In a recent series of posts, leaked source Instant Digital reiterated previous rumors about the Apple Watch X model, saying that Apple will change the way the strap connects to the watch body. The new design is said to help release space inside to equip a larger battery.
This source also recommends that those planning to buy Apple Watch in 2027 should consider buying more straps in the near future, because the new attachment mechanism may make current straps no longer compatible.
Rumors about the Apple Watch X appeared in 2023, when analyst Mark Gurman revealed that Apple was preparing the "largest ever" upgrade on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch. At that time, the device was said to have a magnetic wiring system, a thinner body and a microLED screen.
However, these changes did not appear on the Apple Watch Series 10. Apple still maintains the familiar wiring mechanism, while the design is only tweaked with a thinner body and larger screen. According to Instant Digital, it is likely that Apple will only postpone the plan instead of canceling it completely.
If this information is accurate, the launch time of the new design is also consistent with Apple's familiar refresh cycle. The design from the first generation Apple Watch to Series 3 is kept unchanged, then changed to a new generation on Series 4 - 6, continuing to change in Series 7 - 9 and most recently Series 10. According to a three-year cycle, Apple Watch Series 13, expected to be launched in 2027, may be a model that is comprehensively "transformed".
According to current sources, if Apple actually switches to a new wiring mechanism in 2027, this may be one of the biggest changes to Apple Watch since this product line was launched, and directly affect the accessory ecosystem that users have accumulated for many years.
