Apple Inc. is reportedly considering a round-display design for a future refresh of its Apple Watch lineup [1].
This potential shift represents a significant departure from the rectangular aesthetic that has defined the product since its launch. A move toward a circular screen could allow the company to differentiate its hardware and appeal to consumers who prefer traditional watch styles.
Reports indicate the company is exploring these new designs to refresh its smartwatch offerings [1]. This interest appears to be linked to a patent Apple filed in 2017 [1]. While the patent is several years old, the company is now reportedly revisiting the concept as it evaluates how to evolve the wearable's form factor.
Design changes are often precursors to larger hardware cycles. Internal planning suggests the company is already looking further ahead, with reports stating Apple is planning a third-generation model for 2027 [2].
Apple has not officially confirmed the design change. The company typically keeps hardware specifications under strict wraps until a formal product launch. However, the exploration of a round display suggests a willingness to deviate from the current design language to maintain market competitiveness.
Whether the round display appears in the immediate next refresh or is reserved for the 2027 model remains unclear [1], [2]. The company continues to balance its unique user interface, which is optimized for a rectangular screen, with the aesthetic demands of the global watch market.
“Apple is reportedly considering a round-display design for a future refresh of its Apple Watch lineup.”
A transition to a round display would require Apple to completely redesign its watchOS interface, as the current grid and list layouts are built for a rectangle. This move would signal a shift from prioritizing digital efficiency to prioritizing traditional horological aesthetics, potentially capturing a larger segment of the luxury watch market.
