The Apple Watch is set to get a “Pro” version this fall with a new extreme sports edition. In other news, Apple is debuting Lockdown mode to combat targeted attacks on iPhones , and Meta is getting closer to releasing its Quest Pro headphones.
Whether it's called Apple Watch Extreme, Apple Watch Max, Apple Watch Explorer Edition, or Apple Watch Pro, Apple Inc. is set to give the Apple Watch the "Pro" tier.
This expansion into a higher-end Watch that sits above the standard model follows a long history of expanding Apple's product portfolio with professional models. The MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, iPhone Pro, and AirPods Pro are just a few examples. In the case of Pro products, in addition to the headphones, Apple differentiates itself with better performance and displays, plus, of course, a higher price.
For the new, more expensive Watch coming this fall, we'll get a larger and more shatter-resistant display, improved walk and swim tracking, longer battery life, and a heavier and more durable case made of a high-quality, non-aluminum metal material (likely titanium since it's much more durable than steel).
This smartwatch will be designed to appeal to extreme sports and anyone who might otherwise buy a high-end Garmin sports watch for intense workouts. Its larger screen, larger battery, and metal design will make it attractive to anyone who simply wants the most advanced Watch.
This selling point is similar to the playing field for the current iPhone 13 Pro versus the regular iPhone 13. Beyond an improved camera, the main differences with the iPhone 13 Pro are niceties like a stainless steel body instead of aluminum, more battery life, and ProMotion.
Since the rugged Watch, codenamed N199 internally ,will be aimed at extreme sports enthusiasts and consumers who typically look for Apple's pro offerings, I think the company will likely go with the marketing Apple Watch Pro. Apple has already touted the durability of its current watches, so it's clearly a selling point it believes will resonate with consumers.
The move to a new Watch will likely spell the end of the Apple Watch Edition. Apple seriously misjudged the audience for the first edition models in the mid-2010s and gradually moved away from the $17,000 gold Apple Watch to stainless steel models available in gold-tone and titanium offerings.
Apple’s unveiling of a new high-end Apple Watch also comes at a significant time in the market. Samsung Electronics Co., the only Apple Watch rival I can think of that’s relevant, is making the same move, planning to release a Galaxy Watch Pro 5 next month alongside an update to the standard model.
Evan Blass, also known as @evleaks , last week published renders of Samsung's upcoming smartwatch. The images suggest that the Samsung smartwatch will sport a higher-end look with a titanium case and a more rugged design. Previous rumors have also suggested a higher price tag and a larger battery.
The Samsung smartwatch will have a slightly larger display than the standard models, in line with Apple’s approach. Blass says the Samsung Watch Pro will have a 45mm case, while a new regular model will have a 44mm case. I estimate that the Apple Watch Pro will have a 46mm or 47mm case size to squeeze in a display that offers about 7% more surface area than the 45mm Watch Series 7.
So, it now seems that Apple and Samsung will come to blows, this time regarding "professional" smartwatches.
For those who don't want to pay the extra money for a business Apple Watch that will likely be replaced in about 15 months from now, two other Apple Watches will also be released in the fall: a regular Apple Watch Series 8 and a new Apple Watch SE.
The Apple Watch Series 8 will add an updated display to the current 41mm and 45mm Series 7 sizes, the S8 chip (at par with the S7 and S6 chips) , and a body temperature sensor (the rugged model will have the same chip and a new health feature, too). The new SE will mark the end of the Watch Series 3, replacing the S5 chip in the current SE with the same S8 chip as the standard Series 8.
As for the exact price, I'm guessing the new Watch SE will likely replace the current model at $279, and the standard Series 8 will start at $399 in the smaller size and aluminum configuration to replace the Series 7.
But how much will a new smartwatch cost? I think we start with the current Apple Watch to figure that out. The current Apple Watch Edition is essentially an Apple Watch Series 7 in a titanium case instead of aluminum or stainless steel. The 45mm version starts at $849.
Given that the new high-end Watch will have a slightly larger display, new sensors, and higher-quality materials, I wouldn't be surprised if it starts at $900 to $999, the starting price of an iPhone 13 Pro.
