Series 6 - redesign?

[jimmy_uk]

As many are pinning their hopes and dreams on a redesigned iphone in 2020, do we think the Series 6 Apple watch will get the same treatment?

So if the iphone is getting a boxy flat edge design, could the Apple watch follow the same design language?

Could we see a redesigned watch strap as well to maximise profits?

And if people are waiting for the 2020 iphone because of the redesign, does it follow that one should also wait for the Series 6 watch?

 

[Keniutek]

I don't think Apple will change the design much (especially not, when it comes to the band/straps). People with 20, 30, 50 and more straps would be pissed and less inclined to get a new model.

 

[rmoliv]

G-shock? Really? That looks horrible. I'm happy with Apple's design. Elegant and unisex.

 

[deeddawg]

Nobody out here knows what Apple has in mind - and anyone who does is likely under NDA.

Whatever they do it's likely they'll retain compatibility with the plethora of bands.

As for G-Shock... No thank you. Just as I don't need a jacked up F250 on 35's, I don't need some monstrous statement piece on my wrist.

 

[Royksöpp]

I'm hoping for a larger more masculine design, think G-shock.

That would be going completely against the design of the Apple Watch. It's meant to be slick and unisex. It is an Apple product after all!

 

[Strangedream]

Personally I think G-shock are an absolute eye-sore. The current AW design is unisex enough.

 

[jimmy_uk]

Woah, well I wish I could remove my opinion from the debate regarding G-Shocks as this is having too much focus.

* EDIT - I have now removed my "opinion" as it was dominating the conversation and would likely continue that way.

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That would be going completely against the design of the Apple Watch. It's meant to be slick and unisex. It is an Apple product after all!

My opinion comes from feeling that the larger (welcomed) Series 4 and 5 look a little more feminine as the design looks rounder to me. I've always enjoyed large and chunky watches. I'm not trying to upset anyone.
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I don't think Apple will change the design much (especially not, when it comes to the band/straps). People with 20, 30, 50 and more straps would be pissed and less inclined to get a new model.

Apple don't care how many cases people have for their iphones or ipads when they redesign the body. I appreciate the watch is a little different but surely Apple wont be married to the current straps forever?

 

[Bazooka-joe]

Woah, well I wish I could remove my opinion from the debate regarding G-Shocks as this is having too much focus.
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My opinion comes from feeling that the larger (welcomed) Series 4 and 5 look a little more feminine as the design looks rounder to me. I've always enjoyed large and chunky watches. I'm not trying to upset anyone.

I agree. I do prefer chunkier round watches as I think they are more masculine and I have always seen watches as a fashion accessory almost as much as a time piece. I can't see Apple going down that route though. Most men's watches tend to be round rather than square but the AW is more than just a watch and designed to be as functional as possible with a minimum footprint.

 

[bruinsrme]

Series 0/1, 2 and 3 same case
Series 4 and 5 pretty much the same.
I’m going to go out on a limb and bet the farm and say, Series 6 will be the same as 4/5.

 

[KarimLeVallois]

Series 0/1, 2 and 3 same case
Series 4 and 5 pretty much the same.
I’m going to go out on a limb and bet the farm and say, Series 6 will be the same as 4/5.

I agree. I think we may see a redesign in Series 7, but who really knows? Only Apple!

 

[jimmy_uk]

Series 0/1, 2 and 3 same case
Series 4 and 5 pretty much the same.
I’m going to go out on a limb and bet the farm and say, Series 6 will be the same as 4/5.

But these watches were following the current design language of iPhones. Ipad pro 2018 has changed design, iphone 2020 is going to change design. It's possible the watch could change if only to enthuse upgraders.

What spice could they add to Series 6 if it stayed the same design? Bigger battery? Sleep tracking?

 

[rmoliv]

One thing that makes me like Apple is exactly the elegant, soft, minimalist design of their products that suits both sexes. I’d hate to see a chunky, rounded watch like those you guys label as being “more masculine”. If any design change is to be made next year it will still be faithful to those principles. I can envision a squared chamfered case (with edges similar to the latest iPad Pro).

 

[bruinsrme]

But these watches were following the current design language of iPhones. Ipad pro 2018 has changed design, iphone 2020 is going to change design. It's possible the watch could change if only to enthuse upgraders.

What spice could they add to Series 6 if it stayed the same design? Bigger battery? Sleep tracking?

Glucose monitor, blood pressure more heart features, better battery.

 

[jimmy_uk]

One thing that makes me like Apple is exactly the elegant, soft, minimalist design of their products that suits both sexes. I’d hate to see a chunky, rounded watch like those you guys label as being “more masculine”. If any design change is to be made next year it will still be faithful to those principles. I can envision a squared chamfered case (with edges similar to the latest iPad Pro).

Suits me. Also a third larger option would be good. 46 or 48mm

 

[The Game 161]

Honestly it’s hard to see where they can make big improvements....battery life is the only thing that comes to mind.

 

[jimmy_uk]

Honestly it’s hard to see where they can make big improvements....battery life is the only thing that comes to mind.

This is why I’m thinking a redesign would help stimulate upgrades.

 

[canyonblue737]

I still think we have another year of the same basic design since the Series 4. The first gen went 3 years (Series 0, Series 1/2 (same year), Series 3) before a change and Apple likes to spread out their R&D investment. I think we will see the same body design (although again perhaps new materials and colors) with perhaps a changed sensor, better battery life, sleep tracking etc. before we get the 3rd iteration of watch.

Not that I don't agree I wouldn't love an all new design next year but it just doesn't match Apple's behavior pattern with a product that is selling well.

 

[Brien]

Safe guess is, thinner case (maybe 9.5mm) with the same or slightly better battery life...

I think if they can get it down to 8mm or thinner (more traditional watch thickness), maybe add a third size and get it to a consistent 48hr battery life they'd remove pretty much any remaining 'cons'.

Even less likely, but cool, would be seeing them replace the side button with a squeeze (like on the Pixel I believe) and then moving the digital crown to the center.

 

[bruinsrme]

Couple things I’m thinking about.
Which company will assemble the watch next year?
If it’s the current I can’t see retooling.
If it’s a new company I can see a new watch. Why start a process only to have to retool.
However, I foresee Apple milking the Ti and ceramic.
Either, I am not upgrading

 

[Royksöpp]

I can envision a squared chamfered case (with edges similar to the latest iPad Pro).

Queue the "My Watch is Bent" thread.

 

[MrMacintoshIII]

MicroLED for the screen.

I have 40+ official bands so if Apple ever obsoletes them I’ll be very, very sad.

 

[Brien]

MicroLED for the screen.

I have 40+ official bands so if Apple ever obsoletes them I’ll be very, very sad.

I’m sure they will eventually but hopefully not anytime soon.

 

[bbednarz]

MicroLED for the screen.

I have 40+ official bands so if Apple ever obsoletes them I’ll be very, very sad.

I just cant see them changing the band design. It works so well. How many issues have been reported with the band mechanism? Unless they are doing some crazy totally radical redesign I just cant see them changing it.

 

[perezr10]

I kinda wish the watches had ”screen protectors” in the same way that some tires have “rim protectors”. Meaning a raised lip on the case to protect the screen from shattering if you drop it on the floor.

 

[Duncan68]

I kinda wish the watches had ”screen protectors” in the same way that some tires have “rim protectors”. Meaning a raised lip on the case to protect the screen from shattering if you drop it on the floor.

Yes, and I wish Casio would collaborate with Apple to make a Watch as tough as a G-Shock. Never going to happen. ?