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The upcoming Apple Watch Series 7 will feature flat edges, a larger display thanks to smaller bezels, and a more prominent speaker, according to new CAD renders, allegedly obtained from industry sources, shared today by 91mobiles.

91mmobile-apple-watch-series-1.jpg

The renders reveal an updated Apple Watch design that takes inspiration from the flat-edges of the iPhone 12, iPad Pro, iPad Air, and the upcoming 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pros. From the renders, we can see that the rear of the Apple Watch will consist of the same configuration of health sensors as the current Series 6.

The renders reveal no significant design changes to the Digital Crown or side button; however, they show two speakers that extend the entire side of the Apple Watch compared to the current adjacent speaker design. According to dimensions shared, the Apple Watch Series 7 will be offered in the same 40 and 44mm case sizes as expected.

While the bezels on the upcoming watch are expected to be thinner, which would allow for a larger display, the flat edges also allow the surface area to be larger. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has noted that Apple is testing a new screen lamination process for the Series 7 which will bring the display closer to the cover glass.

91mmobile-apple-watch-series-2.jpg

According to the report, the 44mm model of the Series 6 will sport a 1.8-inch display compared to the current 1.73 display in the Apple Watch Series 6. While no dimensions for the smaller 40mm model are shared, a similar proportional increase in display size can be expected. The Series 7 will also be 1.7mm thinner compared to the Series 6, according to the report.

Apple leaker Jon Prosser reported on an updated design for the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7 earlier this year, and 91mobiles' renders are mostly in line with Prosser's reporting. Reliable Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman has also stated the upcoming Apple Watch model can be expected to feature design changes.

Since the introduction of the first Apple Watch, Apple has maintained the compatibility of older Apple Watch bands with all Apple Watch series. This has allowed customers to upgrade their existing Apple Watch without purchasing new bands compatible with the newer model.

While not mentioned directly in the report, today's renders make it appear as though that despite the flat-edges of the upcoming Apple Watch, the Series 7 should maintain compatibility with older Apple Watch bands. The Apple Watch Series 7 is expected to be announced alongside the iPhone 13 at a digital Apple Event in September.

Article Link: Alleged Apple Watch Series 7 CAD Renders Reveal New Design With Flat Edges and Larger Display
 

G5isAlive

Contributor
Aug 28, 2003
2,810
4,810
Not a fan. I understand the desire for a unified design language across devices, but don't like the idea of any sort of metal edge strapped to my wrist. Just see it digging into me in an unpleasant way (versus pleasant digging?). The rounded edge worked for wrist comfort. Time will tell.
 

JOLoughlin

macrumors regular
Aug 20, 2008
130
255
A bit skeptical of this design direction. The corners may be more susceptible to damage if I nick my watch against a wall or some tough object. Been with the steel versions and they are quite durable for these scenarios. The current design is I think is a more sound design for durability and comfort on the wrist.
 

mlody

macrumors 68000
Nov 11, 2012
1,623
1,236
Windy City
I am also not a fan of the design, but I will give it a shot when they release it. My SS AW4 is having issues with hearth rate readings, so I might upgrade and give the old one to my daughter but the watch better wow me. My wife has SS AW6 and there is not a single feature that I would want, so if AW7 only gets new design, it will be a hard pass for me. Hopefully we will know more next month.
 

5105973

Cancelled
Sep 11, 2014
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It looks nice to me. I’ve seen very flat sharp edged analog watches so the look isn’t without precedent. I’m going to pass on an upgrade from my AW6, though, unless there’s glucose monitoring sneaking in there.
 
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DanTSX

Suspended
Oct 22, 2013
1,111
1,505
I truly hate how flat it is, the Apple Watch is the only product I wish they kept the current curvy design. I feel like a flat screen and flat body wouldn't be comfortable or ergonomic for swipes or when pressing buttons (more so than the iPhone)


Current Apple Watch design is stale and dated.


Very mid 2010’s design.


A “wrist-wart” of sorts.
 

Kylo83

macrumors 601
Apr 2, 2020
4,332
14,101
This makes me happy I’ve always said my series 6 bezels are to big and the screen could be bigger, this is what I wanted from an update
 
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