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

[CarAnalogy]

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

Not sure if I agree or disagree. That statement is fair enough on the face of it. But they released new ones each season and discontinued the old ones. They treated them like a fashion / collector’s item.

I’m genuinely not sure what one’s expectations should be based on that. At least unfashionable clothes are still useful. I don’t have a huge collection but I bought more than I need. Probably won’t be doing that again when and if I do upgrade to an incompatible watch.

 

[saintmac]

The new band system must come with serious benefits over the existing one otherwise it will be a big disappointment.
I disagree with commenters saying 10 years is fair enough, as if most people had acquired a band collection with the Series 0 apple Watch and have been using them for a decade.

I think there are a lot more people that have started using apple watches more recently and purchased extra bands even more recently.

 

[xDKP]

They have done a lot to make all bands compatible all this time - including for the Ultra, so guess they would have a good reason not to - like completely new design or new features or something like it.

 

[QuarterSwede]

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.

I’m also expecting smart bands to be why they change.

 

[JanoschR]

„It’s been 10 years“ is the worst argument when Apple keeps introducing new $99 bands as recently as this fall.

 

[75Batt]

The new band system must come with serious benefits over the existing one otherwise it will be a big disappointment.
I disagree with commenters saying 10 years is fair enough, as if most people had acquired a band collection with the Series 0 apple Watch and have been using them for a decade.

I think there are a lot more people that have started using apple watches more recently and purchased extra bands even more recently.

Ok and if they have bought a watch recently they don’t NEED to upgrade. They can keep the one they bought recently.

 

[75Batt]

„It’s been 10 years“ is the worst argument when Apple keeps introducing new $99 bands as recently as this fall.

And they release new phone cases every year that people keep replacing.

 

[transpo1]

Not the most environmentally-friendly thing they could have done. Does Apple want to be known as the company that produces tons of waste unnecessarily? These bands will all end up in the ocean. If Apple was truly interested in being environmentally friendly, they’d keep the same connector.

Of course, I have a vested interest in keeping my 2021 stainless steel Nomad band (which I love).

 

[Bustycat]

What? Has Apple won the patent dispute?

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I guess it's about time, and knock-offs won't be far behind.

That said, I'm going to ride my series 6 until it dies.

 

[amarcus]

The only thing giving me pause here is the Ultra. If a new attachment system was in the works and so close, why not introduce it with the Ultra? Will the Ultra also switch to the new band system next year?

 

[azentropy]

I have a rather large collection of 3rd party bands so this would be disappointing if it ends up being change for change's sake. However I guess we will see how they innovate.

 

[MrGimper]

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

Said this for golf or tennis too.

Personally, I don't think the mechanism will change. I have no evidence or any design qualifications, but just by looking at it, I don't see why it needs to.

 

[Wizard_of_Woz]

Hip, hip, hooray! Tim Apple finds another way to make a few extra bucks from his loyal customers. Cook is a greedy little pig, there is no denying it.

 

[bigjnyc]

Said this for golf or tennis too.

Personally, I don't think the mechanism will change. I have no evidence or any design qualifications, but just by looking at it, I don't see why it needs to.

According to the article it needs to change because it takes up a lot of space that can be used for a bigger battery and other innovations. I suspect they are also looking to make a it a smart connector like the iPad, where people can add bands that provide additional monitoring, or charge the watch, etc....

 

[Htsi]

Will buy a series 9 to upgrade from my 6 if this becomes true. Not interested in rebuying the link bracelets.

 

[mattym42089]

I would happily have a celebratory bonfire for all of my old bands if it meant the watch would get a new design.

 

[dominiongamma]

I didn’t buy many bands honestly, the one that came in the box because color choosing was an option and I feel when they release a new model, people will get a new band no matter what, and if they want to get any extra that’s on them. So this is not a huge issue, just people need to know that nothing is forever including watch band capability.

 

[Godspeed8230]

The question is: Upgrade to S9 now or wait until next year?

 

[gsmornot]

I dont mind swapping my soft bands, they get replaced periodically now. My disappointment will be my Apple branded stainless link band. It has the ability to last a lifetime. No longer being able to use it on future models would be too bad. That said, I would still support the change since I understand things need to evolve.

 

[mongobongo]

Just glad the watch is finally getting a redesign!

 

[Cesar Battistini]

I think it's time

 

[krspkbl]

i don't plan on buying next years model. i'm keeping my S9 for another 3 years at least. and when i do get a new model i'll sell it or recycle it. so i really don't care.

 

[coachgq]

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

Unless you were a 1st time buyer with the S9. Then your bands lasted 1 year. How many years was the 3.5mm audio jack around until Apple had the courage to drop it? I think the bands should last that long.

 

[krspkbl]

What? Has Apple won the patent dispute?

there are markets outside the USA.