Apple Watch Series 10: Larger Screens, Faster Chip, New Health Features in Trouble

Regarding the next-generation Apple Watch Series 10, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggests a larger display and new chip are incoming – however, it is less likely we will see additional health-monitoring capabilities. In his new “Power On” newsletter, Gurman also said that while the design of the Apple Watch Series 10 should still be similar to the last generation, however, it would be thinner. On the other hand, Apple is not going to introduce a redesigned Apple Watch Ultra design change this year.

More About the Apple Watch Series 10

The device, which will be released as part of the Apple Watch Series 4, is being developed by the codename “N217″ and N218,” and it can show a wider display with two casing sizes. The Apple Watch model is said to feature a screen size somewhere near that of the anticipated Apple Watch Ultra.

Both the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 are slated to include a new processor succeeding last year’s S9 chip. While this upgrade may lay the groundwork for future AI enhancements, Gurman indicates that it will not initially support Apple Intelligence, with no current plans to fully integrate this initiative into the Apple Watch.

Progress has been difficult, says Gurman: while Apple was working on features including hypertension and sleep apnea detection for a 2024 launch, those have proven to be challenging to develop. Testing parameters for the hypertension detection feature were also affected by reliability concerns, which led them to question whether this particular function will even make it onto a future refresh.

Likewise, the sleep apnea detection feature has to face challenges as well because it relies on blood oxygen saturation which is only supported in the US. If these issues stretch into September then Apple may place alternative uses for the blood oxygen sensor in this time while awaiting review from 3rd parties; Gurman reports.

Apple is also reportedly exploring 3D-printed casings for certain Apple Watch models, which could streamline production processes and reduce material usage. Regarding branding, Gurman notes uncertainty about whether Apple will market the new Apple Watches as special anniversary editions this year, marking ten years since the original Apple Watch announcement in 2014 and release in 2015.

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