Think twice before buying an Apple Watch this year, as a major overhaul may be on the way

Even the rumored Apple Watch Ultra 4 major redesign, which is expected later this year, is unlikely to bring any fundamental changes to the device. However, this year’s Apple Watch Series 12 could be the last of its kind, as Apple is rumored to prepare a truly different base model for next year.

Next year’s Apple Watch may get a major redesign

Apple could be working on the most significant redesign in the history of the Apple Watch. According to Weibo leaker Instant Digital, the 2027 smartwatch will “finally get a major overhaul.”

In their post (source in Chinese), the leaker refers to rumors about the so-called Apple Watch X, which circulated around 2023, but never materialized. Apparently, the Apple Watch Series 13 could bring this long-overdue complete change to the design of the device.

A completely new wristband system

One of the most significant changes related to the Apple Watch X is the introduction of a completely new band system. Currently, Apple Watch bands of the same size are compatible across generations, dating back to the original 2014 device. 

In a follow-up to their initial post, the leaker advised anyone who plans to get a new watch next year to stop buying wristbands for it. This strongly suggests that Apple will finally introduce a new wristband system, which would make all current Apple Watch bands unusable on the new model.

While there aren’t more details about the redesign, rumors about the Apple Watch X from 2023 claimed the device would feature a magnetic band system, a microLED display, and an even thinner case. It also remains unclear whether Apple has simply delayed this overhaul or if the new changes are an entirely new project.

Either way, the Apple Watch could definitely use a more significant design upgrade. Apple last refreshed the design with the Apple Watch Series 10, but even then the changes were nothing extreme.

In our in-depth review of the budget Apple Watch SE 3, my colleague Preslav pointed out that the design is the same as the Series 4, and it looks aged compared to the Apple Watch Series 11. Still, the differences between the two are limited to things like thicker bezels and different materials.

This could be major

An Apple Watch redesign would certainly make a lot of sense, but messing with the band system is likely to cause a riot among Apple fans. Anyone who has been using Apple smartwatches over the years has some collection of bands that could date back to the company’s first models.

If Apple changes the band system, not only will users have to buy new ones, but their collections will become useless. This shouldn’t bother owners of the basic silicone bands too much, but it could truly hurt anyone who had bought a more premium band for their watch. Over the years, Apple has launched various bands, including the Hermès Grand H band made of stainless steel and selling for up to $1,099.

Backwards compatibility would be key

I’m open to getting a complete overhaul of the Apple Watch, but I’d want an option to use my existing bands with whatever new system appears. I know that Apple may never do something like this, but I’m sure there will be a secondary market for band adapters if this rumor turns out to be true. Still, getting smartwatch band dongles is something I’d prefer to avoid.