A Bloomberg report yesterday suggested that we could see a pretty dramatic shake-up in a future Apple Watch lineup.
In particular, it suggested that the company was exploring the possibility of one or more models with a round rather than square form factor …
While square-faced watches have existed for well over a century, the majority of conventional watches are round, and the same is true of Android smartwatches. For example:
Apple is unusual in opting for a rectangular format, so it’s perhaps not surprising that the company would be considering also offering a circular Apple Watch in future.
The reason Apple opted for the rectangular form factor is that it allows greater information density. It’s no accident that all of the other screens we use – phones, tablets, laptops, monitors, and so on – are rectangular.
Essentially, the choice comes down to aesthetics versus utility. Some will always prioritise utility, so a rectangular Apple Watch form factor certainly isn’t going away. But others place a very high value on aesthetics, and many people do have a strong preference for round watches, be they conventional or smart.
Additionally, not everyone who wears an Apple Watch needs a lot of information displayed on the screen. There are plenty of arguments for wearing an Apple Watch, even if you don’t often look at the display. For example:
The first of these is by far the greatest draw for many, and if you’re not primarily using an Apple Watch as a content consumption device, then a round screen could be perfectly viable for you.
However, if you fall into this category – primarily using an Apple Watch for health and fitness monitoring, and not really using it to view information – I would argue that a smart ring is a far … smarter bet.
I made the switch myself from an Apple Watch to the Oura smart ring back in 2024, recently upgrading to the 5th-generation model. I appreciate the fact that it’s extremely unobtrusive, allows me to wear my own choice of conventional watch, and that it only has to be charged once a week.
It’s almost two years ago to the day that I said I was sold on a smart ring as an alternative to the Apple Watch, and argued that Apple should make one. I remain every bit as convinced of this today, and Gurman says that Eddy Cue is also a big fan of smart rings, suggesting it’s more likely than not.
I do think it’s possible that Apple will offer a round Apple Watch model, but I think it’s even more likely that we will see an Apple Ring. What’s your take? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!
