Apple’s 2025 Apple Watch lineup will reportedly function a few incremental modifications, however future fashions within the years to come back might introduce a compelling function that the iPhone not too long ago outgrew. Not too long ago, Macworld managed to get a take a look at unreleased code for the Apple Watch and seen a reference to “AppleMesa,” the corporate’s code for Contact ID. Not one of the code for Apple’s 2025 Apple Watch lineup comprises the reference, which is to say we can’t see an Apple Watch with Contact ID till 2026 on the absolute earliest.
Nonetheless, it is good to see that Apple has some concepts to enhance the general Apple Watch person expertise. Whereas the present course of to unlock the Apple Watch with a passcode is manageable, Contact ID would make the method a bit of bit extra seamless. It is also unclear the place Apple may place the sensor. One potential resolution can be to combine it into the aspect button, much like what Apple did on its iPad lineup. This design would additionally make sense on condition that it is already used for Apple Pay.
Apparently, Apple previously has filed patents which lay out a scheme to combine Contact ID into the Digital Crown. Apple, it is value declaring, routinely recordsdata patents for applied sciences that by no means see the sunshine of day. In different phrases, Contact ID on the Digital Crown is intriguing, however I believe it is extra sensible to include Contact ID into the aspect button.
Apple Watch Sequence 11 might introduce 5G assist and extra
The upcoming Apple Watch Sequence 11 lineup will include three gadgets: the bottom mannequin Apple Watch, the Apple Watch Extremely 3, and the Apple Watch SE 3. All three fashions will reportedly home an S11 processor which will not supply important efficiency enhancements. What’s extra, Apple’s 2025 Apple Watch lineup will roughly look precisely like final yr’s Apple Watch Sequence 10 lineup.
One notably intriguing Apple Watch Sequence 11 rumor we have seen includes assist for 5G. At present, the Apple Watch mobile fashions solely assist 4G LTE, however rumor has it that this yr’s lineup will home MediaTek 5G modems. It stays to be seen, although, if all Apple Watch Sequence 11 fashions will ship with 5G functionality or if Apple may reserve it solely for the Apple Watch Extremely 3.
One other Apple Watch Sequence 11 rumor factors to assist for blood strain monitoring. If this function is actually within the works, it stands to purpose it should solely be obtainable on the Apple Watch Sequence 11 and Apple Watch Extremely 3 fashions.
Bloomberg earlier this yr described how the function may fit: “The blood-pressure function…is designed to work in the same strategy to Apple’s sleep apnea detector. It will not give customers particular readings — resembling diastolic or systolic ranges — however it should inform them that they could be in a state of hypertension.”
Apple Watch Sequence 12 could also be an even bigger improve
In the event you’re searching for extra processing energy, nonetheless, it may be value ready for the Apple Watch Sequence 12. Thus far, Macworld additionally unearthed code pointing to a giant processor soar in 2026 together with a brand new chip structure. Particularly, the code for the 2026 fashions reference “Watch8,” which Macworld notes “hints at a giant {hardware} leap” on condition that “Apple Watch Sequence 9, Sequence 10, and Sequence 11 are all a part of the ‘Watch7’ household as a consequence of their similarities.”
There are additionally rumblings that Apple’s 2026 Apple Watch lineup will introduce a significant redesign with a structure of further and extra correct sensors for well being monitoring. In different phrases, this yr’s Apple Watch lineup will introduce some smaller refinements whereas the 2026 lineup is shaping as much as be extra of a significant improve.
Apple is anticipated to introduce its new Apple Watch lineup at its iPhone occasion subsequent month. Invites to the occasion have not gone out but, but it surely’s broadly anticipated to happen on September 9.