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Apple is reportedly preparing one of the biggest changes to its smartwatch lineup in recent years, with next year’s Apple Watch expected to come with a significant redesign. The company will launch new variants of its Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra alongside the release of watchOS 26 this month. Even though the most recent redesign was substantial, it mainly involved making the wearable thinner than previous versions. However, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 could feature a more radical change compared to current models.
Apple’s upcoming Apple Watch Series 11 launches soon, but a 2026 redesign could mark a bigger leap forward
According to a paywalled report from Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes, Apple is planning a “significant redesign” for a future high-end Apple Watch. The most striking detail is the new underside layout, which will feature eight sensors arranged in a ring pattern beneath the cover glass. This design closely resembles prototype images of the Apple Watch Series 10 that surfaced earlier this year, which showcased eight distinct markings forming a circular ring.
If these reports hold true, the redesign could signify a major shift in how Apple approaches sensor technology. The new hardware would double the number of sensors, potentially boosting measurement accuracy by relying less on software interpretation. Software processing could further enhance the accuracy of the results, positioning the Apple Watch at the forefront of health-centric wearables. Additionally, this design change might also improve efficiency, a key focus for Apple in balancing health monitoring and all-day battery life.
Next year’s models will indeed bring new health-related features, such as blood pressure tracking. However, non-invasive blood glucose monitoring remains several years away due to technical and regulatory hurdles, despite Apple’s continued investment in the category.
Currently, the report only shares details on the sensors of next year’s Apple Watch, leaving the rest of the design open to speculation. We have not heard such details so far, and it remains to be seen how Apple will integrate these changes into the overall outlook of the device. As always, the final word rests with Apple.
