'Extreme Sports' Apple Watch With Larger Display, Metal Casing, and Longer Battery Life Coming in 2022

[MacRumors]

Apple is working on an "extreme sports" version of the Apple Watch that will feature a larger screen and a metal casing that's better able to stand up to abuse, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Aimed at athletes, hikers, and others who experience more extreme conditions when wearing their Apple Watches, the new device will be Apple's biggest to date. The display will measure in at almost two inches diagonally, which is larger than the 1.9-inch diagonal screen size of the current Apple Watch Series 7 and the planned Apple Watch Series 8.

It will have approximately 7 percent more screen area than the 45mm Apple Watch Series 7, and a display resolution of 410 x 502 pixels. Gurman speculates that Apple may use the extra display area to provide more fitness metrics on the Apple Watch face at one time.

There is no word on what Apple will call this new watch, but it will include improved impact resistance and protection in the form of a metal material that is stronger than aluminum. It will include a more shatter-resistant screen and it's also going to have a larger battery to accommodate longer workout times.

The sport-focused version of the Apple Watch will be sold alongside the standard Apple Watch Series 8 planned for later this year and the Apple Watch SE, which is also expected to see a refresh in 2022. Aside from a larger body and more durable casing, the Apple Watch sport edition will function the same as other Apple Watches and will get the same features coming to the Series 8.

Rumors suggest the Apple Watch Series 8 will feature an S8 chip that's similar to the S7 and the S6 before that, along with an updated low power mode and new health features that would let it monitor temperature. For more on everything coming to the Apple Watch Series 8, we have a dedicated Apple Watch Series 8 guide.

Article Link: 'Extreme Sports' Apple Watch With Larger Display, Metal Casing, and Longer Battery Life Coming in 2022

 

[macsplusmacs]

I think this one is the one for me.

And I say this knowing full well I will do little to no "extreme sports" with it unless you count Netflix binging "extreme sports".

 

[fwmireault]

For this user demographic, the battery life is likely the thing that will matter the most. I hope the jump will be significant, but I doubt a slightly larger case will result in major improvements regarding battery life. Fingers crossed

 

[Diamond Dog]

Apple Watch Series 8 X-Treme Pro Max Edition

Rolls right off the tongue.

 

[mapsdotapp]

I don’t think I have the wrist real estate for this watch.

 

[Motawa]

It will be Apple Watch 8 Pro because… you know… PRO sport guys

 

[Pakaku]

Never expected to hear about a rugged version of an Apple product. Then again, I wouldn't mind if they were this rugged by default

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

At this point, I'm just ready for Apple Watch 8 Pro Max version.

 

[Premium1]

Not sure why they have to keep making it bigger, it's going to take up half of a forearm here soon. I am all for a sport version, will be interesting to see what they price it.

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

You'd be hoping that for "extreme sports" they don't just make the case more rugged, but also find a way to make the screen more scratch and crack resistant, as that's where "extreme sports" will really test the materials - think mountain biking crashes, snowboard fails, rock climbing.
Sure - battery life is one thing, but the durability of a big piece of glass on your exposed wrist is far more important for "extreme sports".

 

[TechieGeek]

The big question is whether the band will remain the same or whether the attachments will change. We all want to know whether we can continue building our band collections or whether we should pause purchasing new bands for the next few months.

 

[macsplusmacs]

You'd be hoping that for "extreme sports" they don't just make the case more rugged, but also find a way to make the screen more scratch and crack resistant, as that's where "extreme sports" will really test the materials - think mountain biking crashes, snowboard fails, rock climbing.
Sure - battery life is one thing, but the durability of a big piece of glass on your exposed wrist is far more important for "extreme sports".

"It will include a more shatter-resistant screen"

 

[5425642]

You'd be hoping that for "extreme sports" they don't just make the case more rugged, but also find a way to make the screen more scratch and crack resistant, as that's where "extreme sports" will really test the materials - think mountain biking crashes, snowboard fails, rock climbing.
Sure - battery life is one thing, but the durability of a big piece of glass on your exposed wrist is far more important for "extreme sports".

Yeah my s6 has some scratches on the display my s4 did as well.
As I update every 24 month I’m hoping for this one to be a keeper for 48 months but we will just wait and see.

Older I get the longer I keep a apple devices before upgrading.

 

[Baywatchboy]

The big question is whether the band will remain the same or whether the attachments will change. We all want to know whether we can continue building our band collections or whether we should pause purchasing new bands for the next few months.

Exactly! I have too many bands as it is and I'd rather not have to worry about buying more and getting rid of my old ones.

 

[jz0309]

same news as on Sunday or Monday ...
what is more "rugged" than SB SS DLC coating? and a Sapphire screen? hard plastic case?
Oh, I see, it will have the "flat" design from last year ... follow the crumb trail ...

 

[CarAnalogy]

This would have come in handy before I dropped my watch face down onto concrete the other day. It didn't shatter, but it has several noticeable pits in the display now. Ironic, after just watching that stupid ad about how you don't have to worry about knocking it around. Granted, they didn't show a direct impact with concrete and probably never will. I bet even the new one won't come out unscathed.

 

[JOLoughlin]

I usually have had the Stainless steel with sapphire watches which are pretty tough already. How tough is the titanium version and what can they do to make these variants tougher?

 

[CarAnalogy]

The big question is whether the band will remain the same or whether the attachments will change. We all want to know whether we can continue building our band collections or whether we should pause purchasing new bands for the next few months.

They seem pretty committed to the bands as long as you stay in the same size bracket. It's been compatible the whole time hasn't it? At least since the first revision I think.

 

[spartan1967]

"It will include a more shatter-resistant screen"

I wonder if Apple will provide any additional coverage at no/lower cost for breakage or will it be a water resistant, but no water damage covered under the warranty thing.

 

[brubeast]

Needs an additional dedicated button for laps while running/swimming or it's a total missed opportunity.

 

[CarAnalogy]

You'd be hoping that for "extreme sports" they don't just make the case more rugged, but also find a way to make the screen more scratch and crack resistant, as that's where "extreme sports" will really test the materials - think mountain biking crashes, snowboard fails, rock climbing.
Sure - battery life is one thing, but the durability of a big piece of glass on your exposed wrist is far more important for "extreme sports".

They really seem to skirt around the issue of actual scratches. They only ever mention shatter resistance. The only time they ever came close was when ceramic shield was introduced.

 

[Attirex]

Xtreme Sports Bro: This watch ain't for normies. Also, buy some of my crypto.

 

[twolf2919]

I've had Apple Watches since the beginning and while I swim and hike, I don't do either at any "extreme" level. But the Apple Watch is a pretty fragile piece of technology due to a glass surface that has no protection at all from impact. My second Apple Watch's glass completely cracked simply because it fell out of my locker room locker onto a tiled floor. While my Apple Watch 4 avoided damage, my AW 6 has some pretty deep scratches on its surface - and I have no clue how they got there. I - or it - never fell and I didn't participate in any high-contact activities at all.

While scratches are alright with me, I wish Apple would find a better material for its watch glass. At one point, early on, Apple was going house sapphire glass, but the company it contracted with couldn't produce the material in large enough quantities (and, to my investment dismay, subsequently went bankrupt). I understand that a 'lip' isn't desirable on a touch-sensitive watch, but surely Apple could find a better substitute for Gorilla glass - I'd pay extra for something like sapphire. The frame of the watch almost never got scratched for me.

 

[Eric_WVGG]

If this turns out to be successful, that will be all the proof needed that Jono missed the mark with his pursuit of the luxury market.

personally, I'm ready to trade up to a model with 25% less battery life and is 25% slimmer. Tired of these chonky boi's

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

If this turns out to be successful, that will be all the proof needed that Jono missed the mark with his pursuit of the luxury market.

personally, I'm ready to trade up to a model with 25% less battery life and is 25% slimmer. Tired of these chonky boi's

Yeah, but is rugged the new luxury?

I mean - extreme sports ain't cheap - you can pay over $20k for a full tricked out bike and that's very much a luxury to most.