Remember last year when rumors flew that Apple Watch 7 would feature a flat display and squared edges? Not true, of course. But a new leak suggests those traits might define the upcoming Apple Watch 8.
Or maybe the characteristics apply to the rumored “rugged” Apple Watch that could be coming soon. Either way, there’s reason to believe those changes have been in the pipeline.
Leak: Apple Watch Series 8 could feature new design with flat display
In his new video for Front Page Tech on YouTube, Jon Prosser revisits the rumors he pushed last year of a flat-edged design for Apple Watch 7. But now they could apply to Apple Watch 8. Last year, we gathered evidence that the current Series 7 is a last-minute substitution for the watch Apple wanted to deliver: one with a redesigned flat face.
Prosser’s entry point this time came from his “new favorite leaker,” known as “ShrimpApplePro.” You can watch Prosser’s video below.
The leaker tweeted about how Apple Watch Series 8 could feature an all-new design with a flat display. ShrimpApplePro cited sources claiming that “there is a flat front glass display” for the Apple Watch and there is a “high chance that this is the front glass for the Apple Watch Series 8.”
Of course, there is no confirmation of how the next Apple Watch design will look. But it seems possible Prosser’s original prediction may have been on target — just for a product further down the production timeline than Apple Watch 7.
Apple Watch 7 rumors
In May 2021, Prosser pushed a rumor suggesting Cupertino had an Apple Watch design with flat, squared-off edges in the works. CAD renders and such supported the idea. Reputable analysts got onboard. Even then, Prosser took care to mention the design might be destined for another future Apple Watch beyond Series 7.
When Apple Watch Series 7 debuted in September last year, it turned out to sport a slightly more-rounded design than Series 6, not a flatter one. And now ShrimpApplePro suggests that the rumored flat Apple Watch design might have been planned all along for a new model this year instead.
ShrimpApplePro also said the flat display could soon be ready for production. It could come alongside the front glass for the iPhone 14 models. And more information should be available next month.
Photo: Ian Zelbo
3 Apple Watch models rumored for this year
Recent rumors indicate Cupertino might plan to launch three new Apple Watch models this year. They could include Apple Watch Series 8, a second-generation Apple Watch SE and a rugged new Apple Watch “Explorer Edition” with greater durability.
Prosser hedged his bets a bit in his latest video, saying the flat-edged design could be destined for Apple Watch Series 8 or the rugged one. Or maybe even an Apple Watch further in the future.
ShrimpApplePro is becoming known as a reliable Apple rumormonger, having given the first look at the iPhone 14 Pro’s “pill and hole-punch” True Depth camera array, thinner bezels and dimensions.
And ShrimpApplePro accurately predicted Apple Watch Series 7 would feature a rounded design like the Series 6, but with thinner display bezels.
Given the new information, Prosser showed off Ian Zelbo’s new renders showing what a flat-edged design could look like on the Apple Watch Series 8.
Rumors also suggest Apple Watch Series 8 could feature body temperature monitoring, improved activity tracking and more.
