Apple Watch X: Will the 10th Anniversary Bring a Redesign?

The Apple Watch is approaching a major milestone. Just as the iPhone X marked a dramatic shift in smartphone design for the device’s tenth anniversary, industry analysts expect the upcoming “Apple Watch X” (or Series 10) to deliver the most significant overhaul in the wearable’s history. Rumors suggest a focus on a thinner chassis and a controversial new magnetic band system.

The Significance of the "X" Branding

Apple has a history of using ten-year anniversaries to reset user expectations. The original Apple Watch launched in 2015, meaning the Series 10 landing in 2024 represents a decade of development. While previous updates like the Series 7 and Series 9 offered incremental improvements in processor speed or screen brightness, the Series 10 looks to be a complete chassis reconstruction.

According to reliable sources like Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning a “major overhaul.” This isn’t just about faster chips. It is about changing how the watch looks, feels, and physically connects to your wrist.

The Magnetic Band System: A Controversial Change

The most specific and potentially polarizing rumor regarding the Apple Watch X involves the band attachment mechanism. Since the original device launched, Apple has used a sliding rail system. This has been a massive benefit for users, as bands bought in 2015 still fit watches bought in 2023.

However, reports indicate Apple plans to switch to a magnetic band attachment system.

Why Change the Bands Now?

Engineers at Apple are reportedly frustrated with the current sliding mechanism because it consumes valuable internal space. The cutouts required for the locking mechanism extend into the chassis. By switching to a magnetic surface-mount system, Apple can reclaim that internal volume.

This space is critical for two things:

  1. Larger Batteries: A magnetic system allows the battery to expand into the area previously occupied by the strap latches.
  2. Thinner Design: Eliminating the internal rail mechanism allows the overall casing to be slimmer without sacrificing component density.

The Cost to Consumers

The downside is compatibility. If this rumor holds true, millions of existing bands—including expensive Hermès leather straps or Link Bracelets—will likely be incompatible with the new Apple Watch X. This would force long-time users to restart their band collections from scratch.

A Thinner, Sleeker Chassis

The second major pillar of the Apple Watch X rumors is a significantly thinner profile. Current Apple Watch models, particularly the Ultra, have grown quite thick to accommodate sensors and batteries.

Leaks suggest the Series 10 will reduce the thickness of the aluminum and stainless steel casing. This aligns with Apple’s recent design philosophy seen in the M4 iPad Pro, which emphasized thinness and portability. A slimmer watch is more comfortable for sleep tracking, which is becoming a priority for Apple’s health initiatives.

Display Size Increases

Despite the thinner body, the screen real estate is expected to grow. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested the screen sizes will increase from the current 41mm and 45mm options to approximately 45mm and 49mm.

This means the smaller Apple Watch X could have a screen as large as the current “large” Series 9, while the larger X model would match the screen size of the Apple Watch Ultra. This is achieved by shrinking the bezels (the black borders around the screen) rather than making the watch physically wider.

New Health Sensors: Hypertension and Sleep Apnea

While the physical redesign is the headline, the internal sensors are also getting an upgrade. Apple has been working on two specific health monitoring features for the 2024 release.

Hypertension Detection

The Apple Watch X is expected to introduce blood pressure monitoring. However, unlike a traditional cuff that gives you specific systolic and diastolic numbers (e.g., 120⁄80), the Apple Watch implementation is different.

The sensor is designed to detect trends in blood pressure. If your pressure is trending upward abnormally, the watch will alert you and suggest you use a medical-grade cuff or see a doctor. It focuses on hypertension management rather than instant medical diagnostics.

Sleep Apnea Detection

Using the accelerometer and blood oxygen sensors, the new watch will analyze your breathing patterns during sleep. It looks for interruptions in breathing associated with sleep apnea. If the watch detects consistent irregularities over several nights, it will recommend a formal sleep study.

Display Technology Updates

To support the thinner battery and larger screen, the Apple Watch X is rumored to use a new type of OLED technology called LTPO3 (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide).

This tech allows for better power efficiency. The current Series 9 is efficient, but LTPO3 manages variable refresh rates better. This ensures the “Always-On” display drains less battery, which is essential if the physical battery size is constrained by the new thinner chassis.

Release Date and Pricing Expectations

Based on Apple’s consistent release cycle, the Apple Watch X (Series 10) is expected to be announced in September 2024, alongside the iPhone 16 lineup.

Pricing is expected to remain consistent with current tiers, despite the redesign:

  • Aluminum GPS models: Likely starting around $399.
  • Cellular models: Likely starting around $499.
  • Stainless Steel / Titanium models: Starting upwards of $699.

If Apple does introduce the magnetic band system, expect a new lineup of proprietary accessories to launch simultaneously, likely ranging from $49 silicone bands to premium options costing several hundred dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my old Apple Watch bands fit the Apple Watch X? If rumors about the new magnetic attachment system are true, your old bands will likely not fit the new Apple Watch X. Apple is reportedly changing the connector to save internal space for a bigger battery.

Is the Apple Watch X the same as the Apple Watch Ultra 3? No. The Apple Watch X (or Series 10) is the successor to the standard Series 9. The Ultra 3 is a separate product line focused on extreme sports and diving, though it may receive similar processor upgrades.

Will the Apple Watch X measure exact blood pressure numbers? Current reports suggest it will not give exact numbers like 120⁄80. Instead, it will monitor for trends and alert you if it detects signs of hypertension (high blood pressure) so you can verify with a medical device.

When will the Apple Watch X be released? Apple typically holds its iPhone and Watch events in early to mid-September. The device usually becomes available in stores later that same month.