The rumour was shared by Daring Fireball’s John Gruber in a post commenting on other Apple Watch Series 3 predictions. The third major iteration of Apple’s debut wearable is expected to land in the fall, accompanied by the next version of the iPhone.
Gruber’s report contradicts the majority of the existing Apple Watch Series 3 rumours. The device is widely expected to be a minor revision of the existing Series 2 model. Apple will focus on iterative changes without substantially revising its outward design.
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The Series 2 is itself only a minor upgrade from the original Apple Watch though. If Gruber’s report is correct, there’s obvious impetus for Apple to want an all-new Watch to sell. The original version of the wearable is now over two years old but the Series 2 isn’t considered an attractive upgrade for existing owners. Launching a heavily restyled Watch in tandem with the all-new iPhone 8 could convince Series 2 holdoffs to splurge on both devices in September.
Still, there’s currently little evidence that the “new form factor” is real. Gruber didn’t elaborate on Apple’s plans for the new design. The company’s unlikely to deviate far from the look of the current Watch, although it’s possible it could launch a more fitness-focused device to stave off competition from the likes of Fitbit. Gruber said he had heard the new form factor “tidbit” from an “unconfirmed little birdie” and “wouldn’t bet the house on it.”
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Earlier this week, Bloomberg reported Apple will launch the next Apple Watch with built-in cellular data. The heavily requested feature will reduce the Watch’s reliance on the iPhone, allowing users to stay connected to the Internet while on the go. When used for exercise, the iPhone could be left at home. The Watch would continue to stream music and receive notifications using its direct connection to the Internet.
The third-generation Apple Watch is also expected to have improved internals and a larger battery. Apple will increase performance and make other tweaks to the Watch’s hardware, responding to criticism of its current Watch line-up. The device is expected to be revealed this September when Apple takes to the stage with the iPhone 8.
