It has long been rumored that the Apple Watch Series 7 will feature a flat-edge design. However, the rumors have not turned out to be true. But now there is definitive proof - a newly discovered patent application confirms that Cupertino has been thinking about an Apple Watch with flat edges.
In recent months, numerous well-known and accurate leakers have claimed that the Apple Watch Series 7 will have a flat-edged design. The rumors have divided the community. Some welcomed this design while others rejected it. In the end, things turned out differently, which is why many of the leakers lost credibility. There was no real proof either - until today. Now a patent application reveals that there could actually be an Apple Watch with flat edges. At least Apple has considered the whole thing.
22 drawings suggest Apple Watch with flat edges
The patent "Wearable Electronic Device with Glass Shell" was originally filed by Apple in May 2020. A total of 28 drawings were attached, 22 of which match earlier renderings allegedly based on prototypes. The remaining drawings are either components or close-ups of cross-sections that could apply to both angular and more curved cases. Patent drawings are often purely illustrative, sometimes little more than sketches, so the text in any patent application is the most important part. Interestingly, Apple is much more cautious when it comes to the Watch's casing, or what it calls the "shell." is called it in the patent application:
The side walls of the shell may form flat side surfaces or they may be curved, rounded, semicircular or have any other suitable shape. The transition between the side walls and the upper or front wall of the shell may be sharp-edged (e.g. with a distinct apex or edge), curved, bevelled, rounded or similar.
Apple Patent: It could end up being just an idea
Interestingly, Apple only uses the word "flat" three times in the entire patent description—but it is included. However, the patent is said to apply to Apple Watch models with both rounded and flat edges. In one sentence, it states that the case "may have a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the front." It concludes:
Other shapes are also conceivable, such as generally square shapes (where all sides are essentially the same length).
The whole thing proves that an Apple Watch with flat edges was at least being discussed. Whether the company will ever introduce such a model remains to be seen, of course. In the end, it could just remain an idea. (Image: Jon Prosser x Rendersbyan)
