Apple is reportedly exploring future Apple Watch models featuring round displays, additional screen sizes, or a version with no screen [1].
These potential shifts represent a significant departure from the rectangular design language the company has maintained since the product's debut. Such changes could allow Apple to compete more effectively with rival wearables and broaden the reach of its health-monitoring technology [1, 2].
According to Mark Gurman, Apple is looking at a round Apple Watch and a display-less version that would act as a health sensor [2]. This sensor-only model would function as a band, prioritizing data collection over user interface. Ian Cardwell said future Apple Watch models could come in a variety of sizes, and we might even see a version that is just a band with sensors and no screen [1].
Development for these concepts is centered at Apple's design labs in Cupertino, California [1]. A shift to a circular display would align the device more closely with traditional timepieces, though it presents technical challenges. John Doe said a circular display would make the Watch feel more like a traditional timepiece, but it would also require developers to rethink their apps [3].
Apple has released nine [4] distinct Apple Watch series since 2014. While the company has iterated on materials and internal sensors, the core chassis has remained largely consistent. The introduction of a screenless variant would mark the first time the company has decoupled its health-tracking hardware from a visual interface.
The company aims to differentiate its product line while expanding its health-tracking capabilities [1, 2]. By offering a variety of form factors, Apple could target different user segments, from those seeking a luxury watch aesthetic to those who want passive health monitoring without the distraction of a screen.
“Apple is looking at a round Apple Watch and a display-less version that would act as a health sensor.”
The move toward a screenless or round device suggests Apple is pivoting the Apple Watch from a wrist-worn computer to a more specialized health tool. A sensor-only band would allow the company to capture more longitudinal health data from users who find traditional smartwatches intrusive, while a round face addresses a long-standing consumer preference for traditional watch aesthetics.
