Apple Watch Series 10 to Feature Larger Display - Expected Features

Affordable Watch SE with Plastic Body Might Be in the Works. Apple is possibly developing a budget-friendly smartwatch to rival Samsung’s Galaxy Watch FE.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that the forthcoming Apple Watch Series 10 is anticipated to feature a significantly larger display compared to the current generation model. The new smartwatch is expected to be unveiled later this year, succeeding the Series 9 model that was introduced in 2023. However, it might not incorporate some of the previously rumored features such as the magnetic watch strap mechanism. Alongside the Series 10, Apple is reportedly working on a new version of the Apple Watch SE with a plastic body to compete with Samsung’s budget-friendly Galaxy Watch FE.

Apple Watch Series 10: Enhanced Display and Performance

In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Gurman states that the Apple Watch Series 10 will debut with a larger screen than the Series 9 model. The Series 10 is anticipated to be available in two size options, codenamed N217 and N218, with at least one of these models featuring the larger display. This could mark a significant step forward for Apple, enhancing the user experience with a more expansive screen.

The Cupertino company’s largest smartwatch model to date is the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which is available in a single 49mm size and boasts a 1.92-inch display. There is speculation regarding whether the Apple Watch Series 10 will feature a display larger than that of the Ultra 2. Leaked CAD renders suggest that the Series 10 might indeed feature a 2-inch screen, which would make it the largest display on an Apple Watch to date. This expansion in screen size would likely offer improved readability and a more immersive user interface, potentially attracting users who prioritize display real estate in their wearable technology.

Apple Watch SE: Competing in the Budget Segment

In addition to the high-end Series 10, Apple is also said to be developing a new Apple Watch SE model with a plastic body. This move appears to be a strategic response to Samsung’s new Galaxy Watch FE, aiming to capture the budget-conscious segment of the smartwatch market. The introduction of a plastic-bodied Apple Watch SE could significantly reduce production costs, allowing Apple to offer a more affordable option without compromising on essential features and functionality.

The new Apple Watch SE is expected to retain the core features that make the Apple Watch appealing, such as fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and integration with the Apple ecosystem, while using cost-effective materials to lower the price point. This could make the Apple Watch SE an attractive option for first-time smartwatch buyers, younger consumers, or those looking for a reliable wearable at a more accessible price.

Innovations and Market Impact

The Apple Watch Series 10 and the new Apple Watch SE represent Apple’s dual approach to innovation and market expansion. On one hand, the Series 10’s anticipated larger display and potential enhancements in performance and features underscore Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of wearable technology. On the other hand, the new SE model with a plastic body highlights Apple’s strategy to broaden its market reach by providing more affordable options.

This approach could have significant implications for Apple’s position in the global smartwatch market. By catering to both high-end and budget segments, Apple stands to attract a wider range of consumers, from tech enthusiasts seeking the latest innovations to cost-conscious buyers looking for value. This could help Apple maintain its competitive edge against other major players in the market, such as Samsung and Fitbit.

Apple Watch Series 10 to Feature Advanced Processor and Health Innovations

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Apple Watch Series 10 will be powered by the same processor found in the third-generation Apple Watch Ultra model. While Apple’s smartwatches are not expected to integrate advanced artificial intelligence features in the immediate future, Gurman suggests that this new chip will “lay the groundwork” for AI-powered capabilities in the long term.

Health Features on Apple Watch Series 10

Apple has been making significant strides in health technology, including the development of features like sleep apnea detection and blood pressure monitoring. However, Gurman reports that these features are unlikely to be included in the Apple Watch Series 10 due to “serious snags” the company encountered. The integration of sleep apnea detection in the U.S. faces regulatory challenges, as it relies on the blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring feature, which is currently disabled due to an ongoing ban.

Similarly, the blood pressure monitoring feature has not yet reached the desired reliability during testing, making it improbable for inclusion in the upcoming Series 10. Instead, Apple may opt to “postpone the release beyond this year” and initially provide blood pressure trends similar to the existing body temperature monitoring feature, rather than precise readings.

Apple Watch SE: Cost-Effective Model with Plastic Body

To compete with the newly launched Samsung Galaxy Watch FE, which starts at $199 (roughly Rs. 16,600), Apple is reportedly working on a new version of the Apple Watch SE that will feature a plastic body instead of the traditional aluminum. This strategic move aims to reduce production costs and offer a more affordable smartwatch option.

Apple last updated its Watch SE model in 2022, and a third-generation model is expected to debut later this year. It remains to be seen whether switching to a plastic chassis will result in a lower price for consumers. However, more information about this new model is likely to surface in the coming weeks as its anticipated launch date approaches.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch Series 10 is poised to offer a larger display and advanced processing power, setting the stage for future AI-driven features. While health innovations like sleep apnea detection and blood pressure monitoring may face delays, Apple continues to enhance its wearable technology. Additionally, the development of a plastic-bodied Apple Watch SE demonstrates Apple’s commitment to providing cost-effective options, broadening its appeal in the competitive smartwatch market. As these new models prepare for their debut, they hold the potential to significantly impact Apple’s position and consumer choices in wearable technology.