Apple Researching Totally Redesigned Apple Watch With Wrap-Around Display

[Mainyehc]

"The Apple Watch Series 7 is expected to launch later this year, but there have been few rumors so far about what the new model may feature other than blood oxygen monitoring."

Thinking you mean 'blood glucose monitoring'

Nope, he really meant “oxigen”. Which, considering how it’s been used as a measure for lung health in diseases like pneumonia and Covid-19, seems very timely.

That isn’t to say they aren’t *also* looking at blood glucose monitoring, and there have been some rumours to that effect as well.

 

[alexandr]

First they change my airpods and now my Apple Watch design... why?!!

well nothing is confirmed... yet... fingers crossed.

 

[Syk]

Not sure about the wrap around design but would like a more modern design update.
I wouldn't even mind a sports model built like a Garmin Approach S62

 

[_Spinn_]

This would be a good use for flexible displays - though I'd still be worried about the durability of the screens.

 

[anthogag]

Nope, he really meant “oxigen”. Which, considering how it’s been used as a measure for lung health in diseases like pneumonia and Covid-19, seems very timely.

That isn’t to say they aren’t *also* looking at blood glucose monitoring, and there have been some rumours to that effect as well.

The latest Watch already has blood oxygen monitoring.

Blood glucose monitoring is a possible next feature for the Watch.

 

[HylianKnight]

Can’t wait to scratch or crack my screen because I rest my wrist down just a bit too hard.

 

[Jbusick7944]

Nah

 

[macsareveryinteresting]

From the picture it looks like a Fitbit Versa. We all know that Fitbit copies Apple Watch. But I hope Apple doesn’t copy Fitbit.

 

[Eggtastic]

Im glad they are going in this direction. The current design doesn't do it much for me. Went this far without one as I feel the watch is still too thick.

 

[macsareveryinteresting]

To me Apple Watch design is perfectly fine. Just improve battery life and add functionality.

Yep. Battery life needs to be improved. I died in 12 hours. It should be more of 72 hours. But I think the functionality is perfectly fine. And the Apple Watch design should stay the way it is.

 

[macsareveryinteresting]

Finally, after a decade Apple admits they didn't know more about what shape a watch should be than Rolex.

Well then it would be expensive. Rolex is supposed to be small. But the cool thing would be if Apple partnered up with Rolex to make Rolex Apple Watches made out of gold, and silver.

 

[npmacuser5]

Apple needs to thin out the design so it doesn't resemble a 'Dick Tracy' watch so much.

The problem with the thinness, sensors and batteries. Adding more sensors and we are demanding more battery life. The reasons a Rolex so heavy and bulky, ruggedness requirements. Otherwise, a Rolex would be the size of Movado. Not the timepiece, all the other requirements. Difficult to have it all. So far Apple has done a good job balancing both.

 

[cmaier]

I don't know how patents work, but surely there's some clause about "natural evolution of design" and "prior art" that would prevent things like this getting a patent, I've definitely seen concept smart watch images with displays on the watch strap before.

this is not a patent on “display on the watch strap.” In fact, it’s not even a patent on a watch. (Never believe macrumors when it talks about patents).

It’s a patent that covers:

1. An electronic device comprising:

a substrate including a first side and a second side;

a first wiring layer on the first side;

an array of LEDs on and in electrical contact with the first wiring layer on the first side of the substrate;

a second wiring layer on the second side of the substrate;

a plurality of interconnects extending between and electrically connecting the first wiring layer to the second wiring layer.

 

[mtneer]

This will be a gigantic scratch-a-palooza

 

[alpi123]

Considering Jony Ive is supposed to be such a creative genius he‘s very conservative with his designs

Jony Ive departed from Apple 2 years ago?

 

[JDHiro]

Am I the only one that wants Apple to go the other way and make a device that’s smaller and more focused - akin to a fitness tracker? I’d rather have a discrete device I can wear along with an analog watch.

 

[MJ22]

Fugly

 

[ColdShadow]

I don’t know how I feel about that..
Can look awful if it’s anything like those renders.

 

[kironin]

If they ever did do something like that, I might actually consider getting it.
The ugly square box monstrosity they have now is just D.O.A. for me. Not interested in paying that much for something that ugly and clunky.

 

[erinsarah]

I don't care what it looks like, but If I could improve one thing about the watch it would be to enable more functions to be hands-free. Every try hitting a button on the screen while, say, walking a very energetic dog? No matter which hand has the leash, your chances of hitting the right button on screen are basically nil until he stops to pee.

 

[Scoob Redux]

If it were me, I’d focus on making the Watch with a battery life that goes for multiple days, instead of trying to find ways to add more screen space.

Agree. But why is the mentality with phones the opposite? For years, it has been "more screen! add wings around the sensors at the top! get rid of the home button to add more screen! make it bigger to add more screen! make it huge!" The result is giant phones just for the sake of big screens. Apple lost site of form following function.

 

[Scoob Redux]

Why would I want a round display on a smart watch? Why would I want the display to wrap around my wrist? To twist and turn my wrist awkwardly back and forth, when reading something on my Apple Watch?
🤔

and why would anyone want an awkward phone that doesn't fit in a front pocket and can't be used one handed? simple - BIGGER SCREEN!

 

[Rojaaemon]

Hmm, it’s starting to look like my Timex.

 

[Td1970]

The latest Watch already has blood oxygen monitoring.

Blood glucose monitoring is a possible next feature for the Watch.

Highly doubt it. Non invasive glucose monitoring isn’t ready yet for the masses. I’ve been in the lab industry for 20+ years. Drawing blood, running chemistry’s, etc.

If Apple pull sit off it will be wonderful for diabetics. But dont plan on it yet for several years minimum

 

[SDJim]

Interesting to me that this is what rumors were convinced it was going to be back in 2014.