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Next Apple Watch May Feature First Major Redesign Since the First Apple Watch

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The Apple Watch Series 7 is coming up. Apple will likely reveal it either this September or potentially in October. It’s typically a fall release, like the iPhone. While the 7 may make you think this is the 7th version, it’s actually the 8th. Apple didn’t give the first Apple Watch a “Series _” name initially, then called that first generation “Series 0” later on. The Series 1 was the first Apple Watch you should buy. It was much faster and had better battery life. Apple really used that first generation to work out the kinks.

In seven generations of the Apple Watch, it has barely changed. Sure, the screen size went from 38/40mm to 40/42mm, without a change in case size, and there have been different finishes, but the design itself has barely changed at all, at least not since the Series 1. It’s become incredibly boring. So much so, I actually ditched my Apple Watch for a normal watch, and I’ve been really happy with that decision.

Apple finally got the memo. The Apple Watch Series 7 will be the biggest redesign since the Apple Watch was introduced. I’ll finally be unique, original, and… probably still not what you’re looking for.

A New Design


Numerous reports have confirmed the same design changes, including the usually correct Mark Gurman of Bloomberg. Jon Prosser says in his video, linked above, to expect a new design. He even says their renders created by Ian Zelbo, of Renders By Ian, are based off of leaked images, not just rumors. The big change is a squared-off design, much like the iPhone 12 did last year, and the iPad Pro and iPad Air before that. This design can create a smaller bezel, and, in fact, both Gurman and others have reported that the screen will increase in size as a result.

The screen sizes for the new Apple Watch will supposedly go up to 41mm and 45mm. That larger size means it’ll be just shy of a 2-inch screen on your wrist, for those who need the ‘Murica units. The new screen size will apparently come with some exclusive watch faces to take advantage of the extra 1mm of screen real estate. 1mm isn’t very much, but Apple needs a selling point to make these feel fresh, and exclusive watch faces may be the ticket.

There may be some new bands as well. In fact, this is where the rumors tend to disagree a little. Some are saying the new watch bands will not fit older models, and watch bands made for every previous Apple Watch won’t fit the new model. Others are saying they’ll be the same size, just labeled differently, for the 41/45mm versions. We won’t know until Apple reveals it though, and, even then, perhaps not until reviewers get their hands on them to test.

The Problem With Squares

Be there or be square. It’s a saying that went out of favor nearly immediately after its introduction and was largely used ironically throughout the next few decades. But there’s some truth to that, at least when it comes to the Apple Watch. Square isn’t what you’re looking for here.

I know, I know, it seems hypocritical. Just a few months ago I sang the praise of Apple’s new iPhone 12 mini, which finally gave us a normal-sized smartphone and squared-off sides to make it easier to grip. So why not celebrate the Apple Watch getting these squared-off sides?

Because I don’t hold my Apple Watch. I strap it to my arm. Do you know what your arm doesn’t like? An object with sharp corners held tightly to your wrist for 16-23 hours a day. No one likes that. The sensor body alone was quite uncomfortable. Now you’ll take that and add in some sharper corners? That just seems like a recipe for disaster. Given how infrequently Apple updates their Apple Watch designs, it could be another seven years before they fix it.

Of course, we are just going off of leaked renders. Perhaps the edges won’t be as sharp as they look here? But if they are, it’ll look a bit better, all while feeling much worse.

And, really, Apple does know that square watches are, well, square, right?

Something New?

You know what? It’ll be something new. That’s more than we can say about the Apple Watch leading up to the upcoming new Apple Watch Series 7. Perhaps it’ll inspire Apple to begin making more unique designs. Maybe they’ll finally dedicate some time to making the Apple Watch look really good. Who knows? Maybe this new design won’t look or feel perfect for everyone, but some people will love it. Perhaps that’ll be enough to convince Apple they need to start offering more unique designs.

Maybe the Apple Watch will stop being so boring?

Apple may reveal the Apple Watch Series 7 this fall, likely in late September or October.

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