Next-gen Apple Watches are coming with solid-state buttons. Image Courtesy – Macworld
Next-gen Apple Watch is likely to have some physical changes to its design in the coming year. In place of tapping buttons, Apple Watches will be replaced by touch-sensitive pads to pick up on finger movements.
The crown will still rotate, but the button near it will create a mild vibration, just like other solid-state designs of Apple that produce feedback relating to the sense of touch. It will be the same sort of change that took place as in the case of Apple’s shift with the iPhone 7, switching to a solid-state design and also using touch-sensitive pads in place of traditional buttons. Other Apple components like ‘MacBook Trackpads’ and ‘iPod control wheels’ have already been switched from mechanical parts to solid-state technology.
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The change of Apple Watches into a solid-state design will bring a number of benefits. One of the benefits is – there will be fewer places for water to leak inside the device when it is immersed in water. Number two is – removing mechanical parts will free up more space inside the watch for a larger battery to incorporate.
According to ‘Fast Company’s’ report, this change will take place with a formal announcement by the company in 2019.
Here is a summary of the expected features and changes:
Major New Health Features
The biggest rumored upgrades center around health monitoring:
Blood Pressure Monitoring (Hypertension Alerts):
This is the most anticipated feature. The watch is expected to not provide specific systolic and diastolic readings (like a traditional cuff) but rather alert the user to a trend of hypertension (high blood pressure) or changes that indicate a potential problem. This would prompt the user to consult a doctor for a definitive reading.
Sleep Score and Insights:
The updated Sleep app is expected to include a more comprehensive Sleep Score feature, providing a numerical interpretation of sleep quality, duration, and consistency, helping users better understand and improve their rest.
Connectivity and Chip Upgrades
5G (RedCap) Support:
The cellular models are expected to feature a new modem with support for 5G Reduced Capability (5G RedCap). This is a power-efficient version of 5G designed specifically for wearables, which should offer better speed and battery performance compared to the current LTE-only models.
S11 Chip:
A new-generation SiP (System in Package) is expected, likely focusing on improved power efficiency to support the new features and, potentially, increase battery life.
Satellite Connectivity (Ultra 3): The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is highly rumored to gain Satellite Connectivity for emergency communication, mirroring the feature already available on iPhones.
Design and Display
Design Consistency:
The Series 11 is generally expected to maintain the overall thinner and lighter design introduced with the Series 10, with no major design overhaul anticipated.
Brighter/More Durable Display:
Reports suggest the display on the Series 11 may be brighter and the Ion-X glass on the aluminum models may feature a coating for significantly improved scratch resistance.
Apple Watch SE 3 Update:
The more affordable Apple Watch SE 3 is expected to get a larger update, potentially bringing the faster S10 chip and the Always-On display to the entry-level model for the first time.
Software Enhancements (watchOS 26)
The accompanying operating system, watchOS 26, is expected to deliver major software changes:
Workout Buddy:
An AI-powered feature designed to motivate and guide users through workouts, leveraging the Apple Intelligence framework.
Liquid Glass Redesign:
A new design language for the interface, matching the look of the new iOS.
