Apple Watch getting major redesign next year, says leaker

This fall’s Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to bring a “major redesign,” but according to a new leak, the flagship Apple Watch Series lineup may be in line for its own significant transformation next year.

While leaks about the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra have been plentiful, rumors regarding Apple Watch models have been notably sparse. For instance, reports from Digitimes point to a substantial redesign and major sensor upgrades for the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 4 this autumn. Yet, details about the next-generation Apple Watch Series 12 have remained largely under wraps.

Now, a fresh leak suggests that the Series 12 might be a relatively minor update, setting the stage for a much bigger shift in 2027. The Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital, in a series of posts, claims that the 2027 Apple Watch will receive a “major overhaul.” He connects this to long-standing rumors about an ‘Apple Watch X’ model, a device once rumored to introduce a fresh design and, critically, break compatibility with the existing watch band system.

In a follow-up to his claim about next year’s overhaul, the leaker advises anyone planning to purchase a new watch in 2027 to stop investing in additional bands now. His post includes a link to a 2023 rumor about the ‘Apple Watch X’ redesign potentially altering how bands attach to the case. It appears the long-anticipated redesign may finally resurface, years after initial speculation.