Forget the Apple Watch 9, we’re already hearing about the Apple Watch X
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We’re still many months away from the likely launch of the Apple Watch 9 in September, but there’s already been news about its successor, the Apple Watch X, and the headline is that it’s apparently going to get bigger.
This comes from David Hsieh, an analyst at a technology research firm Omia (opens in new tab) (through MacRumors (opens in new tab)), which claims the Apple Watch X will be available in both 1.89-inch and 2.04-inch sizes. That’s up from 1.69-inches and 1.9-inches on the Apple Watch 8.
The name is also interesting, though not surprising, as it would align the branding with the 2017 iPhone X. So, with that, the X here would be the Roman numeral for 10.
Hsieh also brings information about the Apple Watch SE 3, which will apparently land alongside the Apple Watch X in 2024 and see a larger size itself. This apparently matches the Apple Watch 8 for screen size, starting at 1.57in and 1.78in.
However, there apparently won’t be any larger sizes for the Apple Watch 9, with reportedly the same screen size options as the Apple Watch 8.
Finally, Hsieh claims the Apple Watch Ultra 2 will land in 2024 with a 2.13-inch display, which would also be a larger size and in line with what we’ve heard elsewhere. But Hsieh adds a few new details, namely that the resolution will apparently be 540 x 440 or 556 x 452; leading to a pixel density of about 325 pixels per inch.
For reference, the current Apple Watch Ultra has a 1.92-inch 502 x 410 screen, with 338 pixels per inch.
Analysis: 2023 could be a dull year for Apple Watches
With the Apple Watch Ultra 2 reportedly not due to launch until 2024, the Apple Watch SE 3 doing the same, and the Apple Watch 9 apparently having the same screen size as the Apple Watch 8, there might not be much to get excited about this year . , Apple Watch-wise.
If the above leak is correct, we’ll presumably only see one new Apple Watch model this year, and it might not be much different from the Apple Watch 8.
Of course just because it’s not bigger doesn’t mean other upgrades won’t be present but it would make sense for Apple to keep big upgrades for the tenth generation model next year just like the iPhone X was a big change for Apple’s smartphone line.
So while we can’t be sure at all, this year’s Apple Watch releases may not make much of an impact on our list of the best smartwatches.