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The MacRumors Show: Kevin Nether Talks Apple Watch 'Pro'

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Kevin Nether, also known as "Kevin the Tech Ninja," joins us on The MacRumors Show podcast this week to talk through all of the latest rumors about the high-end Apple Watch model expected to arrive later this year.

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Kevin is a tech YouTuber and content creator. As an Apple Watch Series 7 user with enthusiasm about fitness and traditional watches, as well as the leading Apple Watch competitors, we explore what he's looking for from the upcoming high-end Apple Watch. We talk through the growing number of rumors about the device's design, larger display, unique features, name, and price point. See more of Kevin's work on his YouTube channel.

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Article Link: The MacRumors Show: Kevin Nether Talks Apple Watch 'Pro'
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/07/29/the-macrumors-show-kevin-nether-apple-watch-pro/
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The square edge design has always had appeal to me, but the further I think about it, the less I hope it comes true. I don't really think a square edge design would be as comfortable and it doesn't really offer any more functional benefit over the Series 7 style. I reserve my opinion until the Series 8 launches but in either case I will be replacing my Series 5 44mm with a cellular Series 7 45mm or Series 8 larger size.
 
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zero interest in a round watch. that would cut functionality big time and forget the new keyboard. I just wish the bands were the same width as the face for a nice cuff design
 
I get the distinct feeling this Pro model watch, although advertised as rugged, will really be the new luxury/stainless steel version that will physically differentiate between those who have a stainless steel version and now the this new version will be even more expensive and more of a show off look at me I have something even more expensive model.

quote me on this.
 
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HappyDude20 said:
I get the distinct feeling this Pro model watch, although advertised as rugged, will really be the new luxury/stainless steel version that will physically differentiate between those who have a stainless steel version and now the this new version will be even more expensive and more of a show off look at me I have something even more expensive model.

quote me on this.
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The irony is, you’re right, this will end up being a “look at my Rugged watch, you know, the expensive one!” I have no interest in beating up a $1000 watch. I just want a large display cellular watch that can take some scratches wear and tear. There are plenty of cheap cases and display protectors available if I am that concerned about abuse.
 
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GuruZac said:
The irony is, you’re right, this will end up being a “look at my Rugged watch, you know, the expensive one!” I have no interest in beating up a $1000 watch. I just want a large display cellular watch that can take some scratches wear and tear. There are plenty of cheap cases and display protectors available if I am that concerned about abuse.
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Yeah my S4 stainless steel has been on my wrist for years and it’s stood the test of time amongst the elements. No cracks at all, alright one tiny scratch on the screen which isn’t really noticeable.

They build these watches so well that they have to advertise their future watches as super strong to remind customers that they’re more fragile than they really are.

For example I haven’t had a broken screen iPhone since iPhone 4. They really build these devices well now.
 
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HappyDude20 said:
Yeah my S4 stainless steel has been on my wrist for years and it’s stood the test of time amongst the elements. No cracks at all, alright one tiny scratch on the screen which isn’t really noticeable.

They build these watches so well that they have to advertise their future watches as super strong to remind customers that they’re more fragile than they really are.

For example I haven’t had a broken screen iPhone since iPhone 4. They really build these devices well now.
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Totally agree. I’m in a similar boat. Minimal scratches on the display, never use a case or screen protector and after 3 years of daily use, working out, hiking, swimming, it still looks good. I’m not paying twice for a watch that may be more durable but offers no other functionality. As I said, I can always add a case/screen protector if I feel I will be beating on my watch.
 
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GuruZac said:
Totally agree. I’m in a similar boat. Minimal scratches on the display, never use a case or screen protector and after 3 years of daily use, working out, hiking, swimming, it still looks good. I’m not paying twice for a watch that may be more durable but offers no other functionality. As I said, I can always add a case/screen protector if I feel I will be beating on my watch.
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Yeah same.

Only real
Concern of mine is that the AW S7 looks appealing to me cause of the bigger size…. But if and when they announce this newer ‘rugged’ model with an even bigger screen I’ll realistically and subconsciously want this newer bigger screen model… (unless it’s in fact too big for my wrist).

But focusing on the plus side, that’ll mean the S7 will drop in price and I’ll most likely go for it since really this S4 battery sucks now.
Hkfan45 said:
Not buying one until there is glucose monitoring.
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A new health feature aside from O2 monitoring would be enough for me to upgrade but this S4 has at least two years worth of use… that is if the new WatchOS doesn’t slow it down, which probably to some degree it will.
 
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Pro is just another word for expensive in Apples eyes. Apple is falling behind dramatically behind Garmin/Polar when you want to record your training data. Poor battery life, poor functionality. Nearly every „pro“ uses a Garmin/Polar watch for training since it gives you an impressive overview about your training.

Apples watch is fully packet with gimmicks, but battery lasts a day and you need to install an update roughly every 5 minutes. Additionally nearly no one of my my friends uses watch Apps or install Disney watch faces. With other watches you can go on a short trip/hike and just forget about charging adapters.

The pro is an absolutely necessary step for Apple if it wants to compete

https://www.garmin.com/de-DE/p/735520/pn/010-02540-21
 
I bought my series 6 Apple Watch specifically for rugged sports - hiking, mountain biking, swimming, surfing etc…and have zero complaints about it’s ruggedness. There are already aftermarket rubber cases for those that want additional protection. A higher end rugged Apple watch seems like a hard sell to me. I get the feeling that Apple will just start doing what they already do with their iPhones. Reserve the newest advanced features/materials for the “Pro” watch to justify a higher price compared to the “regular” Apple watch with older features for a cheaper price. Basically just a renaming. The “Pro” Apple watch won’t be more “Pro”… it will just get the advanced features we were accustom to getting before every year… just at a higher price. 😂

Having said that, these are the things I’d like to see in the new Apple Watch whatever they call it. Better battery life! Mine lasts a day which is fine for my daily activities. But when I go on adventures for more than a day out in the middle of nowhere, a longer battery life would come in handy. I am a big guy, so a slightly larger Apple Watch would not be a bad thing. Personally, I hope they keep the rounded edges of the current design. Somehow I think the flat edge might be uncomfortable & potentially dig into the skin for a “rugged” active user such as myself. More health
sensors like a glucose, BP & temp monitor would be welcome. But I’m not holding my breath for those. A camera would be cool to FaceTime with, but again, i am not expecting that either.
 
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svish said:
Looking forward to the new 'Pro' watch. Hopefully Apple does not price it sky high.
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Considering that the current AW 7 in stainless steel starts at $699, and titanium Edition at $799, the odds of seeing this supposed AW 8 "Pro/rugged/premium" start at any less than $699 are very bad.

I'd go as far as to say lower than $699 is impossible because that would instantly cannibalise next to all sales of the standard $399 AW 8 and also the only one year old AW 7 in the stainless steel and Edition finishes.

AW 8 Pro starting at $699 or less, it will be too great value/$ compared to the rest of the lineup.

I can only see less than $699 as a possibility if AW 8 "Pro" is just more durable/rugged than the standard. But if it's a rugged + premium combo then it's definitely more than $699.
 
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The mockup looks great!

But my usecase has changed over the years. My AW4 still goes strong since release.
I cycle a lot and a bike computer does alot more for me then the AW can do.

The AW is a fun casual health tracking device, depending what sport you do and how much you invest into your sport you very quickly outgrow a AW in terms of sport related monitoring.

For normal hearth and sleep monitoring i am better off with a Wahoo fitness tickr for day to day wear and my bike computer with heartmonitor strap for bike training, something that last way beyond a 24 hour battery life.

The AW is still my favorite tech toy though, something exciting about it but severely limited in a merit of meanings and no longer worth +400 USD of my money in my eyes.
 
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I have had the 1, 3 and was using a 5 but the battery life sucks. I bought a Garmin fenix 6 on sale and I can get an easy 10 days even using gps tracking for an hour each day. Yes there are functions I miss but I love the battery life.
 
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