Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has confirmed: don’t expect a new Apple Watch design this year. The next watch models will launch this fall in the familiar case, and a major redesign has apparently been postponed for several years. For those who were hoping to upgrade their watch specifically for a new look, this is an important signal. It might even be better to wait for the Apple Watch Ultra 4, which will receive a large number of new interesting features and will last much longer than the current generation.
Apple Watch with a New Design: Now We Know When They’ll Come Out. Image: macrumors.com
Apple Watch Series 12: Release Date and First Details
Gurman shared the information during a live broadcast on the Bloomberg website, where listeners could ask him questions about Apple. Among other things, he stated that he doesn’t expect any noticeable changes in the appearance of the new Apple Watch models coming out later this year. At the same time, he mentioned that Apple is working on a new full-size HomePod and that a foldable iPhone will likely appear after the iPhone 18 Pro models.
In other words, Apple Watch Series 12 (if Apple keeps the numbering) will retain the same design as Series 10 and Series 11. This means the familiar rectangular case, the same dimensions, and the same type of band attachment.
Apple Watch X: Why Apple Abandoned the Redesign
This is the design predicted for Apple Watch, but it didn’t work out. Image: wccftech.com
Over the past few years, there have been numerous rumors about a new Apple Watch design. Among them — a radically redesigned “Apple Watch X” and a new magnetic band attachment system that was supposed to replace mechanical sliders. None of this ever became an actual product.
The last truly noticeable exterior update came with Apple Watch Series 10 in 2024: the watch became 10% thinner compared to the previous generation, and the screens grew slightly larger. Before that, Apple Watch Ultra in 2022 introduced a fundamentally new form factor with an enlarged titanium case, but since then even that model has only seen minor changes.
When Will Apple Change the Watch Design
Gurman’s words align with an earlier prediction by insider Instant Digital, who in November 2025 stated that a major Apple Watch redesign shouldn’t be expected before 2028. According to his version, updates in 2026 will be “standard,” and plans for 2027 remain unclear.
Current lineup: Apple Watch Series, SE, and Ultra
The reason for the delay, according to the insider, is the anniversary iPhone, timed to the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone in 2027. Apple allegedly wants to focus the audience’s attention and designer resources on it, while postponing the major watch redesign to the following year. However, Instant Digital is a source with a mixed reputation: some of his predictions have come true, but far from all.
Apple Watch 12: Blood Sugar Monitoring and In-Display Touch ID
The absence of a new case doesn’t mean the 2026 watches will be boring. Apple typically adds new sensors, chips, and software features even in “regular” years. Among the discussed rumors:
Waiting for Touch ID in Apple Watch. Image: macworld.com
- Touch ID — possible biometric unlocking via an under-display fingerprint scanner, which wouldn’t require changes to the case
- New health monitoring sensors (although full non-invasive blood glucose monitoring is not yet ready for mass production)
- Updated processor and possibly improved battery life
All of this is still at the level of rumors and leaks. Apple hasn’t confirmed anything, and specific specifications will become known closer to the fall presentation.
Which Apple Watch to Buy in 2026 and Whether to Wait for Series 12
If you’ve been holding off on a purchase specifically for “completely new” Apple Watch, you’ll have to wait at least until 2028 — and even that date isn’t guaranteed. For those wearing Apple Watch Series 7 or older, upgrading to the current Series 11 will provide a noticeable difference: a thinner case, larger screen, and fresh health sensors.
The watch still looks very fresh. Image: cnn.com
For owners of Series 10 or 11, upgrading to Series 12 for the look definitely isn’t worth it — it will be practically the same. It makes sense to follow which specific health and safety features the new models will receive: it’s in these improvements, not the case, where the real benefit of upgrading is currently concentrated.
For those who need a watch right now, there’s no reason to delay the purchase. The current design has proven itself well, and serious visual changes are a matter of not this year and not even next year.
