The Apple Watch Series 10 might adopt a thinner design with a bigger display. Reportedly, Apple will bump the chassis size from 41mm and 45mm to 45mm and 49mm.
Disappointingly, the company apparently does not plan significant upgrades for the Apple Watch Ultra this year. It might get a new black color option, but that’s about it.
Apple Watch Series 10 might sport a bigger 49mm display
The regular Apple Watch lineup has not received substantial hardware upgrades in a few years. The last few models focused on internal improvements, a brighter screen, and little else. But TF International Securities analyst Ming Chi-Kuo thinks this will change with the Apple Watch Series 10 this year. Industry insiders are already discussing Apple Watch 2024 rumors, hinting at significant design and feature updates.
In a note on Medium, the analyst says the next Apple Watch will bring a major form factor upgrade. The company will switch to a bigger chassis (two options: 45mm and 49mm) with a thinner overall design. The latter corroborates recent claims from Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman about Apple making future iPhones, Apple Watch, and MacBooks thinner.
Apple last increased the chassis size of its smartwatch with the Apple Watch Series 7 in 2021. But that was just a 1mm bump, from 40mm to 41mm and 44mm to 45mm. If Kuo’s claims prove correct, the Apple Watch Series 10 should bring a bigger size upgrade this year.
A larger chassis should give Apple more space to fit a larger display and a bigger battery. The size increase should go well with the iPhone 16 Pro lineup, as rumors suggest their displays also will bump up in size this year.
No major upgrades planned for the Apple Watch Ultra 3
The second-gen Apple Watch Ultra packed modest upgrades over the original model in 2023. This year could prove no different, with Kuo saying the only notable addition to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 might be a new black case option. (A final decision on even that will follow Apple’s analysis of production samples, Kuo says.)
Kuo also says Apple will start using 3D-printed components inside the Apple Watch this year. Thanks to rigorous testing over the last year, the company and its suppliers improved the efficiency of 3D printing.
Rajesh has been closely following and writing about the latest happenings in the world of mobile for nearly a decade now. While he prefers Android, he does not deny the superiority of Apple’s products and ecosystem.
