Apple Watch Reportedly Set to Receive 'Significant Redesign' Next Year

[MacRumors]

At least one new Apple Watch model launching next year will feature a "significant redesign," according to Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes.

In a paywalled report this week, citing supply chain insiders, DigiTimes claimed that a high-end 2026 Apple Watch model will feature "exterior design" changes, including but not limited to "eight sensors arranged in a ring pattern visible through a glass cover on the watch's underside."

Earlier this year, images of an alleged Apple Watch Series 10 prototype surfaced, and the device had a never-before-seen ring with eight white lines in it. It is unclear if that is the same ring that DigiTimes is referring to, but it seems similar, so perhaps it is still coming on the Apple Watch Series 12 and/or Apple Watch Ultra 4 next year.

An alleged Apple Watch Series 10 prototype (Image Credit: @StellaFudge)​

More sensors would make sense, as the Apple Watch continues to get more health features. For example, Apple has reportedly been testing a feature that could alert you to signs of high blood pressure. This feature was first rumored well before the Apple Watch Series 10 launched, but Apple continues to face development challenges. It is unclear if the feature will be ready in time for the Apple Watch Series 11 next month.

Beyond sensors, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman once reported on the possibility of a redesigned Apple Watch with a thinner case and a magnetic band system. While the Series 10 is the thinnest Apple Watch ever, the magnetic band system has still never materialized.

The report also says the Apple Watch Series 11 will support Apple Intelligence, enabling smarter health management capabilities, but we are skeptical about this claim due to Apple Watch performance and RAM limitations. However, watchOS 26 adds some new features "powered by" Apple Intelligence, with reliance on a paired iPhone.

DigiTimes has a notoriously hit-or-miss track record, so this report warrants a healthy dose of skepticism. Moreover, the publication has become more of an aggregator of Apple rumors in recent years, but it still publishes some original reports from time to time. Earlier this week, it published an "exclusive" report corroborating rumors that Apple is planning a new lower-cost MacBook with around a 13-inch display and an A18 Pro chip.

Given that the 2026 Apple Watch lineup is still over a year away, there is plenty of time for more rumors, so we should find out if this report is accurate in due time.

Article Link: Apple Watch Reportedly Set to Receive 'Significant Redesign' Next Year

 

[BelgianChoklit]

This is very welcome but I'd also very much welcome thinner bezels. I love my Series 10, but I was disappointed at how big the bezels were when it was unveiled.

 

[airwalk331]

It's about time! (see what I did there?)

 

[UnbreakableAlex]

it’s probably the Ultra because it’s such an ugly watch. Nothing elegant or futuristic about it.

 

[Robert.Walter]

“Earlier this year, images of an alleged Apple Watch Series 10 prototype surfaced, and the device had a never-before-seen ring…”

Could have been an engineering mule.

Mule? Like a current mustang body with an upcoming powertrain inside it.

 

[JCCL]

There is always a rumor of “big redesign next year” and then ultimately nothing happens. Watch rumors are to be taken with a pinch of salt most of the time.

 

[TJFDenver]

circle gets the square

 

[Eorlas]

wasnt the decade anniversary supposed to be the big redesign. it's like there's a notion of it every year since.

 

[dcingie]

They’ve lost all credibility. A “complete redesign” now means slightly different angle on the curves and last year’s processor with a new name.

 

[BornAgainMac]

Apple Watch Fold. You flip the screen and have a huge iPhone size screen on your wrist with some stereo speakers.

 

[Havalo]

Not everyone’s cup of tea, but with all the buzz and leaks going around, I think it's wise to hold off until the year 2027 or (forgive me for my shortcomings/pessimism, everyone) 2030, unless there's a major redesign of the Apple Watch and the iPhone before 2030.

 

[mrat93]

This is very welcome but I'd also very much welcome thinner bezels. I love my Series 10, but I was disappointed at how big the bezels were when it was unveiled.

Yep. I returned my S10 and went back to my S7. It didn’t feel like an upgrade.

 

[dmccombs]

Don't we hear this every year? Wasn't this year supposed to be the 10th anniversary redesign? Next year is Taylor Swift's xx birthday... Etc...

 

[applefan8254]

Can we get an iPad app ?

 

[Joker1977]

I’m already excited looking forward to the s11 chip in this years model to think about magnificent developments next year ie s12 chip!

 

[canadianreader]

Apple Watch Fold. You flip the screen and have a huge iPhone size screen on your wrist with some stereo speakers.

Apple already patented it

https://www.patentlyapple.com/2025/03/apple-thinks-outside-the-box-and-invents-a-new-apple-watch-design-with-a-foldable-display-and-dual-cameras.html

 

[brewcitywi]

my mom wants a circlular optiion.

 

[DocMultimedia]

I won't need to upgrade until next year. 😃

 

[BelgianChoklit]

Yep. I returned my S10 and went back to my S7. It didn’t feel like an upgrade.

Funny because I went from the Series 7 to the 10 and I find it to be a great update for the following reasons:
- double tap is simply super useful
- increased peak brightness (I go on walks/hikes 5x per week so useful)
- double the storage (great as I have offline music, podcasts and maps for running without my iPhone
- titanium (lighter than my stainless steel S7)
- thinner, yes the 1mm thinner body is noticeable

Of course these were great reasons to upgrade for me, not necessarily useful to others

There's also other stuff but less useful to me
- it plays audio through the speakers
- thermometer for water and body temp
- bluetooth 5.3 over 5.0

 

[CrysisDeu]

The last big redesign was for series 10 and you all know what happened

 

[BMcCoy]

Can you imagine if it’s the design change that Prosser leaked a few years ago - this forum will melt in a sea of confusion and loathing…!

 

[iksnirks]

this is the fifth year in a row you've shown apple watch redesign in class

 

[jz0309]

the regular AW is historically on a 3 year design cycle, The Ultra got skipped last year and thus does not have a re-design track record yet, so this rumor is either for the 2026 Ultra or Apple might segment its offerings even further, like:
SE: entry level with limited features
AW: generic health/activity
Ultra: more activity/outdoors focus with same health sensors as AW
Health: adds health sensors and features

Depending on what Apple announces this year, we might know more, but then again, AW rumors historically have been sparse and often false.

 

[cjsuk]

Based on the current state of the tech industry that means they are going to **** it up.

 

[GUNSTAR1]

They’ve lost all credibility. A “complete redesign” now means slightly different angle on the curves and last year’s processor with a new name.

'We've increased the number of knurling points on the Digital Crown resulting in a more precise flow around your navigational experience. We think you're gonna it'