Apple reportedly weighs screenless Watch model and broader redesign
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Apple is considering a comprehensive redesign of its Apple Watch lineup, including a screenless model that would track health and fitness data and send it to an iPhone, Bloomberg reported. The plans are not yet final, and the company may also expand the Watch SE and Hermès lines. The move comes as growth in the Watch segment lags Apple's other businesses.
Key Facts
- Apple is considering a screenless Apple Watch model that would collect health and fitness data and send it to an iPhone, Bloomberg reported.
- The company is also evaluating changes to the Watch's physical design, including past consideration of round faces, though a round-screen Apple Watch is not expected soon.
- Apple may expand the Watch SE line with new models and diversify the Hermès partnership and other premium offerings.
- Apple Watch has kept its rounded-square shape since the first model in 2014, even as screen and hardware have changed significantly.
- Apple plans to refresh the Health app and health and fitness services with more AI-powered features.
Screenless Model Consideration
Apple is weighing a screenless Apple Watch that would track health and fitness data and send it to an iPhone, according to Bloomberg. The screenless option is one of several possibilities as the company rethinks the entire Watch family. Screenless fitness trackers like Whoop have gained traction by sending data to smartphone apps instead of displaying it on the wrist. Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of services, is said to be interested in screenless fitness trackers. It is not yet clear whether Apple will develop a standalone product in this category outside the Apple Watch.
Design and Lineup Changes
Apple is re-examining the Watch's physical design, not just its functions. The company has previously explored different screen sizes and round faces, but a round-screen Apple Watch is not expected soon. A more limited change would expand the current lineup, including the Ultra model and Hermès partnership products. Apple is also planning to add new models to the lower-priced Watch SE series. The Watch has kept its rounded-square shape since 2014, even as screen and hardware have changed significantly.
Health App and AI
Apple's change plan is not limited to hardware. The company plans to refresh the Health app and health and fitness services that use data collected by Apple Watch. AI-powered features are expected to be expanded as part of this effort.
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Apple reportedly weighs screenless Watch model and broader redesign
