Apple to Offer Range of Extreme Sports-Style Bands for Apple Watch Pro

[MacRumors]

With the impending arrival of the fitness-focused Apple Watch "Pro" model headlining the upcoming Series 8 lineup, Apple is set to offer customers a wide range of new bands for the larger device that will play into the extreme sports theme, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Accurate CAD renders of Apple Watch Pro (credit: 91Mobiles)​

This wouldn't be the first time Apple has offered bands for a specific Apple Watch model – the company already sells a variety of special bands for its Hermès range of smartwatches. Apple also creates unique sports-style watch bands for its Nike edition models, although these are also compatible with other Apple Watch models.

While customers plumping for the Apple Watch Pro will also have a variety of bands to choose from, it's not yet clear what form the bands will take. Gurman has previously said that bands made for older Apple Watch models will fit, albeit imperfectly, implying the new bands will have an updated connection style.

A number of third-party chassis casings have already emerged based on leaked design details of the Apple Watch Pro, and some appear to be available in the form of a unified case-and-band combo. Again, whether this all-in-one style will be something that Apple itself offers is unknown, but it could play into the ruggedized or "explorer" look favored by some trail runners and hikers.

Apple Watch Pro third-party case-and-band combo (Image credit: Sonny Dickson)​

Gurman has also said to expect "some pretty info dense" watch faces for the larger 49mm Pro models that will let athletes view a wider range of fitness and health metrics than other Apple Watch models allow.

Along with a larger flat screen, the Apple Watch Pro will have an additional new button of unknown functionality on the left-side of the display, while the Digital Crown and Side button on the right side will be more prominent in a new housing that protrudes from the body. Whether this is to make the controls more accessible or it is to make way for the larger internal battery is unknown.

Like the other models in the new Series 8 lineup, the Pro device is expected feature faster performance and a new body temperature sensor, but it is likely to be significantly more expensive, and may cost in the region of $900 or $1,000. The devices are expected to be announced on Wednesday at Apple's "Far Out" media event alongside a new Apple Watch SE, the iPhone 14 series, and AirPods Pro 2.

Article Link: Apple to Offer Range of Extreme Sports-Style Bands for Apple Watch Pro

 

[DMG35]

I’m loving everything I’m hearing about this Pro watch so far.

 

[mystery hill]

Apple Bands Pro
Apple Pencil Pro
Apple Polishing Cloth Pro

 

[murdoc2k]

As a share holder of Apple, I'm very happy to see this. 🤩

 

[karranz]

As long as I can use my old 44 45 mm bands I don’t mind.

 

[RammyXX]

As long as I can use my old 44 45 mm bands I don’t mind.

Hahaha... no. They are going to sell you new ones. AND YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THEM!!!

 

[Eldaerenth Faexidor]

I know there are already a lot of haters but mark my words: This watch is going to be breathtakingly beautiful! 🤩

 

[TracerAnalog]

Tomorrow is the event where all will be revealed, so… why am I even reading this? Feed me, rumor machine! 😝

 

[DMG35]

I do hope they offer a stainless band with this larger model.

 

[ProfessionalFan]

I do hope they offer a stainless band with this larger model.

Agreed. Rugged sport bands have their place, but I do like to have my watch for multiple purposes.

I know the old bands will fit, but they also won't look as good.

 

[DMG35]

Apple - Makes a new, larger watch with new, larger bands to fit the watch. Will also offer the current size watch to fit all current bands.

MacRumors members - Complain no matter what.

 

[Nozuka]

Does wrist enlargement surgery exist yet?

 

[ProfessionalFan]

Apple - Makes a new, larger watch with new, larger bands to fit the watch. Will also offer the current size watch to fit all current bands.

MacRumors members - Complain no matter what.

Are you referring to me? Seems that way since I just replied to you above.

I am called an Apple apologist here 24/7. And I don't see a complaint in my post either. Heck if mine is a complaint, then so is the post of yours I was replying to.

 

[Greenmeenie]

Does wrist enlargement surgery exist yet?

Ha! Right? I’m a big guy, so a larger Apple Watch would work for me. But my gf already uses their smallest watch & definitely doesn’t want a larger one. She‘s very active in sports tho and would want the more rugged features. Hope Apple releases the Pro in two sizes. Not everyone wants a huge watch on their wrist.

 

[JM]

Seeing more and more of this monstrosity makes me feel better that the normal AW 8 will still be an elegant, full-featured device.

 

[Greenmeenie]

Does wrist enlargement surgery exist yet?

Wrist too small for Apple Watch Pro. Don’t make Wrist Hulk angry! You wouldn’t like Wrist Hulk when it’s angry! Wrist mad! 😂

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Why does the rugged Apple Watch not look elegant and premium? 😣

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

Hooo baby the Apple Watch Pro's gonna be sweet. I can already tell I'm gonna love that thing.

When it comes time I need a new Apple Watch I'll get the Pro, since I like durability, and I want beeg.

 

[arkitect]

Apple to Offer Range of Extreme Sports-Style Bands for Apple Watch Pro​

Wow!
Did not see that coming! At all.

/s

Perhaps Tim Apple will save it as his "One last thing…"

 

[s273988]

As a triathlete, it's the extra button that is interesting to me. Too many apps require you to scroll through screens to pause a workout or mark a lap. That's hard and dangerous with wet or sweaty hands, riding a bike or with water lock on. Couldn't give monkey's *** about new wrist bands.

 

[Spaceboi Scaphandre]

As a triathlete, it's the extra button that is interesting to me. Too many apps require you to scroll through screens to pause a workout or mark a lap. That's hard and dangerous with wet or sweaty hands, riding a bike or with water lock on. Couldn't give monkey's *** about new wrist bands.

According to the leaks we've seen, that extra button is programmable to whatever you want.

 

[cardfan]

I know there are already a lot of haters but mark my words: This watch is going to be breathtakingly beautiful! 🤩

Apple going for rugged. For some reason. Sorry.

 

[cardfan]

Why does the rugged Apple Watch not look elegant and premium? 😣

You do want to look your best while running that mountain marathon in the rain.

 

[citysnaps]

Apple - Makes a new, larger watch with new, larger bands to fit the watch. Will also offer the current size watch to fit all current bands.

MacRumors members - Complain no matter what.

And always accompanied with a race to the bottom with inane comments.

 

[PsykX]

Wow!
Did not see that coming! At all.

/s

Perhaps Tim Apple will save it as his "One last thing…"

We don't have the same "One more thing" we had before 😅

They'll really upsell it as much as possible. I wonder what's the real market for this. Always thought all they needed to do was to add more health sensors and metrics. It doesn't seem like it's going to have more health metrics so far.