New bands for a larger Apple Watch models have appeared in leaked photos ahead of this year’s Series 7 upgrade.
The images, from two different sources and of two different band variants, hint at new 41mm and 45mm size options. They’ve surfaced just days after a tipster claimed Apple’s next Watch refresh will pack larger screen sizes.
Apple has already increased Apple Watch’s display size once since its initial introduced. The Series 4 upgrade, introduced in 2018, brought edge-to-edge screens in new 40mm and 44mm (up from 38mm and 42mm) form factors.
It now looks increasingly likely that the Series 7 refresh on its way this fall will bring a similar screen size increase. However, the footprint of Apple Watch itself may remain as compact as it’s always been.
Apple Watch Series 7 to come in new sizes?
One image of the new (supposedly) Apple Watch bands was first posted on Twitter by leaker DuanRui. It’s less than spectacular, revealing nothing more than a rather blurry “45mm” print in what looks like leather.
However, soon after that post, another leaker by the name of Majin Bu published clearer images of another band — a Braided Solo Loop — supposed destined for Apple Watch Series 7. It has “41mm” etched into it.
“According to my source, Apple has started mass production of the new Apple Watch Series 7 bands,” read the tweet that accompanied Bu’s photos. “The size mentioned are 41 and 45mm.”
Apple Watch to stay just as compact
Bu added, however, that the new Apple Watch models themselves “should be identical in size to the previous models.” It’s thought Apple will make their displays larger by introducing a revamped case design with straight edges that allows for a slightly larger surface area on top.
These claims line up with Apple Watch Series 7 renders, apparently based on leaked CAD drawings, that were published by Jon Prosser in May. Reliable reporter Mark Gurman has also predicted smaller bezels that will allow for slightly larger displays for the 2021 Apple Watch refresh.
All this should mean that any existing bands you own for Apple Watch should continue to fit perfectly the Series 7 models.
