Apple could ape iPhone naming for 2024 smarwatch
Remember how Apple skipped the iPhone 9, and launched the iPhone X?
According to new rumors the company could be about to do the same with Apple Watch. But there are varying opinions on when this will happen.
A report by analysts Omdia alleges that this will happen next year, on the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. And it reckons there are some big changes planned for 2024’s Apple Watch line-up.
We already reported on rumors that Apple will refresh the Ultra 2 with new screen tech in 2024, but Omdia goes further.
“In 2024, the Series 8 and 9 (1.71/1.92 inches) will evolve to Series X (X meaning tenth) with a bigger screen (1.89/2.04 inches). The displays will have the same supplier, LG Display, and take LTPO backplanes,” read the Omdia report.
“Apple Watch SE 2 series will evolve into the SE 3. Its screen sizes will be the same as Series 8 and 9 (1.71/1.92 inches), and the LTPO OLED panel supplier will be JDI,” it continues.
“Apple might announce the product in late 2023 to commercialize it in 2024,” the report concludes.
> Upcoming smartwatches we’re excited about
The report also backs up recent speculation that Apple will launch its MicroLED displays in 2024 with the Ultra 2.
“The biggest evolution will be the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in 2024, which will adopt a new Micro LED display. The panel size is 2.13 inches with 325 PPI; therefore, the resolution will presumably be 540×440 or 556×452,” the report states.
How likely is this to happen? It seems plausible and tallies with previous rumors.
The Omdia report implies that Apple may announce these products in late 2023, and launch in 2024.
We’d treat these rumors with extreme skepticism – but if Mark Gurman is correct that few significant improvements are likely, maybe it will wait for new screen tech to land.
