- Apple is planning to refresh its smartwatch as the company approaches its 10th anniversary.
- According to Bloomberg, the improvements include larger screens and thinner chassis.
- The updated watches may also get a new chip, which will enable improvements in AI.
The Apple Watch is turning 10 soon, and Apple is planning a birthday refresh with larger displays and thinner casings, Bloomberg reports.
Both versions of the new Series 10 watches will feature screens similar to the large displays of the Apple Watch Ultra, the report said.
The updated watches are also expected to feature a new chip that will enable future AI improvements.
Last month, Apple unveiled its plans for generative AI with Apple Intelligence.
The company hopes the artificial intelligence features will be compelling enough to convince consumers to buy new Apple products.
The announcement has been generally well received on Wall Street.
Wedbush Securities’ Dan Ives wrote in a note Monday that the “iPhone 16 AI-driven upgrade could signal a golden upgrade cycle for Cupertino.”
“We believe the introduction of AI technology into the Apple ecosystem will provide opportunities to monetize both the services and iPhone/hardware businesses and drive $30 to $40 per share,” he added.
Apple’s shares closed Friday at just over $226 a share, up 22 percent this year and worth $3.47 trillion. That puts it just behind Microsoft, which was worth $3.48 trillion as of Friday’s close. The tech giants have battled it out for the title of the world’s most valuable company in recent months — with chipmaker Nvidia briefing taking the crown last month.
Apple also announced a number of software updates for the watch last month at its Worldwide Developers Conference.
The latest version of the device’s software, watchOS 11, places a focus on fitness and health, introducing tools that let users assess workouts and adjust effort ratings.
WatchOS 11 also uses machine learning to select the best photos for users’ screens.
Apple has used product birthdays in the past to release new versions of devices.
The release of the iPhone X marked the smartphone’s 10th anniversary. However, it’s not clear exactly when Apple plans to release the redesigned watches, according to Bloomberg.
The company announced the Apple Watch in September 2014, with CEO Tim Cook calling it “the most personal product we’ve ever made.”
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside normal business hours.