Apple is reportedly working on a new smartwatch, called the Apple Watch X, to mark the 10th anniversary of its first-gen Apple Watch, which was unveiled in 2014 and released in 2015. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Apple Watch X will feature a thinner case, a microLED display, and blood pressure technology. The watch will also have a new magnetic band that is sleeker and takes up less space than the original Apple Watch bands.
The Apple Watch X is expected to be a revolutionary overhaul, similar to what the iPhone X was to the previous iPhones. The iPhone X introduced a new design, an OLED screen, Face ID, and wireless charging. The Apple Watch X could also bring some new features and improvements to the smartwatch category, such as better battery life, health monitoring, and performance.
The exact release date of the Apple Watch X is uncertain, as Gurman believes it could be launched either in 2024 or 2025, depending on what Apple considers to be the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. However, he suggests that Apple is already working on the new device and could reveal some details in the near future.
Blood pressure tracking could be a game-changer for health and wellness
One of the most anticipated features of the Apple Watch X is blood pressure tracking, which could help users monitor their cardiovascular health and detect potential risks. Blood pressure is a vital sign that measures the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. High blood pressure, or hypertension, can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious conditions.
Currently, there are no smartwatches that can measure blood pressure accurately and reliably without using a cuff. Some devices claim to use optical sensors or algorithms to estimate blood pressure, but they are not clinically validated or approved by regulatory agencies. The Apple Watch X could be the first smartwatch to offer blood pressure tracking without a cuff, using a combination of sensors, software, and machine learning.
According to Gurman, Apple has been testing blood pressure technology for several years and has filed multiple patents related to it. One patent describes a method of using photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors, which are already present in the Apple Watch, to measure blood pressure by detecting changes in blood volume and pulse wave velocity. Another patent describes a system of using electrodes, which are also present in the Apple Watch for ECG functionality, to measure blood pressure by applying an electric current and measuring the impedance.
If Apple can successfully implement blood pressure tracking in the Apple Watch X, it could provide users with valuable insights into their health and wellness. It could also help users manage their blood pressure levels by providing feedback, alerts, recommendations, and integration with other apps and services.
MicroLED display could offer better visuals and efficiency
Another feature that could make the Apple Watch X stand out is the microLED display, which is a new type of display technology that offers better color, clarity, brightness, contrast, and efficiency than OLED displays. MicroLED displays are made of tiny light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be individually controlled and turned on or off. This allows for deeper blacks, higher dynamic range, wider color gamut, and lower power consumption.
Apple has been investing in microLED technology for several years and has acquired several companies and patents related to it. The company has also built a secret facility in California to develop and test microLED displays for its products. According to Gurman, Apple plans to use microLED displays for the Apple Watch X and possibly other devices in the future.
A microLED display could enhance the user experience of the Apple Watch X by providing a more vivid and immersive viewing experience. It could also improve the battery life of the device by reducing the power consumption of the display. Additionally, it could enable new features and functionalities that require higher resolution or brightness.
Magnetic band could offer more comfort and convenience
The last feature that Gurman mentions for the Apple Watch X is a magnetic band that could replace the current locking mechanism for attaching bands to the watch case. The magnetic band could be thinner and lighter than the existing bands and could stick to the watch case magnetically. This could create more space inside the watch case for other components or a larger battery.
The magnetic band could also offer more comfort and convenience for users by allowing them to easily adjust or change their bands without any tools or hassle. It could also provide more security and stability for the watch by preventing accidental detachment or loosening.
Apple has already experimented with magnetic bands for its smartwatches in the past. The company has offered several models of bands that use magnets to secure or adjust them, such as the Milanese Loop, Leather Loop, Modern Buckle, and Solo Loop. However, these bands still use the traditional locking mechanism to attach to the watch case. The Apple Watch X could be the first smartwatch to use a magnetic band that attaches directly to the watch case.