those who do few read up before buying anything.

 

[Lerenard3000]

Nope, Apple Watch x -> redesign
-> next year blood whatever
-> Face ID
-> camera
-> pressure whatever
And so so and on and on…
Milk it 🐮

 

[Robert.Walter]

I’m using the 6 and it servers my purposes, but blood pressure and sleep apnea detection, sign me up. I’ll be in line to order immediately. Now if they can only solve the blood sugar challenge.

Fully agree.

I also think BP Monitoring will be more than as currently described.

Problem is that the watch makes these measurements but they are an indirect abstraction. A cuff actually measures pressures and detects flow as pressure is released.

A watch using a back of case sensor can’t do this.

Unless it is calibrated to wearer and periodically recalibrated. Both of which are easily handled for those who want to unlock such a feature.

How to calibrate? By using running a “Calibrate BP” screen on watch with a Bluetooth cuff reading BP into the Apple Health app.

Initially do this a number of times a week and maybe once a month to prevent drift (if user fails to do this stop logging data and display a “calibrate with cuff” screen. If the user starts a new kind of activity that is outside previous calibration range, run additional calibrations to dial in for that.

Now you might have a watch that can display BP values.

 

[rbbloom99]

Buy today's version of iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or MacBook when you 'need' it.

There is always going to be the next model coming... always.

 

[Rychiar]

Was the ultra not already the radical redesign? They’d have to redo both if they plan to change the way bands attach. All the rumors I heard this year said most of these features like micro led and blood pressure were still at least two years out. Unless their magical new battery tech is ready(which I doubt) I don’t see how they could make the watch thinner… maybe they’ll skip a 2024 release all together as was rumored awhile back. Next years focus will likely be Vision Pro anyways

 

[Godspeed8230]

My day one series 4 is still going strong. Apple has yet to release anything worth upgrading to.

Actually, I am on series 3 and except for some apps not being supported by my watchOS anymore, there is actually not much justifying an upgrade at this moment. I am happy with it.

 

[slyronit]

So you put “blood pressure monitoring” and “hypertension detection” as 2 separate points.

 

[JCCL]

I have been here for almost 12 years. I know the name of the site and what it is about.

Then it's a bit weird to complain about the site posting rumors and speculation about the next iteration, don't you think? As I'm sure you're aware that's been going on for the full 12 years you've been on and much earlier.

 

[jz0309]

but the X naming is just speculation at this point.

as is everything else described as "features" in the article ...
yea, AW9 and Ultra 2 are terrible products not worthy buying /s

 

[jz0309]

Then it's a bit weird to complain about the site posting rumors and speculation about the next iteration, don't you think? As I'm sure you're aware that's been going on for the full 12 years you've been on and much earlier.

did you read the headline of the article? that is the oddball and nonsense, as by that argument you should never buy any Apple product ...