Apple Watch: Redesign expected no earlier than 2028

The Apple Watch is one of the most consistent products in Apple's portfolio. New models are released every year, while the basic design has only changed in small increments for quite some time. Many have been expecting a complete redesign for years. However, new clues from the leak scene suggest that a major redesign might be even further away than previously thought.

The current situation surrounding potential design changes is causing discussion. A post by leaker Instant Digital brings new clarity, but also a dose of reality. While earlier reports suggested visible changes in the coming years, this scenario now seems less likely. This applies particularly to the question of when a new Apple Watch will actually receive a redesigned case or a fundamentally different design.

The Apple Watch is not expected to get a new design until 2028 at the earliest.

Instant Digital published an assessment on Weibo suggesting that the Apple Watch lineup will look almost identical to current models in 2026. The statement adds that Apple is unlikely to unveil a new design until late 2027, the year after the expected 20th anniversary of the iPhone. This pushes a potential redesign to 2028 at the earliest, contradicting some previous expectations.

Previous reports suggested an earlier design update.

In August, DigiTimes reported that at least one Apple Watch model in 2026 would feature a significantly redesigned exterior. This change was thought to be related to new sensors that might require more space or a different structure. Observers speculated that the adjustments could be connected to Apple's ongoing research into non-invasive blood glucose monitoring. However, this technology is still several years away from market readiness, as Apple continues to work on a sufficiently small and efficient sensor solution.

A look back at design rumors from Mark Gurman

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported some time ago that Apple was working on a redesigned Apple Watch. According to his information, a thinner case and a magnetic band system, replacing the previous mechanisms, were planned. Part of this plan arrived with the Apple Watch Series 10, which did indeed feature a thinner case. However, the magnetic band was not included, and the Series 11 saw no further changes to the external design. This supports the assumption that Apple is currently proceeding cautiously and gradually with the design.

Possible new feature: Touch ID, but without visible changes

Leaked Apple code recently revealed biometric authentication for the Apple Watch. A variant of Touch ID is reportedly being tested on models starting in 2026. Evidence suggests it could be implemented under the display. This would mean the feature wouldn't require any visual changes to the casing or user interface, which aligns well with current speculation.

How reliable is Instant Digital?

Instant Digital is a leaker with a mixed track record. Some of their earlier predictions, such as the yellow color variant of the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus or the titanium Milanese Loop for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, were accurate. However, other predictions turned out to be wrong. Nevertheless, the leaker is considered a source who often has early access to internal information and is therefore not ignored. Their current assessment seems plausible, even if it isn't guaranteed to be correct.

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Apple Watch: Functional innovations without a major design update

The development of the Apple Watch continues to hold many expectations, but major visual changes don't seem realistic for several years at present. Features like Touch ID or new sensors could appear sooner without altering the external appearance. A true redesign isn't expected until around 2028. Until then, the Apple Watch will remain a product that evolves functionally while its design stays within familiar territory. (Image: Shutterstock / ArtNebula86)