Apple’s largest fall launch is normally the iPhone. Even when the corporate unveiled the very first Apple Watch on the “Want lets say extra” occasion in September 2014, this nonetheless took a again seat to the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which introduced a dramatic new design and the most important display Apple had ever put in a smartphone.
However this fall could be completely different. Whereas the iPhone 14 will nonetheless be Apple’s largest vendor this vacation season, it’s shaping as much as be a considerably minor refresh. Even the iPhone 14 Professional, which is getting the lion’s share of main updates, goes to be largely an S-type improve on final yr’s iPhone 13 Professional.
Rumors have been swirling across the Apple Watch Sequence 8, in the meantime, and it’s wanting prefer it may very well be the most important change ever for Apple’s wearable lineup. From new sensors to new sizes, fashions, and options, the 2022 Apple Watch lineup may very well be Apple’s strongest ever.
Right here, then, are 5 explanation why the Apple Watch announcement this fall may very well be even greater than the iPhone:
We’re getting an entire new mannequin
Over the previous a number of weeks, we’ve learn persistent rumors a few new Professional mannequin that can add a very new mannequin to the Apple Watch line. It appears to mash collectively a number of rumors that we’ve heard over the previous yr: a streamlined design, bigger show, rugged case, and new options geared toward “excessive” athletes. Whereas the mannequin will certainly be Version-level costly—stories say it might value upwards of $899—and geared toward a particularly area of interest crowd, it is going to signify a dramatic new course for Apple’s wearable.
To this point, Apple has separated its Apple Watch strains by bands (Nike, Hermes) or materials (Version), however a brand new Professional line with a bigger show and new design might signify an growth of the Apple Watch line to incorporate specialised fashions geared toward explicit wearers. Even when it’s not an enormous vendor, this Apple Watch Professional might imply large issues for the way forward for the road.
A greater SE is on the way in which
When the $279 Apple Watch SE launched in 2000, it was an intriguing possibility. Sandwiched between the $199 Apple Watch Sequence 3 and $399 foremost mannequin, it introduced the newer design with fewer options and sensors for an inexpensive value.
However two years later, it’s getting fairly lengthy within the tooth, notably with out an always-on show. Rumors say Apple will add one to the SE this yr, and it additionally might choose up an ECG sensor and a sooner processor. All of which might make it a incredible worth—particularly if Apple lowers the worth to $249 or $229.
The Apple Watch 3 is lastly getting put out to pasture this yr.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The Sequence 3 is lastly going away
Why would Apple decrease the worth of the SE? As a result of all indicators level to Apple lastly dumping the Apple Watch Sequence 3 from the lineup.
The worst worth of any of Apple’s entry-level merchandise, the Sequence 3 is underpowered, undersized, and underwhelming. We’ll be joyful to see it go, however an enormous query stays: Will Apple exchange it with something? The Apple Watch SE is sort of a bit dearer than the Sequence 3 and Apple has bought each alongside one another for 2 years now. So as soon as the Sequence 3 is retired, will there be a brand new mannequin instead? A Sequence 4? The outdated SE? We’ll have to attend and see.
Battery life will likely be quite a bit higher
There are rumors that Apple may very well be including an even bigger battery to the brand new Professional mannequin, however even past that, the Apple Watch could also be lastly getting a critical increase to its battery life. The gadget already has a Energy Reserve mode that shuts down all features apart from a tiny digital clock, however a brand new rumored low-power mode is predicted to supply a much more helpful approach of preserving energy. In accordance with stories, you’ll now have the ability to preserve battery by turning off some options like on the iPhone. That may very well be a game-changer for the Apple Watch, as customers are capable of presumably lengthen its life by hours.
The Apple Watch could also be getting a brand new sensor this yr.
IDG
A brand new sensor might test for fevers
The Apple Watch Sequence 7 didn’t get any new sensors, however the Apple Watch Sequence 8 reportedly will. And it may very well be an enormous one. The most recent rumors say Apple will likely be including a temperature sensor to the Apple Watch this yr, which might have the ability to monitor fertility and provide you with a warning to an oncoming sickness. As we nonetheless cope with the results of the coronavirus pandemic, the flexibility to detect fevers and temperature spikes earlier than they register on a thermometer can be an important well being characteristic—and a game-changing one for the Apple Watch.
