Sources: the new “Pro” Apple Watch will have a roughly 7% larger screen, new design, and case with a more durable titanium formulation to make it more rugged
Apple is set to report earnings this week against the backdrop of an economic downturn and a plan to slow hiring.
BloombergMark Gurman
Context & Ripple Effects
Apple had already been reported to be preparing a rugged 2022 Watch with a larger, shatter-resistant display and a non-aluminum case. The new details turn that earlier rugged Watch report into a more defined Pro-tier product proposition.
The move also follows Apple's earlier plan for both entry-level and extreme-sports Watch models, pointing to a broader effort to differentiate the Watch lineup by use case rather than only annual refreshes.
First-order effects
Apple's planned Watch Pro would create a visibly differentiated, more rugged option through its larger display, redesigned body, and tougher titanium case.
Second-order effects
Apple's manufacturing teams face a more consequential design transition: prior Apple Watch redesigns were reported to have caused production snags, making execution central to a Pro model's availability.
Third-order effects
If Apple sustains the entry-level-to-extreme-sports product plan, the Watch line shifts toward durable segmentation by buyer needs, with a premium rugged tier alongside mainstream models.
The trend: Apple Watch development is moving from a largely uniform annual device toward a segmented lineup with distinct durability and use-case tiers.
The new high end Apple Watch “Pro” will have the first new design since 2018 and use a more durable titanium. And no, it won't be circular or have flat edges. https://www.bloomberg.com/...
This is a legitimately great idea, part of the post-Ive recalibration of what a high-end Apple product looks like. Ive's notion of high-end was form over function, skinny and shiny; the new version seems more inspired by high-end outerwear, rugged and technical and feature-rich. …
It was a pleasure to talk to @markgurman the other day and discuss this upcoming Apple Watch ‘Pro’ as well as other topics like the M2 MacBook Air. The full interview will be going live on our Max Tech YouTube channel on Tuesday! https://twitter.com/...
Following a pattern there will soon be an Apple Watch Air, Apple Watch Pro Max, and Apple Watch Classic. Apple Marketing has been stuck for a bit when it comes to device names. https://www.engadget.com/...