Rumor Claims Apple Watch 'Pro' Won't Be Compatible With Older Watch Bands [Updated]

[MacRumors]

A new rumor suggests that Apple's upcoming Apple Watch "Pro" will not be compatible with existing Apple Watch bands, meaning customers who opt for the new high-end Apple Watch will also be required to purchase new bands rather than using bands they may already have.

Apple is widely expected to announce a new high-end Apple Watch "Pro" during its upcoming "Far Out" event on Wednesday, September 7. The new watch is rumored to feature a more rugged design, with a possible flat display and a redesigned case that features a larger display and measures somewhere between 47mm and 48mm.

According to a post on Weibo by the account "UnclePan," who has shared accurate information in the past, the Apple Watch "Pro," due to its more squared-off design, will not be compatible with older Apple Watch bands. While Apple has slowly increased the size of the Apple Watch over the years, it has maintained compatibility with older Apple Watch bands. The backward compatibility allows customers to upgrade their Apple Watch and continue using their existing watch bands without being forced to buy new ones.

The new Apple Watch "Pro" is expected to be targeted at athletes and customers who want a ruggedized and durable Apple Watch. Given this, Apple may opt to provide an entirely new line of Apple Watch bands explicitly designed for pro-athletes that work with the Apple Watch "Pro" and no other Apple Watch model.

The new Apple Watch "Pro" is just one addition to the Apple Watch lineup expected in a little over a week. Apple is also expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 8 and an updated second-generation Apple Watch SE. The Series 8 is expected to keep the same design as the Series 7 but could feature battery life improvements and a new body temperature sensor. Learn more about the upcoming Apple Watch lineup with our guide.

Update: Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has tweeted that he believes the Apple Watch "Pro" will remain compatible with older Apple Watch bands.



Article Link: Rumor Claims Apple Watch 'Pro' Won't Be Compatible With Older Watch Bands [Updated]

 

[DMG35]

Oh well, I'm still buying. No one could expect Apple to support the same bands forever.

Anyone want a bunch of bands I've collected over the years?

 

[BarredOwl]

Oh the outrage if true!

 

[johannnn]

Ah ****. Oh well, I'm still buying.

Anyone want a bunch of bands I've collected over the years?

Absolutely, I want them!

 

[mansplains]

There's potential for a $20 adapter to be made... We need DoNgLeS for our Apple Watch bands!

Joking aside, it's a good thing I didn't keep any of my bands when I sold my S3 perhaps...

 

[otozuz]

Circular design? JK, I personally don't think they'll make a circular smartwatch.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Change is good! I'll still be ordering one. Last year Apple Watch bands are outdated anyways.

 

[DMG35]

Absolutely, I want them!

You got it. As soon as I get the new one send me your address and I'll ship them out to you free of charge (except my Hermés band, will sell that one with the watch.

 

[jclardy]

I bet this is 100% true. Makes sense to sell people a new set of "pro" bands made of more rugged materials with a more secure clasp setup.

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

Circular design? JK, I personally don't think they'll make a circular smartwatch.

They won't. That is what Google does. I don't think Apple has any desire to make any circular smartwatches.

 

[Ted13]

Considering I am still using the steel bracelet from the Apple Watch 0 in 2015, I think an upgrade is about time

 

[jaisonline]

another reason to not upgrade for a few years. I (for one) don’t like wearing even a thin hockey puck on my wrist.

 

[Kleber20]

Oh well, I'm still buying. No one could expect Apple to support the same bands forever.

Anyone want a bunch of bands I've collected over the years?

Here!!! Me!!! D:

 

[bsbeamer]

Same rumor for Series 7, people outraged, then it never happened at release.

 

[sw1tcher]

Makes sense.

Apple Watch --> Apple Watch Band
Apple Watch Pro --> Apple Watch Band Pro
Apple Watch Pro Max --> Apple Watch Band Pro Max

🤷‍♂️

 

[JM]

Oh well, I'm still buying. No one could expect Apple to support the same bands forever.

Anyone want a bunch of bands I've collected over the years?

40mm? Yeah! How much?

Or even 45mm would be fine… next Watch I’m getting the larger one.

 

[azentropy]

Probably. I don't think I'd be interested either way if the rumors of the starting price point are accurate. I just want them to make the other models more rugged (and battery last longer). Figured/Hoped the Sapphire glass would have trickled down to the base models by now.

 

[Marswarrior462]

Disappointing but not surprising. I personally won’t be able to afford it since I’m saving up for an M2 iPad Pro, but if I wasn’t, I would get the Series 8 Pro

 

[jamesrick80]

Not like we did not see this one coming. Obviously, it's "signature Apple". I will continue enjoying my series 6, it has been great for my fitness and overall health.

 

[ricketysquire]

Doesn't it feel like the term "Pro" is over used for products that have no business being labeled "Professional"? Like it makes sense for a laptop with a bigger screen + stronger specs for someone that uses it for business, versus a smaller + less powerful machine for someone using it more casually or for school. Like what's so professional about a watch or a phone? It feels like the term "Pro" is being diluted here. Would probably make more sense to just call it "Sport" or something, that better reflects its ruggedness and design for more active users.

 

[satchmo]

Even if it didn't get a squared-off design, you would expect a 2mm size increase to require a third size band anyway.

 

[Tork]

I feel like this rumor shows up every year right about now and it never happens….

 

[Mr. Y]

This would honestly be a very dumb idea for whoever came up with it; likely more will not now upgrade than would if the new design retrofit the bands, especially those who have spent thousands of dollars on perfectly good, usable bands.

 

[JM]

😩 $1000 for iPhone and then $1000 for Watch.

I can’t afford everything

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

😩 $1000 for iPhone and then $1000 for Watch.

I can’t afford everything

We're going to be doomed. Next month is going to be an extremely expensive month!