With just hours until the Glowtime keynote, some last-minute rumors are filling in some Apple Watch details. According to 9to5Mac, Apple is planning to update the newest watches with all-new sensors.
The report claims that Apple is planning “an updated ECG/heart rate sensor that will unlock new features and provide more accurate results” for the Series 10 and Ultra 3. Among the new features will be sleep apnea detection, which will be exclusive to the new watches. A previous report from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg claimed that sleep apnea detection will be billed as a major new feature but “may not be available on day one of the new model going on sale.”
Along with the new sensors, Apple is also expected to improve water resistance from 50 meters to 100 meters, and “will be certified for high-speed water sports up to 20 meters deep.” It will also gain support for Apple’s Depth app, which is currently exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra.
Finally, 9to5Mac has learned that the Apple Watch Series 10 will get two new watch faces. The first will be called “Reflections” and will react to ambient light, while the other is an exclusive Hermès watch face called “Regatta,” and will have a sailing theme.
The report doesn’t mention the Apple Watch SE 3, which is also expected to be updated at the event, but it will presumably use Apple’s 3rd‑generation optical heart sensor. The current model doesn’t have an ECG sensor and it’s doubtful the 3rd-gen model will get one.
The Apple Watch Series 10 will be unveiled at Apple’s Glowtime event on Monday alongside the iPhone 16. Along with the above features, it’s expected to have a thinner body, larger display, and new color options.
Author: Michael Simon, Executive Editor, Macworld
Michael Simon has been covering Apple for more than 20 years. He started covering rumors with Spymac when the iPod was the iWalk, and has owned nearly every iPhone Apple has ever made. He lives in Connecticut with his wife, son, and far too many gadgets.