Kuo: Apple Watch Series 10 to Get Larger Screen and Thinner Design

[MacRumors]

This year's Apple Watch Series 10 will be thinner and come in larger screen sizes than previous models, according to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In his latest industry note shared on Medium, Kuo said the screen size options on the next-generation Apple Watch will increase from 41mm to 45mm, and from 45mm to 49mm, while being encased in a thinner design. For reference, the Apple Watch Ultra has a 49mm case.

As for Apple Watch Ultra, Kuo said it will remain "roughly the same" this year, although if production yields meet expectations, a new dark/black case color option could be made available.

Apple will also start using 3D printing technology to manufacture Apple Watch components later this year, following extensive testing which has significantly improved the production efficiency. Kuo said BLT will be the supplier of 3D-printed components.

Bloomberg previously reported that the 2024 Apple Watch could be labeled the "Apple Watch X" to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch, but Kuo made no mention of this possibility in his latest note. Bloomberg also said that Apple is considering a magnetic band attachment system that will allow the design to be made thinner, but it is unclear whether the system will be ready or present on the 2024 Apple Watch.

Article Link: Kuo: Apple Watch Series 10 to Get Larger Screen and Thinner Design

 

[tuckerjj]

The Apple Watch is the one Apple product that genuinely needs to get thinner. Between this redesign and the dropping of support in watchOS 11 this is definitely going to be the year I finally upgrade from my series 4.

 

[NMBob]

I ain't buying one until the screen size rivals that of the iPhone 16 Super Pro Jumbo Max.

 

[ps3zocker]

This is confusing. The mm sizes were always the case height, right? So this would be a massive increase in size. I‘m not sure I like that.

 

[kirkmc]

The increase in size doesn't make sense. Apple has been actively marketing the watch for younger people, and a 45mm case will be too large for them. Also, many women find the 41mm the right size, and 45mm will be too large. If anything, they need to also make a 45mm Apple Watch Ultra for women.

 

[kirkmc]

This is confusing. The mm sizes were always the case height, right? So this would be a massive increase in size. I‘m not sure I like that.

No, it's the case size, measured from top to bottom and not diagonally.

 

[kirkmc]

Can they make the bezels so small that the new 45 isn‘t larger than the current 41 and the new 49 isn‘t larger than the current 45? That would be quite awesome.

The measurement is the case size, not the display size. You can see this on the Apple website when looking at the specs of the watch.

 

[ps3zocker]

The measurement is the case size, not the display size. You can see this on the Apple website when looking at the specs of the watch.

That‘s why I‘m wondering if Kuo is confusing screen size with case height. The specifically mentions a screen size increase, not a case size increase.

 

[derdante]

I'm ready for an upgrade. My Series 4 is barely holding on for dear life.

 

[the future]

The measurement is the case size, not the display size. You can see this on the Apple website when looking at the specs of the watch.

Yeah, you‘re absolutely right.

In this case I don‘t understand the rumor. I have a hard time believing 45 will now be the smallest size on offer.

 

[ayuchan]

Waiting to see how Apple Watch X turns out, already set on replacing my SE 1st gen.

 

[danmart]

If the design and band connection really are changing then the number is fairly meaningless without knowing the impact of those other things.

I will be upgrading this year - my S7 is struggling to reliably make it through the day on battery.

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

Bloomberg also said that Apple is considering a magnetic band attachment system that will allow the design to be made thinner, but it is unclear whether the system will be ready or present on the 2024 Apple Watch.

I'm a bit sceptical about this... if the attachment mechanism is magnetic only, it sounds like a receipt for disaster. It would be too easy to lose (either my accident or for someone to snatch it).

Other than that, this sounds like a good upgrade as long as the thinner form factor doesn't mean reduced battery capacity...

 

[max2]

If the design and band connection really are changing then the number is fairly meaningless without knowing the impact of those other things.

I will be upgrading this year - my S7 is struggling to reliably make it through the day on battery.

Same with my S6

 

[Bustycat]

The new Apple Watch is incredible. We redesigned the aluminium enclosure with the latest innovative technology, to create the thinner yet stronger body that is remarkable for the entire industry of wearable devices.

 

[Nimrad]

I have a hard time believing 45 will now be the smallest size on offer.

If so, I'm gonna have to look elsewhere for a smart watch next time. I really wanted the Ultra as I do scuba diving and hiking. But I have thin wrists and a 45mm looks ridiculous on me when dressed in formal work clothing. Going from 40mm to 41mm minimum size was bad enough. I hate this trend of giving the bigger devices extra features, it should just be bigger screen and battery.

Too bad really. I'm very happy with my Series 7, just waiting for a smaller Ultra before I upgrade.

 

[xyz01]

The Apple Watch is the one Apple product that genuinely needs to get thinner. Between this redesign and the dropping of support in watchOS 11 this is definitely going to be the year I finally upgrade from my series 4.

I disagree. It really needs better battery life first - when it reaches a week out can get thinner.

At a minimum, I think three days of activities should be possible with no recharge: charge it Thursday night, go away for the weekend, get home to the charger Sunday night.

 

[The Game 161]

and next year the ultra watch screen gets even bigger

 

[szw-mapple fan]

The measurement is the case size, not the display size. You can see this on the Apple website when looking at the specs of the watch.

If they round it more it’s probably not going to be a big issue imo.

 

[dsigno]

And same crappy 18 hour battery life...

 

[steve09090]

1. Kuo said it; so it’s going to either be thinner, the same, or bigger. I reckon he'll guess it right.
2. I'd rather be surprised at launch.

I enjoy seeing products that haven’t been spoiled by endless 50/50 guesses.

People constantly, I mean constantly whine that Apple no longer innovate, but I believe this view comes about because everyone seems to know what they are bringing out in advance. Speculation or a wish list is great but spoilers bore me.

 

[steve09090]

And same crappy 18 hour battery life...

I get 2 entire days out of my series 8 watch, every single time.

 

[kirkmc]

That‘s why I‘m wondering if Kuo is confusing screen size with case height. The specifically mentions a screen size increase, not a case size increase.

If the case size increases, the screen size will increase. It could be a translation error, since the original is in Chinese. It's obvious that the existing numbers are not screen sizes.

 

[kirkmc]

If the design and band connection really are changing then the number is fairly meaningless without knowing the impact of those other things.

I will be upgrading this year - my S7 is struggling to reliably make it through the day on battery.

You can have the battery replaced you know...

 

[kirkmc]

I get 2 entire days out of my series 8 watch, every single time.

It depends on what you do with the watch. Do a workout and you won't get two days. Use cellular without an iPhone and you won't get two days.