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

[alchemistmuffin]

Next-generation Apple Watch models will feature a completely redesigned band connector, rendering them incompatible with all current bands

THAT IS……

If Apple plans on releasing new models next year considering that “patent troll” case. I wouldn’t hold my breath on Apple releasing new model next year considering how serious the case is.

Otherwise, if they do decide to release the series X, that would mean the Ultra 3 is likely going to get the new band connector design also………

 

[PsykX]

This is why I won't buy any more bands for my Series 6. I knew this would happen someday.

I wanted to upgrade to a better model, but there's just not been enough difference. Put in more health sensors and features, and I'll be all in. I don't care if I have to give all my $20 Watch Bands bought on Amazon.

 

[krspkbl]

the redesign model could be a new ultra. i think we might get a "Series 10" which is an updated S9. The Ultra will have the new connector or the model that replaces the Ultra will.

When the iPhone X came out it wasn't the only new iPhone that year. Maybe the Series 11 (in 2025) will have a new design similiar to next year's Ultra/X model.

 

[cmChimera]

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.

You’re in luck, about 9 years for both. Bands might actually have lasted a couple months longer.

 

[Shirasaki]

Ewww... bad timing for me cause I need to upgrade my watch this year or I will lose my cellular feature.
Guess I need to not buy current generation watch band unless absolutely necessary. Apple Watch Ultra 2 then...

 

[pauloregan]

Apple loves the environment.

 

[Shirasaki]

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

The sad reality is, 99% of Apple Watch users not involved in those kinds of stuff would deny the deficiency of magnetically attached watch bands, and praise it to no end saying how convenient and easy blah blah, cancelling legit concerns altogether.

 

[dwaltwhit]

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

I've found it! The rarest of rare! The reasonable internet user!

 

[ReliableSource]

I wonder how many people in the “it was gonna happen sooner or later” camp have more than a couple of bands. There are people who have been building huge band collections that are going to become useless. I have like 20 bands myself, and I’m pissed that they’re just going to become garbage when I have to eventually upgrade.

I don’t think this is like other accessories; bands have tacitly been sold as “don’t worry, they’ll work with the next watch too” all this time, and Apple execs even specifically said band compatibility was important when talking about the Ultra design in interviews.

I’m hoping that there are good adapters available and that the change is worth it via better battery life or new features, because I’m pissed that my (not even that big relative to other people’s) collection of bands is potentially going to become useless.

 

[dwaltwhit]

Apple likely won't, but I bet there will be third party adapters, nay dongles, that will fit.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

I'm sure someone will make an adaptor to use old bands on the new models.
There are already adaptor in existence to use conventional watch bands with the Apple Watch.

 

[bodhisattva]

You all know this will be the dawn of dozens of third-party cheap connectors and bridge links that connect all old watchbands to the new connection. Half the watches we see will have some large clunky looking connection to the band in the beginning, and then slim down and look better as higher-end manufacturers are tempted by the market. Soon we will see "Save that band collection you spent all your money on! For the low low price of ..... " insert range from $99 - $2.35

 

[Basic75]

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

As long as we exclude the Apple mice, sure. But how many bands do y'all own? When I buy a Watch it comes with a band and I've never felt the need to change it.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

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.

What about those who just bought an Apple Watch and bands this year? It will not be 10 years for them.
The world doesn't revolve only around you, didn't you know? 😏

 

[JapanApple]

That is why I buy bands as needed. Don't want to be stuck with stuff I don't need when getting a new device.

 

[msackey]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1737412779307671870

I want to comment on the Tweet above, specifically: "Literally if you have old bands now, just sell it. It’s 100% accurate"

Thoughts that came to mind:
- Out to make a quick buck
- A notion of: don't get caught stuck with old stuff; dump it on someone else
- Take advantage of someone who doesn't know
- Why do you have to sell bands that you are using just because they may no longer be compatible with newer watches next year?

All these make me shake my head at the notion that we should all be only looking out for ourselves, take advantage of someone else, and dump issues on to someone else so it is someone else's problems.

 

[Solver]

I see the selling of Apple Watch band adapters in the future. Be sure to get a couple.

 

[iBluetooth]

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

Apple experiments all the times with different products. So, don't expect every rumor to materialize and it may be for later products. I was even surprised that current buckles work with the Ultra watches.

 

[Solver]

The same thing happened to buggy whips.

 

[ApplesAreSweet&Sour]

Apple implementing some sort of Made for Watch band attachment magnets with serial numbers that rejects non licensed bands would be very on brand and an easy way to cash in on third party Watch bands.

Knowing how Qi2 and USB-C will cut revenue on all the arbitrary MFi royalties got from Lightning products, I fully expect Apple to seize the opportunity and make Watch bands more proprietary than ever before.

Non-licensed “Made for Watch” Apple Watch 10 (and beyond) bands will either be blocked entirely or lack market leading features.

Apple Watch is just too high demand with uniquely low competition to not milk its loyal fan base even more.

 

[Apple_Robert]

We have heard this news before. I will believe it when it is confirmed.

 

[Jason_9]

Yeah and these bands will magically disappear as soon as the new watch comes out. Crazy.

You’re in luck, about 9 years for both. Bands might actually have lasted a couple months longer.

Of course not, but eventually your watch will stop functioning. This is the most useless subscription in the world.

 

[MBAir2010]

very soon, will need new fingers to double tap the Apple Watch
because my old fingers will be obsolete!

/according to EU

 

[utsava]

Bring it on. I've held out upgrading my Series 4 because of all these 2024 rumors. It barely lasts through the day, but there's no way I'm investing in a Series 9 and it's soon to be outdated bands at this point.

 

[brofkand]

They've really run out of ideas with the watch and are slowly killing it now like they did the iPod.