Your Apple Watch Bands May Not Work With Next Year's Model

[MacRumors]

Next-generation Apple Watch models will feature a completely redesigned band connector, rendering them incompatible with all current bands, according to the Apple leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami."

In August, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that the upcoming "Apple Watch X" could feature a different way to attach bands to the device. Kosutami's latest tidbit now appears to support this possibility.

Individuals involved in developing new Apple Watch models told Gurman that the existing band system takes up a large amount of space that could be better utilized for bigger batteries or other internal components. As such, Apple is apparently considering a magnetic band attachment system, but it is currently unclear if this specific method will be present on the ‌Apple Watch X or if the company will choose something else‌.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1737412779307671870

The mechanism for connecting bands to the Apple Watch's casing has been consistent since the device's introduction in 2014. The Apple Watch has a slot along the top and bottom edges, allowing a band to be slid in, and clicked into place via a small spring. When a button beside the slot on the underside of the device is pressed, the band is released and can be easily slid out.

This system has remained the same throughout all of the Apple Watch generations to date, enabling users to freely collect and swap bands regardless of which generation they have, providing the casing has the same width. Overhauling this system is bound to be controversial given that all existing bands will no longer be compatible and therefore, ultimately, obsolete.

The band connector change is expected to be part of a broader redesign of the Apple Watch next year, which is said to see the arrival of thinner casings and larger displays. The device is also rumored to offer blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection.

Kosutami's corroboration is notable given that the leaker was the first to say that Apple would replace its leather Modern Buckle band with a FineWoven version earlier this year. They also went on to provide the first real-world images of the FineWoven Apple Watch bands prior to their official unveiling.

Article Link: Your Apple Watch Bands May Not Work With Next Year's Model

 

[Boeingfan]

The EU has mandated USBC watch bands now! 😂

 

[Onimusha370]

I knew this day would come eventually Guess I'm hanging onto my S9 till it dies...

 

[chucker23n1]

If fall 2024 introduces a new mechanism, that means bands will have lasted 9.5 years (since early 2015). That seems fair to me.

 

[Robert.Walter]

Gonna be disappointed.

 

[ttyRazor]

I’m impressed they stuck with the current connectors as long as they did. And there’ll likely be some overlap with SE models at least for some time afterwards.

 

[polyphenol]

The real question is whether copies of this new strap attachment appear before real Apple watches using it?

Afraid I am using copies - which allows me to have three straps that I can rotate depending on which needs thorough cleaning and the effect I want. There is no way I'd pay for three Apple straps.

(My original strap is still in its box - untouched. Ready to offer as an inducement should I decide to sell my watch.)

 

[MacBird]

If this would make it possible to fit a larger battery and maybe even a redesign of the AppleWatch in general then it would be a welcome change.

 

[citysnaps]

Life goes on.

 

[LoveTo]

My friend is still rocking the series 0 OG Apple Watch. Can’t wait for the redesign!!

 

[JapanApple]

perfect time to upgrade! series 4 is around 85 percent life..

 

[Motawa]

and nobody will care.

 

[iZac]

I’ve got dozens of bands so … SE ‘till I die

Unless they make a round watch, then I might be tempted.

 

[iamgalt]

Well I guess when I get a new watch in the future, all two of my bands will have to be replaced. Damn you Apple for only letting these bands work for a decade (assuming this rumor is true).

 

[steve217]

Look for a big after market in adapters.

 

[blacktape242]

typical apple move

 

[Jason_9]

Still rocking the watch band I was wearing when we took the Bastille.

Awesome. I have a few vintage pieces like that myself.

 

[zombierunner]

Typical Apple

 

[bigjnyc]

I'm surprised it took this long tbh... 9+ iterations of the same product allowing you to use the same bands is more than generous. I know some folks who have an obscene amount of bands will probably be upset, but they can always just keep the old series 9 watch for a few more years. Life goes on.

 

[nfl46]

Lol. Come on guys, it's been nearly 10 years with the same bands and connectors, it's time to move on. Throw them away along with your lighting cables.

 

[swiftapplefan]

I wouldn’t trust a magnetically attached band during workouts or, even worse, ocean swimming, with my life.

 

[4nNtt]

Makes sense. There is room to innovate in the band. Ability to swap bands quicker would be popular. There might be options for smart bands too.

 

[jdavid_rp]

Im fine with it, after all is a piece of hardware with yearly updates, at some point it needs to change, like iPhone cases changing every year.

I’m sure there will be some adapters so we can still use them

 

[4nNtt]

I wouldn’t trust a magnetically attached band during workouts or, even worse, ocean swimming, with my life.

Apple has a track record for creating things that work. No need to assume the worst.

 

[bigjnyc]

I wouldn’t trust a magnetically attached band during workouts or, even worse, ocean swimming, with my life.

You think Apple will release a watch with bands that can come flying off? I'm sure there will be a mechanism for them to lock in. come on