Apple may be considering a circular display as it prepares for a refresh of its smartwatch.
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Since Apple began producing smartwatches, the company has consistently favored a rectangular screen design. Meanwhile, Google’s Wear OS (previously known as Android Wear) has allowed brands to explore both circular and rectangular screens on their devices. It appears that Apple is considering a design change and may eventually introduce a round display on its signature smartwatch in the future.
As reported by Bloomberg, Apple is contemplating a reset of its wearable technology strategy, and one internal proposition includes a round display for smartwatches. They are evaluating new device concepts, including options without displays, as well as various screen types and sizes. Although round screens may not be likely to hit the market, they have been under discussion.
This anticipated transition has been in the works for several years. Apple obtained a patent for a round smartwatch back in 2018, while the initial patent application was filed in 2017. Transitioning to a round display on a smartwatch is complex; the entire user interface of the wearable OS must be adapted for a circular screen rather than a square one.
Consider it analogous to developing adaptable apps that can operate in either a single-pane or dual-pane format, depending on whether they are being viewed on a traditional phone's flat screen or a foldable phone's large rectangular display. In the case of smartwatches, it’s slightly more intricate since the screen area isn’t increasing. Instead, the corners are rounded off, which presents a design dilemma for app developers.
The most significant challenge lies in notifications and banners. As noted in a recent analysis by Digital Trends, “The Pixel Watch 4 addresses this by using a square display in the software, which causes the round display to cut off parts of the text while scrolling. It’s a fairly elegant solution but also somewhat simplistic. Samsung takes a different route with the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch 8 series, which feature a square screen framed by a round body.”
However, Apple possesses all the necessary resources to make this possible, and there is certainly a desire for a round Apple Watch among purists who are averse to rectangular or square dials. It will be intriguing to see how Apple approaches the challenge of designing a circular user interface, should they decide to pursue this vision.
Apple may be looking beyond the square, but a round Apple Watch could offer both notable aesthetic appeal and some challenging software adjustments.
For over ten years, the Apple Watch has appeared as a small computer on the wrist. But what if Apple transformed it into a device that resembles an actual watch? Recent reports indicate that Apple is contemplating round displays for future models, along with other design innovations as the company re-evaluates its wearable lineup. While nothing has been confirmed, this possibility raises an interesting question: would a circular Apple Watch improve the experience, or would it be addressing an issue that isn’t present? The answer likely depends on Apple’s vision for the Watch.
A circular design could ultimately give the Apple Watch a more traditional watch feel.
Apple might be set to reintroduce the ceramic Apple Watch, a development that many enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating.
The most visually appealing material for the Apple Watch is reportedly making a comeback. Apple discreetly discontinued the ceramic Apple Watch in 2020, and its absence has been puzzling for fans of that premium material since then. For context, ceramic was the most luxurious option in the lineup: it was smooth to the touch, resistant to scratches, and featured a unique non-metallic look unlike that of titanium or aluminum frames. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is actively planning to bring it back.
The Apple Watch could become exceedingly pricey with new premium models in the pipeline.
Apple already offers some quite high-priced smartwatches, but it seems they are gearing up to raise the price bar even further. According to Bloomberg’s latest Power On newsletter, the company is contemplating new premium Apple Watch models that would be priced above the existing Ultra and Hermès editions. This could escalate costs significantly. Currently, the highest-priced model available is the Apple Watch Hermès Ultra 3, priced at $1,399. Without the Hermès branding, the standard Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $799.
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Apple may be considering a circular display as it prepares for a refresh of its smartwatch.
In 2017, we discovered an Apple patent for a smartwatch featuring a round display. It appears that Apple is now contemplating a redesign.