Future Apple Watches may include more screen sizes or even a model with no display
Apple is reportedly considering a significant overhaul of the Apple Watch lineup, though the exact direction remains undecided, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The move comes as competition grows from screen-free wearables like Whoop, pushing Apple to explore new device concepts to stay relevant in the fitness and health tracking market.
Options under consideration reportedly include a display-free Apple Watch, models with varying screen types and sizes, additional premium tiers beyond the Ultra and Hermès editions, and a cheaper alternative to the current SE model. Gurman noted Apple hasn't committed to a firm plan and that any major redesign is likely still one to two years away, though nearer-term updates could see the ceramic case option return in 2026 or 2027 alongside new colours, bands and health features. The imminent Series 12 and Ultra 4 models are not expected to bring major changes, and any future redesign is tipped to better integrate Apple's revamped Siri.
In short
- Apple exploring major Apple Watch redesign, direction still undecided
- Possible options: no-display model, new screen sizes, more tiers
- Ceramic case, new colours may return as early as 2026-2027
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Apple faces genuine competitive pressure from screen-free wearables like Whoop that prioritise battery longevity and focused health tracking, revealing an underserved customer segment. Expanding the lineup to include a display-free variant allows Apple to capture this market whilst maintaining premium smart watch offerings, demonstrating commercial responsiveness and respect for diverse user needs without undermining existing products.
The case against
The Apple Watch's core differentiation rests on its intelligent display and seamless ecosystem integration; removing the screen would surrender this crucial advantage and risk collapsing into the commoditised fitness tracker category. Apple's historical strength comes from focused, cohesive product lines rather than fragmented variants, and pursuing niche segments may dilute brand identity and engineering resources better invested in perfecting the primary experience.
Explained simply
Apple Watch is Apple’s wearable device, worn on the wrist and paired with an iPhone. It shows notifications and apps, while built-in sensors can track activity and health measures such as heart rate.
Apple sells several versions, including the standard Watch, the lower-priced SE and the more rugged Ultra; some editions are positioned as luxury products. Other fitness trackers, including screen-free devices such as Whoop, focus on collecting health and exercise data without a display.
The range matters to Apple’s role in the growing market for wearable technology. Different designs and prices could appeal to people with different needs, from basic fitness tracking to premium features.