The Next Apple Watch Will Reportedly Be Upgraded With Blood Pressure Monitor Tool
The Apple Watch hasn't seen many major upgrades since first launching in 2015, but that's about to change in a big way with the product's upcoming tenth anniversary.
Apple Watch upgrades are typically minor compared to annual iPhone rollouts, since consumers don't replace their smart watches as frequently as their phones. And any minor upgrades—such as the body-temperature sensor in the Series 8 model last year or a faster chip and blood-oxygen reader with the launch of the Series 6—are to entice first-time buyers or those in long need of an upgrade.
However, with the "Watch X" model, Apple is giving its proprietary smartphone watch its first major overhaul, according to Bloomberg—even compared to last year's revolutionary new Apple Watch Ultra.
Designers are currently working on a thinner watch case and magnetic band, which would replace the locking bands that have been around since the original Apple Watch. Though the design has allowed users to stay compatible with old and new models, the locking mechanism that connects to both sides of the chassis takes up valuable real estate that could be used to store a larger battery or other upgrades.
But perhaps the biggest upgrades to the Watch X will be a microLED display that surpasses the color and clarity of the current OLED screens, in addition to technology for monitoring blood pressure. The company has faced challenges developing the technology.
RELATED: Apple AirPods 3rd Gen just dropped to Black Friday-era prices on Amazon, even lower than Prime Day
The new upgrades aren't expected to hit shelves until 2024 or 2025, keeping with the 10 year anniversary of the Apple Watch. The Series 9 Apple Watch, which will be released in September, will feature minor upgrades including new S9 chip technology, increased battery life, and a rumored new pink color.
