Despite ongoing speculation about a completely redesigned Apple Watch debuting in 2026, a recent leak on Weibo suggests that next year’s model will closely resemble the current design. However, this doesn’t mean Apple is abandoning plans for a major overhaul. Instead, the company appears to be postponing its ambitious redesign by several years. According to the leak, a fresh Apple Watch design might not arrive until “the year after the iPhone’s 20th anniversary.”
In practical terms, this means fans shouldn’t expect to see a revamped Apple Watch hitting stores anytime soon. Apple’s 20th-anniversary iPhone is scheduled for release in 2027, placing a new Apple Watch design at least two to three years away. Importantly, the leaker also mentioned that the upcoming redesign will remain fully compatible with existing watch bands—a thoughtful move likely to reassure current Apple Watch owners who don’t want their investment in bands to go to waste.
What to Expect from the Apple Watch Redesign
Details about the rumored Apple Watch redesign have been sparse but intriguing. A 2023 Bloomberg report revealed that Apple has been developing a revolutionary mechanism to attach watch bands, potentially replacing the current system with a magnetic connection that takes up less space. This innovation could free up internal room for a larger battery, significantly boosting the watch’s battery life.
Additionally, there have been scattered rumors that Apple is exploring microLED displays for the Apple Watch. MicroLED technology promises richer colors, higher brightness, and improved energy efficiency compared to the current OLED panels. While some reports suggest Apple may have shelved the microLED plans temporarily, it’s also possible these advancements will emerge in future models. Furthermore, rumors hint the new design could feature up to eight sensors on the underside of the display, expanding the device’s health and fitness tracking capabilities.
The Ultimate Apple Watch Feature: Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring
One of the most eagerly anticipated Apple Watch features remains non-invasive blood glucose monitoring—a breakthrough that would have profound implications for health tracking. If Apple succeeds in integrating this capability, it would mark an unprecedented medical milestone. While a variety of startups have attempted to develop such devices, they have been plagued by critical challenges.
For instance, years ago, one engineer working on a non-invasive glucose monitor shared that the sensor was highly sensitive to sunlight, requiring complete darkness for accurate readings—a significant limitation for a wrist-worn device. Additionally, the presence of body hair interfered with sensor performance.
Apple has reportedly been pursuing non-invasive glucose monitoring for over 15 years, leveraging its extensive resources and some of the world’s leading medical experts. Still, most specialists believe this technology is not likely to appear soon, especially in the compact form factor of an Apple Watch. A Bloomberg report earlier this year confirmed that while Apple’s project is making progress and has achieved key milestones, it remains years away from becoming a reality.
