Apple Watch Pro accessory leak hints at extra buttons and a flatter display

Leaked images of case accessories appear to confirm a couple of big design distinctions for the Apple Watch Pro.

Set to be announced alongside the Apple Watch Series 8 at the Cupertino giant's 7 September event, the company's first-ever 'Pro' smartwatch could feature a revised form factor that comes complete with extra buttons and a flatter display.

In the three images that have surfaced - two via Twitter from industry leaker Sonny Dickson, and another posted to Weibo from user UnclePan - it's suggested that the case itself will continue to be rounded off, contrary to some whispers of flattened edges.

2 Buttons? pic.twitter.com/uxjZnw5EX9
— Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) September 5, 2022

However, interestingly, the case's upper edge would actually appear to be more square - at least in comparison to the Series 7's design - and potentially allow the display to sit more flush.

Even clearer than that display tweak is the cut-outs present in both leaks. Not only do the standard Digital Crown and Side button cut-outs appear to be larger than normal, but two openings - one pill-shaped, one round - are also present where the device's speaker slits usually reside.

Of course, whether this is a redesigned speaker section or two entirely new buttons remains to be seen, but this isn't something we typically see in Apple Watch third-party cases. It's also not something we've seen strongly rumored in the build-up to Apple's event.

The good news, though, is that there's not long to wait for all the official details, with other leaks indicating Apple's debut 'Pro' smartwatch will also feature a larger display, larger battery and improved screen durability.