Apple Is Considering to Completely Reinvent the Apple Watch

Apple is considering a major rethink of the Apple Watch that could eventually introduce completely different form factors, including circular displays and even fitness wearables without screens.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple's industrial design team has spent roughly the past year exploring a broader overhaul of its smartwatch lineup, although the company has not settled on any particular direction.

One of the ideas under consideration is a display-free fitness wearable similar in concept to products from companies such as Whoop.

Such a product would represent a significant departure from the Apple Watch, which has relied on a touchscreen since the original model launched in 2015. Apple is reportedly examining the idea as screenless fitness trackers and other wearable form factors gain attention.

However, Gurman does not expect a screenless Apple Watch or fitness tracker to arrive in 2026. The concept remains part of Apple's research and design work rather than a finalized product.

Removing the display could potentially give Apple more flexibility around battery life, size and how such a fitness-focused device is worn, although Apple has not announced specifications or confirmed that it intends to release one.

Apple has also explored Apple Watches with different screen types, sizes and shapes, including a circular display.

A round Apple Watch would be one of the biggest visual changes in the product's history. However, Gurman cautions that a circular model is currently unlikely to reach the market, meaning Apple is considering the design rather than actively preparing it for launch.

The company has also discussed expanding the lineup with more expensive models positioned above the Apple Watch Ultra and Hermès offerings, as well as cheaper options beyond the existing SE range.

More immediate changes are expected to be less dramatic.

Apple is reportedly considering bringing ceramic cases back to the Apple Watch lineup. The material has appeared on earlier Apple Watch Edition models but is not part of Apple's current Series 11, SE 3 and Ultra 3 lineup.

The upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are not expected to introduce the radical redesigns currently being explored. Earlier reporting from Gurman also indicated that Apple was not planning major design changes for its 2026 watches.

For now, the circular Apple Watch, screenless fitness tracker, and expanded price tiers remain concepts under consideration rather than confirmed products. Apple has not publicly announced any of these plans.

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