Apple is working on developing new Apple Watch models and new health tracking capabilities, including screen and speed upgrades, an impressive sports version, and body temperature and blood sugar sensors.
The Cupertino, California-based tech giant is aiming to radically upgrade its smartwatches with the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7.This new series will include faster processors, improved wireless connectivity, and a completely new and improved display. As Bloomberg reports, Apple plans for next year, in addition to refreshing the basic Watch, the launch of a more affordable model that will replace the Apple Watch SE, as well as a new version that will target its sports audience.
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The next Watch, expected to be released in 2022, will likely include a sensor that measures body temperature. This is a feature that was widely rumored, but ultimately did not make it into the model released in late 2020. The infamous blood sugar sensor, which will help people with diabetes monitor their glucose levels, may take a few more years to become commercially available.
Measuring body temperature has become an essential part of COVID-19 detection, leading to a surge in demand for devices like the Withings Thermo. Some companies offer small digital thermometers that plug into a smartphone's charging port.
On the other hand, blood sugar monitoring has been a long-standing feature of Apple and will be a feature that has yet to be matched by a competitor’s product. Apple and other companies currently rely on apps that allow users to manually enter their glucose levels, while medical device companies such as Dexcom Inc.offer blood sugar monitors that share data with the Apple Watch. Users typically have to prick their finger to draw blood for an accurate glucose test, but Apple envisions a noninvasive solution that can analyze blood through the skin.
See also: Samsung Galaxy Watch: How to measure your heart rate
Apple is also testing thinner bezels and a new integration technique that brings the display closer to the front cover. The new Watch will be slightly thicker than its predecessor, but the difference won't be particularly noticeable to users.
Additionally, the next Watch will feature upgraded connectivity capabilities, and will likely incorporate the technology built into AirTag. Apple gave a sneak peek at the upcoming WatchOS 8 at WWDC conferencein early June - an update that will allow the device to unlock the door of a smart home or even hotel rooms.
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The model of the series intended for the company's sports audience, described internally at Apple as an "explorer" or "adventure" version, was under development and was scheduled for launch in early 2021. However, this did not happen and the model will likely be commercially available in 2022.
The assembly of the basic Apple Watch model is mainly carried out by Luxshare Precision Industry, while a smaller part of the production is carried out by Foxconn. Conversely, Foxconn, together with also Taiwanese Compal Electronics, is responsible for the production of the Apple Watch SE.
Since its launch in 2015, the Apple Watch has become a major part of Apple's product portfolio. Along with the iPhone and iPad, it fills out the company's hardware ecosystem, while also helping Apple's broader wearables and accessories category, which brought the company more than $30 billion in revenue.
