Apple Watch Series 13 release date expectations, price estimates, and upgrades
Apple Watch Series 12 for illustrative purposes. | Image by Apple
What's expected to change vs the Apple Watch Series 12:
- New band attachment system is reportedly in the works, making existing bands likely incompatible
- Expected major redesign
- New health sensors possible
- S12 chip
- Health and fitness features improvements likely
Expected release timeline:
- The Apple Watch Series 13 is expected to be announced in September 2027, alongside the 20th anniversary iPhones, the iPhone 20 Pro and iPhone 20 Pro Max.
Expected price:
- The Series 13's pricing has yet to leak. The Series 12 started at $399, matching every Apple Watch since the Series 8. It is not currently known whether a major redesign will introduce a price hike.
Jump to:
Apple Watch Series 13 release date
- No official date has been revealed thus far. September 2027 announcement is expected.
| Device family | Announcement | Market release |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 13 | September 2027* | September 2027* |
| Apple Watch Series 12 | September 9, 2026 | September 18, 2026 |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | September 9, 2025 | September 19, 2025 |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | September 9, 2024 | September 20, 2024 |
*Probable dates
As per tradition, Apple announces a new Apple Watch every September. The Series 13 will almost certainly follow that pattern. It is expected to come alongside the iPhone 20 Pro lineup at Apple's fall event in September 2027.
Apple Watch Series 13 price
- A $399 starting price is expected. A possible redesign may introduce a price hike, potentially.
| Apple Watch model | 41mm (or 42mm) GPS only | 45mm (or 46mm) GPS only | 41mm (or 42mm)GPS + Cellular | 45mm (or 46mm) GPS + Cellular |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch Series 13 | $399* | $429* | $499* | $529* |
| Apple Watch Series 12 | $399 | $429 | $499 | $529 |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | $399 | $429 | $499 | $529 |
| Apple Watch Series 10 | $399 | $429 | $499 | $529 |
*- anticipated prices
For five consecutive Apple Watch generations, Apple has managed to keep the starting price at $399. A big redesign, including the rumored new connector system, may influence a higher starting price, though.
So far, no leaks on the Series 13's pricing have emerged.
Apple Watch Series 13 design
- A major redesign is expected – first significant change since the Series 10
- New band attachment system is rumored by leakers, which would make existing bands likely incompatible
- The new connector may create internal space for a larger battery
- Eight sensors in a ring pattern rumored, possibly related to health features
- A new OLED backplane technology under evaluation for 2027 Apple Watch
The Apple Watch 13 is expected to feature the most significant redesign in years.
The Apple Watch design has remained consistent for many generations. The Apple Watch 11 shown here for reference. | Image by PhoneArena
Ever since 2023, an overhaul of the Apple Watch has been rumored. A thinner case, a magnetic band attachment system, and a microLED display have all appeared in the rumor mill. None of that materialized for the Series 10, 11, or 12, except the slightly thinner profile, which was introduced on the 10.
It's likely that the redesign has been delayed for the 2027 Apple Watch.
The band system is reportedly changing with a new band connector. Apple has used the same connector since the first Apple Watch, which means bands are interchangeable, more or less, between generations.
The attachment system on the Series 13 is reportedly getting replaced with a magnetic one, which should, in theory, free up space for a larger battery. It is unclear at this point how the new connector will look and whether it would be more secure than the current solution.
However, compatibility with previous Apple Watch bands may be lost.
We've heard the case is also getting redesigned, but specifics are unknown at this time. The Series 12 kept the square case with the Digital Crown on the right and the speaker on the left, which is now a recognizable Apple Watch look.
The question is whether the Series 13 will keep something from this design or reinvent the wheel remains open.
Meanwhile, we've also previously heard rumors about an Apple Watch with an arrangement of eight sensors in a ring pattern on its back. That could be tied to additional health features, but so far, it's not confirmed if it will land on the Series 13 and what its related health features may be.
Apple Watch Series 13 display
- Potentially, Apple may bring next-gen OLED tech for a brighter display
- Screen sizes are unknown. We currently expect 42mm and 46mm based on the Series 12
The Series 12 inherited the Always-On Retina display unchanged from the Series 11. We got the same sizes, the same 2,000-nit peak brightness and the same 326 ppi. Potentially, with the redesigned case, we may see a larger display or slimmer bezels.
Apple is reportedly evaluating next-gen OLED technology for the 2027 Apple Watch, which would enable an improvement in battery life and a brighter display.
Apple Watch Series 13 battery
- No battery leaks yet. The Series 12 is advertised as capable of 24 hours for daily use
The Series 12 managed 25% more battery life during workouts than its predecessor, and it also got faster charging. The battery life overall remains the same as the Series 11, though, rated by Apple at 24 hours of normal, daily usage.
Obviously, this is an area that's in need of an upgrade. We have watches like some models from Garmin that can last for over a month, while Huawei's GT series can run for up to 14 days on a single charge.
Apple has relied so far on chip efficiency and software to offer a reliable battery life. However, the redesigned case should theoretically allow for a larger battery on the Series 13. Whether Apple decides to take advantage of that, though, is still an open question.
Apple Watch Series 13 features and software
- watchOS 28 expected at launch
- Apple currently supports Apple Watch models for approximately 5-6 years
The Series 13 will likely come with watchOS 28, but the features the new OS will bring are still unknown.
For reference, the Series 12 introduces a new Health Sensing System, which measures heart rate every five seconds all day, and a new Readiness score.
For the Series 13, we'd expect an expansion of the current health and fitness suite. One thing that's been rumored for years for the Apple Watch is blood pressure monitoring, and it may come in 2027.
Don't hold your breath for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring (another long-rumored feature), as we'd reckon it won't be ready in time for 2027.
Apple Watch Series 13 hardware and specs
- S12 chip
- Battery: up to 24 hours everyday, up to 10 hours outdoor workout
- Sizes: 42mm and 46mm
- Materials: Aluminum, Titanium, Ceramic
- Connectivity: GPS-only or GPS + Cellular
- Storage: 64GB
The Series 13 is expected to be powered by the S12 chip. The new processor should offer the usual – gains in performance and efficiency, although the exact numbers are yet to leak. We still expect GPS-only and Cellular enabled options, and for storage, changes from the previous generation are not expected.
Should you wait for the Apple Watch Series 13?
- You should wait for the Apple Watch Series 13 if the potential redesign matters to you. This is expected to be the first Apple Watch redesign in years, and if the leaked changes hold up, the Series 13 will look and feel meaningfully different from every watch Apple has made since 2015.
- You should not wait for the Apple Watch Series 13 if you already own a large collection of Apple Watch bands. The new connector could make those incompatible, which is a real cost that a better chip and a refreshed design won't offset. The Series 12 is also a genuinely strong watch with the Health Sensing System, Readiness score, and Audio Intelligence features it rocks. If health tracking is the reason you want an Apple Watch, the Series 12 is already here for you.
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