60%
Plausible
Apple Watch has long been rumored to undergo a significant change in its physical appearance. However, if the latest tidbit pans out, the rumored appearance revamp for the powerful iPhone accessory might not materialize until early 2028.
Instant Digital: "The new [Apple Watch] design may not be announced until the year after the 20th anniversary of the iPhone," or 2028
Bloomberg's legendary Apple-focused tipster, Mark Gurman, disclosed back in 2023 that a redesigned Apple Watch, replete with a slimmer casing and magnetic connecting bands, was in the works.
More recently, DigiTimes noted that the Apple Watch iteration being prepped for a 2026 release would feature significant design changes, including a suite of new sensors, setting off a wave of speculation regarding a possible, non-invasive, blood glucose levels monitoring system.
These speculations, however, are not expected to bear fruit until at least early 2028, as per a new rumor from the prolific Weibo-based tipster, Instant Digital.
To wit, the tipster believes a redesigned Apple Watch might not launch until the year after the one that'll see the debut of Apple's 20th anniversary iPhone 20, which is expected in 2027. As such, the revamped Apple Watch might feasibly launch only in early 2028 if Instant Digital's latest projection pans out.
Do note that the Apple Watch Series 11, announced in September 2025, did not bring any radical design changes, offering an updated S11 chip, a 5G-capable modem from MediaTek, and a hypertension alert system.
As we reported recently, Evercore ISI analyst Amit Daryanani believes the new smart watch from Apple might be eligible for an HSA-approved designation, courtesy of its blood pressure-sensing abilities:
"Apple Watch – The blood pressure monitoring is notable, could enable this to be considered an HSA approved device and unlock incremental purchases."
For the benefit of those who might not be aware, an HSA-approved device is one that can be purchased using pre-tax funds from a Health Savings Account.
Coming back, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, launched at the same time as the Series 11, offered a larger, brighter LTPO3 OLED screen as well as all of the upgrades featured within the Series 11. Interestingly, it also brought support for satellite-based SOS messaging service.
Finally, do note that Apple is reportedly bringing biometric authentication to its smart watches in 2026. However, the authentication mechanism might involve an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which would prevent a significant appearance alteration for the Apple Watch.
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