Future of the Apple Watch Edition models

[Al Rukh]

So recent rumours strongly suggest that the “Pro” version of the Apple Watch Series 8 might be housed by a different but stronger Titanium alloy and that this model will cost us about 900-999USD.

If this rumour comes to fruition, it will surely spell the end of the Titanium Edition series. It’s a rather sad news for me personally because I value premium materials on my watches. However I’ll be frustrated if I have to spend close to $2k (in my country) to get an AW with premium materials, with other unwanted upgrades like a larger size.

The Edition line is perfect. It has all the features and internal upgrades of the current generation but comes with a sophisticated, durable and elegant materials for those who can appreciate it. The profit margins for Edition models might not be as great because these people make up a rather small market of AW buyers but the option is there for buyers. The customers win at the end of the day.

TLDR; I’m just bummed that the Edition models might be discontinued moving forward because I really like using the Ti models at the current price point and design.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Vangeli]

It’d be interesting to have the Stainless and Titanium watches be separated from the Aluminum models with a Pro designation, much like with the phones.

 

[jz0309]

I‘kk be waiting for Apple's announcement before losing sleep over this ...
Updated with spelling correction

 

[Howard2k]

I';; be waiting for Apple's announcement before losing sleep over this ...

Ditto.

I'll almost certainly be staying with Aluminium regardless, but I'll be interested to see how this pans out.

 

[jz0309]

Ditto.

I'll almost certainly be staying with Aluminium regardless, but I'll be interested to see how this pans out.

I got the Ti S7 cause a SB SS was only offered in Hermes and no way I’d be paying for a band I would never wear, but, none of the rumors suggest a feature that is compelling to upgrade anyway…

 

[Howard2k]

I love the idea of the longer battery life but I don't love the price point. I suspect I'll end up with an SE2, assuming it has some nice colours (or really, black!!). I do love the look of the Ti and I'm considering it, but I'm just not sure if the extra dollars make sense. Although I am also contemplating cellular this time, which is included in the base price of the Ti (on the 7 anyway) so that narrows the gap a touch.

It should be an interesting watch year for sure.

 

[random person]

Im bummed too. Ive wanted a ti model for years but thought it was too indulgent since I upgrade every other year. But then I saw a few of them live and I thought I just had to have it! But i would need the small case size. The larger expedition watch would be way too big for my wrist. I think it is unfortunate now that I’ve finally gotten ready to open my wallet for it that it wont be an option, possibly. Sad.

 

[Significant1]

So recent rumours strongly suggest that the “Pro” version of the Apple Watch Series 8 might be housed by a different but stronger Titanium alloy and that this model will cost us about 900-999USD.

If this rumour comes to fruition, it will surely spell the end of the Titanium Edition series.

Why? I have Ti myself and don't care if they call it pro or edition. Even if they introduce a more rugged version, I don't see why that should affect Titanium versions any different other versions. Based on very thin rumors, I think you are jumping to even thinner conclusion.

 

[Al Rukh]

Why? I have Ti myself and don't care if they call it pro or edition. Even if they introduce a more rugged version, I don't see why that should affect Titanium versions any different other versions. Based on very thin rumors, I think you are jumping to even thinner conclusion.

My concern is not about what they rebrand it into. There is a strong possibility that the Edition models might not stick around once the Pro models come into play.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I’m sure if there is a ‘Pro’ watch, there will be plenty of people justifying the cost going up to £999 or whatever. It’s only another £200-£400 after all lol. This wouldn’t surprise me with Apple to be honest, but as long as the basic aluminium Watch is still available at £380-£400, I couldn’t care less what they do with the Edition or Pro models. It’s a smartwatch and I’m never going to be paying close to a grand for a device i’ll retire after 3 years.

 

[jz0309]

there clearly was a market segment and Apple seems to be wanting to redefine that, we'll have to see how that plays out in the long run ...
I just hope they come back with some "traditional" colors, like eg SB SS

 

[nattK]

It’d be interesting to have the Stainless and Titanium watches be separated from the Aluminum models with a Pro designation, much like with the phones.

I wouldn't be surprised if they reverted to that, although I highly doubt they would do so. Before Apple Watch Series 2, the stainless steel Apple Watch was separated from the aluminum model. The stainless steel watch had the regular "Apple Watch" designation, whereas the aluminum watch was called "Apple Watch Sport."

 

[Jackbequickly]

I have always bought the black Ti Apple Watch since it was available and plan on doing it again this year. If it a little larger, more rugged and has a bigger battery . . . . sweet!

I have never had any damage to the Black Ti finish or the sapphire screen.

 

[xDKP]

As a Space Black Titanium S7 owner, I was a bit bummed as well. I could see them going with an Adventurer model for endurance sports and maybe divers etc. but now removing the Stainless and Titanium models as their focus is on style and elegance and not ruggedness

 

[Significant1]

My concern is not about what they rebrand it into. There is a strong possibility that the Edition models might not stick around once the Pro models come into play.

Why!!! you don't make any solid arguments. You just fear it.

I don't see how rumors about a possible bigger rugged version have any affect on Titanium Edition models specifically.

 

[PaladinGuy]

I was planning to probably get Ti for my next Watch, but I don’t want to have to replace all my Watch bands if the size only comes in one larger option. I have hundreds of dollars worth of bands that I’d like to keep using.

If they really wow with new features and battery and the size isn’t absurd, I’ll still probably consider it. If the price goes over $1k though, I’m out.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I was planning to probably get Ti for my next Watch, but I don’t want to have to replace all my Watch bands if the size only comes in one larger option. I have hundreds of dollars worth of bands that I’d like to keep using.

If they really wow with new features and battery and the size isn’t absurd, I’ll still probably consider it. If the price goes over $1k though, I’m out.

I hope Apple have bands in mind when designing future updates as they must realise millions of their consumers have band/strap collections. These bands cost anything from £49 to £400 and many people use these accessories across different watches. If they ignore that and new sizes appear, they will fall out of favour pretty quickly.

 

[Loge]

Annoying how they keep dropping the best models; first the SS SB, and now (potentially) the Ti SB. Looks like I will have my Series 2 forever.

 

[Al Rukh]

Annoying how they keep dropping the best models; first the SS SB, and now (potentially) the Ti SB. Looks like I will have my Series 2 forever.

You could get the SBTi S7 model now. It would last a good 3-4 years I think. It’s a shame the regular sized Ti models may be discontinued.

 

[Al Rukh]

I hope Apple have bands in mind when designing future updates as they must realise millions of their consumers have band/strap collections. These bands cost anything from £49 to £400 and many people use these accessories across different watches. If they ignore that and new sizes appear, they will fall out of favour pretty quickly.

They could design a detachable lug for the 49mm Pro models which then enables those with 45/41mm bands to attach to the Pro models. Just a wild solution.

 

[Al Rukh]

Why!!! you don't make any solid arguments. You just fear it.

I don't see how rumors about a possible bigger rugged version have any affect on Titanium Edition models specifically.

Because my post is not designed to be argumentative. It’s a reaction to “strong” rumours reported by various sources. If you don’t care for regular sized Ti models then you can actually choose not to reply.

 

[Loge]

You could get the SBTi S7 model now. It would last a good 3-4 years I think. It’s a shame the regular sized Ti models may be discontinued.

I thought that but it is currently unavailable (in UK at least). I don't expect it will reappear given we are now quite close to the update.

 

[Supermike]

You could get the SBTi S7 model now. It would last a good 3-4 years I think. It’s a shame the regular sized Ti models may be discontinued.

That's what I was going for... but as of today, it's sold out in the US.

I've had my aluminum S4 going on 4 years now, and though scratched up it has held up fairly well. I believe a Ti S7 would have likely carried me to 2027 or so. Guess we'll see what Apple pulls out of their hat in September. I don't want the SS because I swim with my watch and want something lightweight.

 

[Al Rukh]

That's what I was going for... but as of today, it's sold out in the US.

I've had my aluminum S4 going on 4 years now, and though scratched up it has held up fairly well. I believe a Ti S7 would have likely carried me to 2027 or so. Guess we'll see what Apple pulls out of their hat in September. I don't want the SS because I swim with my watch and want something lightweight.

That’s unfortunate. But I don’t think it’s the same case worldwide. Both the Ti and SBTi models are available for pickup here in my country.

 

[cvam1985]

With the Watch it’s been sad and obvious that as the years go by they do everything to increase profit margins.

The woven nylon bands were 50 dollars. Had thick, quality material and metal connectors. Now, if you want this band it’s a 300 dollar “Hermes” thing.

They replaced that band with a 50 dollar piece of much thinner nylon and some Velcro with a piece of plastic. Because sports, I guess?

Similar story with the leather bands. 100 bucks used to get you some nice stainless steel and a soft ish leather. Now it’s magnetic hard and meh.

So what will they do? Increase the price of whatever they call “Edition”. And use what they already have (titanium cases) to sell you the same thing with one “exclusive feature” and people will buy.