Apple Watch design evolution exploration

Apple has been investigating various redesign concepts for its Apple Watch lineup to address market pressures and user interest. According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the industrial design team has spent the past year exploring concepts such as screenless fitness trackers, different display sizes, and round displays.

The potential development of a screenless tracker would represent a strategic shift, allowing Apple to compete more directly with specialized health monitoring devices like Whoop or Fitbit Air. Additionally, internal explorations of circular models have been noted, mirroring competitors such as the Google Pixel Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch. However, analysts suggest a round interface might struggle to function effectively for a device intended to act as a miniature computer.

Despite these investigations, Apple appears to remain committed to its rectangular design. This form factor is maintained to maximize screen real estate, support software features like ‘Complications’, and ensure hardware efficiency for sensors and battery life. A shift to a circular shape would likely necessitate a complete overhaul of watchOS and could lead to hardware compromises.

As the smartwatch market intensifies, Apple continues to lead with the Watch Series 11. However, reports indicate the company is still internally exploring alternative designs, including a round model, to differentiate itself from the rectangular aesthetics utilized by the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy lines. This competition is further shaped by Google’s Pixel Watch 5, which emphasizes AI integration and health features, and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 9.