Apple is gearing up for its much-anticipated event named "It's Glowtime", scheduled for September 9, during which the tech company will unveil the iPhone 16 series.
With these phones, Apple plans to introduce major changes along with its ever-popular Apple Watch lineup.
Apple celebrates ten years since the Apple Watch's debut, as the firm is said to unveil the Apple Watch Series 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and possibly a new Apple Watch SE model. These watches are going to bring design and performance enhancements, improving everything related to user experience.
Apple Watch Series 10
The Apple Watch Series 10 will represent the 10-year anniversary of the device, and in order to celebrate the fact, Apple wants to make some major changes. Industry reports claim that the new Series 10 will see a screen size increase in its smaller and larger models: the smaller variant increasing to 45mm from 41mm in the Series 9, and the bigger one probably going up to 49mm from 45mm.
It would use LTPO technology on the display itself-a key feature for OLED screens in order to dynamically adjust refresh rates for better battery efficiency. That increased size comes with a more thin chassis design targeted by Apple, keeping the watch sleek such that it doesn't make the Series 10 overweight or uncomfortable on the wrists.
Internally, the Apple Watch Series 10 is likely to be fitted with the new S10 chip, which would include a dedicated Neural Engine for enhanced AI processing. The chip upgrade will give the watch its much-needed performance boost and form a pathway for future AI-driven capabilities, although they are not likely to be launched right away.
Apple Watch Ultra 3
The Apple Watch Ultra 3, meanwhile, should be the high-end model at the launch, but changes in design will not be noticeable. The smartwatch will retain the same rugged and strong build like it has been in previous years to target extreme athletes and those who like being outdoors.
This year's watch, though, is said to get its performance boost via the same S10 chip in the Series 10.
While AI-based features are still largely in the development phase for the Apple Watch, the use of the S10 chip in Ultra 3 hints that already Apple is laying the groundwork for upgrades in this front.
In the meantime, there could be minor improvement to battery life in the Ultra 3, with reports already hinting at a bit of an uptick in battery size over the 2023 Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Apple Watch SE
Alongside the flagship models, Apple is supposed to refresh the cheaper variant of the Apple Watch SE. If reports by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman are anything to go by, then the new Apple Watch SE may employ a "rigid plastic" body that could eventually help cut down the costs of making the device. It remains unclear whether Apple would pass the savings to consumers or use the same price for more features.
It will most probably be powered by last year's S9 chip, but it's anybody's wish perhaps the company might just huck in the more powerful S10 chip to somewhat futureproof the device. The added processing oomph could also allow the Apple Watch SE to gain features like an always-on display and ECG monitoring that would help bridge the gap with its higher-end series.
