Apple Watch redesign with new band attachment expected in 2027, leaker says
A known Weibo source claims Apple will introduce a major redesign of its smartwatch in 2027, featuring a new magnetic band system and internal space for a larger battery.
A leaker identified as "Instant Digital" on Weibo has posted that Apple plans a substantial redesign of the Apple Watch for 2027, which would include a new method for attaching bands. The change is said to free up internal space to accommodate a larger battery and could render current bands incompatible.
The rumor ties back to earlier speculation about an "Apple Watch X" model that would have marked the device's 10th anniversary with a thinner case, a magnetic band attachment and a microLED display, a report originally cited by Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman in 2023. Apple instead launched the Series 10 in 2024, retaining the existing band system.
Historically, Apple has refreshed the standard Watch design roughly every three years, with distinct designs for the original through Series 3, Series 4-6, and Series 7-9. The current design debuted with Series 10, suggesting a new iteration could arrive with Series 13 in 2027, matching the timeline described by the leaker.
Previous reports indicated the redesign might be delayed until 2028, and DigiTimes has mentioned that a future high-end model could feature eight sensors arranged in a ring on the underside, aligning with broader health-monitoring goals. Apple is also reportedly evaluating next-generation OLED backplane technology for the 2027 watch.
The upcoming Series 12 is expected to retain the design introduced with Series 10, which featured a thinner case, larger display and a metal back that integrates the antenna.