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Earlier this month, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and Debby Wu reported that Apple plans to introduce a replacement for the Apple Watch Series 3 that competes with lower-cost fitness trackers like those from Fitbit.

Apple-Watch-SE-Feature.jpg

This rumor has now been backed by hit-or-miss leaker Jon Prosser, who claims that Apple plans to announce a lower-priced Apple Watch model at its virtual event on September 15. In a tweet, Prosser said the new model will feature a similar design as the Apple Watch Series 4, with 40mm and 44mm sizes to be available.

It's worth noting that Prosser inaccurately claimed that new Apple Watch and iPad models would be announced via press release on Tuesday of this week, but on other occasions he has shared accurate information about Apple's product release plans.

Prosser added that this lower-priced Apple Watch will lack some newer features like the ECG app and an always-on display. Confusingly, he also mentioned that the model will include the M9 chip, which is one of Apple's older motion coprocessors found in devices like the iPhone 6s, the original iPhone SE, and the fifth-generation iPad.


Last month, Apple filed several more unreleased Apple Watch models in the Eurasian Economic Commission database than it has in prior years, lending further credence to the possibility of both Apple Watch Series 6 and lower-priced models being announced next week.

Apple will be streaming its September 15 event on its website and YouTube starting at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, and we'll have full coverage of the announcements here at MacRumors. Gurman recently indicated that the event will be focused on new Apple Watch models and potentially a redesigned iPad Air, with new iPhones not expected until October.

Article Link: Prosser: Lower-Priced Apple Watch With Series 4 Design Coming Next Week
 
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ProwlingTiger

macrumors 65816
Jan 15, 2008
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I find it odd that he said Series 4 "design" when not much has really changed design-wise aside from the screen. Even then, it seems odd that Apple would introduce such a step backward for the main visible feature, even if it is for a new budget category.
 
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aevan

macrumors 601
Feb 5, 2015
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This rumor kind of sounds like they’re following the iPhone model. Which would mean that the Series 6 (or whatever they call it) would become more expensive. Ugh.

No, the Series 5 is already a premium product, I expect them to keep the price for 6 and offer a cheaper version.
 
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Populus

macrumors 603
Aug 24, 2012
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Oh well, Prosser strikes again...

To be honest, I’m really interested in two features: sleep tracking and blood oxigen saturation, and I suspect only the unreleased Apple Watch 6 will feature a pO2 sensor. I think I could get a good sleep tracking with a Series 4.
 

chucker23n1

macrumors G3
Dec 7, 2014
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- Series 4 design
- No always-on display
- No ECG
- M9 chip

Doesn't leave that much compared to the Series 3 it's replacing.

Bigger screen, faster CPU, maybe fall detection and international emergency calling, maybe haptic feedback on the crown, maybe compass, maybe Bluetooth 5.0 instead of 4.2.

They'll probably price it at $199 and… frankly, that's fine, but also not much of a noteworthy upgrade from the current $199 Series 3.
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How much cheaper really need the Apple Watch to be?!

Well, most use it as a fitness tracker, and you can get a decent one for $50. So, even a $199 Watch is already quite a premium device.
 

sdz

macrumors 65816
May 28, 2014
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I think Watch 6 will be mostly about battery improvements (maybe battery innovation as well -> solid state battery etc

Reason: Sleep Tracking and possibly 36h battery life, while the battery is smaller and lighter.

Fast Charging via 15W Qi,
15min 80% full.
 
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DotCom2

macrumors 603
Feb 22, 2009
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I might be interested in getting this cheaper model (if so) for around the house and workouts and such, and keeping my nicer SS model for outings.
 
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