Apple Watch X: Everything we know about the release date, rumors, leaks and more

Apple is hosting an event on Monday, September 9, where we’ll unveil the Apple Watch X (Apple Watch Series 10) along with the iPhone 16. Typically, Apple unveils new iPhone and Apple Watch models at its September event. But what might make this year’s event special is the 10th anniversary of Apple’s announcement of the first smartwatch. And to celebrate, Apple is rumored to launch an Apple Watch X (unofficial name) with a major overhaul to mark the occasion.

The Apple Watch X could have a sleeker design and a new mechanism for magnetically attaching wristbands. According to several Bloomberg reports, we could also see additional health features such as blood pressure monitoring. The name is reminiscent of 2017’s iPhone X, which was a dramatic departure from Apple’s previous design and coincided with the device’s 10th anniversary.

Apple could unveil the Apple Watch X alongside the latest iPhone at its annual launch event this fall. However, the Watch X could also not launch until 2025, as the first-generation Apple Watch launched in 2015, despite being announced in 2014.

Until then, here’s what you can expect based on the most credible sources.

Read more: What happened to the Apple Watch that revolves around fashion?

Apple Watch: Bigger screen, slimmer design

The Apple Watch screen has been getting bigger and bigger – and this year that could happen again, or at least the option to offer it in a larger size. According to a June report by well-known Apple analyst Min Chi Kuo, Apple will offer larger screen sizes for the next generation of Apple Watch, from 41mm to 45mm and from 45mm to 49mm. At the same time, the Apple Watch’s design will be slimmer, according to Kuo.

Apple Watch X: New health technology

After moving away from fashion, Apple has managed to position the Apple Watch as a health device. In recent years, Apple has introduced several new health tracking tools, including blood oxygen monitoring, temperature measurement, and new software features for cyclists and runners. However, it is worth noting that the blood oxygen feature is no longer available in the new Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches sold in the US due to an ongoing patent dispute.

Next year’s Apple Watch could see some more health tracking features added, which could increase its usefulness as a wellness and fitness device. According to a November Bloomberg article, Apple could add a new feature that can indicate when a person’s blood pressure is elevated. The watch will reportedly come with a blood pressure diary that will allow people to note when the blood pressure spike occurred. However, Bloomberg reported that the watch will not provide accurate systolic and diastolic readings.

The report also suggests that the Apple Watch could get a new sleep apnea detection system that monitors a person’s sleeping and breathing habits. This would be a significant expansion of the Apple Watch’s current sleep monitoring capabilities, which are limited compared to those of Oura, Fitbit and others.

Apple is also reportedly working on a way to check blood sugar levels without pricking your finger, using infrared and other sensors. However, it’s unlikely that this feature will be available on the Apple Watch this year, if it ever is.

Apple Watch X: Blood oxygen function?

Given the current patent dispute, it is unclear whether the Apple Watch X will include blood oxygen monitoring. Currently, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 do not ship with this feature in the US. The International Trade Commission recently ruled that the blood oxygen sensors on the Apple Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 infringe patents owned by medical device maker Masimo.

Apple Watch X: Magnetic Bracelets

If you own or have ever owned an Apple Watch, you’ll know that the straps slide into the edges of the case and snap into a locking mechanism. After about a decade, that could change with the Apple Watch X. As early as this year, Apple could introduce a mechanism that allows the straps to magnetically attach to the watch face. This would apparently help free up space inside for other components, like larger batteries.

Read more: How the Apple Watch X could make Apple’s smartwatch even better

Apple Watch X: MicroLED display

There have been rumors for years that the Apple Watch will get a MicroLED display. It’s possible that these rumors will finally come true this year or next year.

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman expects MicroLED to appear on the Apple Watch X, but it’s unclear whether the smartwatch will make its debut this year or next year. However, a report from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the wait could potentially be longer. According to Kuo, the Apple Watch will have a MicroLED display in either 2025 or 2026, but not 2024.

MicroLED is more energy efficient than the OLED technology currently used in the Apple Watch. But it’s also brighter and more responsive than OLED screens, which would allow for more consistent viewing from all angles.

Apple Watch into the future

Check this out: Patent dispute over the Apple Watch is not over yet – what happens next?

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Apple is investing heavily in the health and wellness category to further develop the Apple Watch as a health tracker. By adding new health features and improving the display technology, Apple could attract more customers looking for a smartwatch that helps them stay healthy and fit. The company is reportedly working on a non-invasive glucose monitoring feature. This could change the way millions of people around the world check their blood sugar levels, which currently requires a finger prick.