Along with the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Series 8, an all-new Apple Watch is expected to be unveiled. And no, we’re not referring to the Watch SE 2. Apple is said to be working on an extreme version of its wearable, possibly dubbed the Apple Watch Pro, to compete with the world’s sports-focused Garmins.
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg (among other sources) has been slowly leaking information about the upcoming Apple Watch Pro. Here’s everything we know so far about the wearable.
Apple Watch Pro Design and Hardware
The current Apple Watch Series 7 is water-resistant to 50 meters and has a battery life of one day. Apple, on the other hand, isn’t satisfied with the regular Apple Watch Series because it wants to appeal to extreme sports athletes. The new Apple Watch Pro is intended for people who use a Garmin watch for their activities.
The Apple Watch Pro, according to previous reports, will have a larger, more shatter-resistant display. It could be given a tough titanium case. According to Gurman, it will be “a good bit larger than the standard Apple Watch.” In terms of display size, it could be up to 7% larger.
Furthermore, for the first time since Apple updated the Watch design in 2018, the new wearable will have a new look. Before you get too excited, it will not have the flat sides that were rumored to be introduced in Series 7 last year. The new design will instead be an evolution of Apple’s current design.
Recently, the Japanese website Mac Otakara shared a report from “reliable sources” claiming that the Apple Watch Pro’s screen size will be increased to 47mm or 48mm, measuring just under 2 inches diagonally. This backs up display analyst Ross Young’s July report. Almost nothing has been said about a smaller Apple Watch Pro, and it appears that Apple will follow Samsung’s lead from the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro — a premium Apple Watch in a single size available only with a higher-end titanium casing.
With only a few days until Apple’s September 7 event, during which the company is expected to unveil this year’s Apple Watch lineup, a new series of cases and renders depicting the design of the new Apple Watch Pro have also surfaced. Sonny Dickson, a leaker, shared images of cases purported to be for the new extreme Apple Watch model, while 91Mobiles obtained some CAD renders illustrating the wearable’s design.
These renders show a flat-screened design, which could explain last year’s rumors of a significant design change for the Series 7. That design change never happened, and while some leakers claimed Apple changed the design at the last minute, it was more likely that they misinterpreted the information they were given. Despite the fact that the renders show a flat screen, there is no sign of the iPhone-style flat sides; Apple’s contoured design is still very visible here.
More importantly, the renders show a second physical button on the opposite side of the wearable, as well as a more robust Digital Crown shielded by a protruding portion of the chassis. This is most likely intended to protect the dial while also making it easier to access, especially when it’s inside a thick and rugged sport case. 91Mobiles estimates the size to be 49mm.
Because of its larger size, the Apple Watch Pro may be incompatible with existing watch bands for the first time in the wearable’s history. Bands made for the original 2014 Apple Watch, which came in 38mm and 42mm sizes, are still compatible with the 41mm and 45mm Apple Watch Series 7 models. However, because the Apple Watch Pro will be a completely new model, Apple may not feel as obligated to ensure compatibility. Along with its more rugged design, the Apple Watch Pro could include a new mounting mechanism for watch bands.
Gurman has confirmed that the 91Mobiles renders are accurate representations of the new Apple Watch Pro. With the new device expected to be announced tomorrow, these are almost certainly correct. However, 11th-hour leaks have historically been incorrect, so we won’t know for sure until Apple takes the stage and demonstrates it.
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Software
There is no word on whether Apple will include any extra software with the Watch Pro. The company will almost certainly add more sports modes and fitness tracking options, and the larger display will almost certainly allow for more information to be displayed during workouts.
Aside from those possible additions, the underlying OS will most likely be the same as that of the Apple Watch Series 8 — WatchOS 9. One of the standout features of WatchOS 9 is the presence of Apple Medications. The new feature in the Health app allows you to keep track of your medications, vitamins, and supplements by creating a medication list, setting up schedules and reminders, and viewing all medicine-related information.
Another new feature is a slew of new watch faces. However, we will reportedly receive Apple Watch Pro-exclusive watch faces as well. WatchOS 9 also includes updates to the workout app, improved sleep tracking, and other features.
Battery life
The Apple Watch Pro is also expected to have a longer battery life, which is critical if it is to be taken seriously by outdoor sports enthusiasts. Some rumors claim the Apple Watch Pro will have a longer battery life, but they don’t say how Apple will accomplish this.
According to a more recent report, the smartwatch could last for several days on a single charge thanks to a new low-power mode. It remains to be seen what functions will be restricted by the new low-power mode, but we’re eager to learn more.
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Apple Watch Pro price and release date
The Apple Watch Pro will replace Apple’s more expensive, luxury-focused Apple Watch Edition variants. The Watch Series 7 with a titanium case (rather than aluminum or stainless steel) starts at $849. It adds a sapphire crystal to the screen for added protection. In addition, you get a single cellular variant.
The Watch Pro will most likely cost slightly more than the Watch Editions. The price of the Watch could rise to $1,000. However, if Apple wants to entice people to spend a thousand dollars on a wearable, it will need to deliver on the additional features and new design, especially since top models from Polar and Garmin cost around $500.
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