It seems that a major overhaul of the entire Apple Watch lineup is coming very soon, and the main concern for current owners is this: the new watches may lose compatibility with old bands. Clearly, Cupertino is already preparing a massive redesign that will involve a change in form factor. No, the watches most likely won’t become round. But all bridges with previous generations will be burned.
New Apple Watch will be incompatible with old ones
What Will Change in the New Apple Watch
The source of this information is a Chinese insider under the nickname Instant Digital, who publishes predictions on Weibo. He expects a “major overhaul” of the Apple Watch design with a new way of attaching bands to the case. According to him, the design change will free up space inside for a larger battery — meaning the watch could theoretically last longer between charges.
It’s important to understand the status of this information: this is a rumor from an insider, not an Apple announcement. The company has not officially confirmed anything, so the details should not be taken as a guarantee. Although there is little doubt that the lineup is in for radical changes. After all, the company dropped support in watchOS 27 for five generations of Apple Watch at once. This means grand changes are planned for future models.
Where the “Apple Watch X” Idea Came From
The rumor about a radical update has been circulating for more than a year. Back in 2023, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman wrote about the “Apple Watch X” — a model for the lineup’s 10th anniversary with the most significant update: magnetic band attachment, a thinner case, and a new microLED display type.
In reality, none of that materialized. Instead, Apple released the Series 10 with the familiar band system preserved and only a slightly updated design. But it seems the overhaul wasn’t canceled, just postponed.
“Apple Watch X” concept: thinner case and magnetic band attachment
When Will the Radically New Apple Watch Be Released
Simple update logic helps here. Apple changes the watch design roughly every three years: one generation lasted from the original Apple Watch to Series 3, the next from Series 4 through Series 6, then from Series 7 through Series 9. The current design debuted with Apple Watch Series 10 in 2024.
Following this rhythm, a new look would logically be expected with Apple Watch Series 13 in 2027 — and that’s exactly what the insider suggests. However, the same source previously named a different timeframe — 2028, so even within one forecast there are discrepancies. This is yet another reason not to treat the dates as something final.
What Other Rumors Say and What Will Happen with Apple Watch Series 12
Instant Digital is not the only one expecting changes. Various sources over the past year have added their own details to the picture:
- DigiTimes reported that at least one premium model will receive a “significant overhaul,” including eight sensors arranged in a ring on the underside of the case — for expanded health monitoring capabilities
- Earlier this month, information emerged that Apple is testing new display technology for 2027 watches to save energy
- The insider himself links the upcoming redesign to the old “Apple Watch X” idea
All of this still falls into the category of predictions. They all share one thing: significant changes are expected not for the next model, but for watches in 2027 and beyond.
If you were counting on a new design in the very next generation — you’ll have to wait. Series 12 this year is not expected to see a design change and, according to rumors, will retain the same case that debuted with Series 10. As a reminder, Apple made the case thinner, the screen larger, and the metal back cover featured a built-in antenna.
Should You Buy Apple Watch Bands Now
If the insider is to be believed, this is where the only practical advice from this entire story lies. Those planning to buy new Apple Watch in 2027 are advised not to spend on extra bands in advance — the redesigned case may turn out to be incompatible with the current attachment system.
The advice is sensible, but with a caveat: this is a prediction, not a fact. If you’re buying a watch now or within the next year, there’s no reason to avoid bands — the current attachment system isn’t going anywhere until the possible redesign. However, stocking up on expensive accessories “for the future” is indeed not the best idea until Apple has shown the new model.
The bottom line is simple. For the average Apple Watch owner, this news changes nothing right now: upcoming watches will stay in the familiar design with familiar bands. Keeping this rumor about a band attachment change in mind is only worthwhile for those targeting the 2027 model and who like to collect bands — they have a good reason to hold off on buying accessories.
