Gurman: Apple Watch 'Pro' to Offer First True Redesign Since Series 4, but No Flat Sides

The upcoming high-end variant of the Apple Watch Series 8 will feature the device's first redesign in years and a new titanium casing, but will not feature the long-rumored squared-off look, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

apple watch series 7 mystery
In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that this year's high-end Apple Watch model will be "a good bit bigger" than the current Apple Watch models, so much so that "it might only appeal to a subset of customers." The device is expected to feature a display that is seven percent larger.

Gurman reaffirmed rumors that the high-end Apple Watch will feature the first new design since the launch of the Apple Watch Series 4 in 2018. It will apparently not be circular, and contrary to reports of a squared-off design, "it also won't have those rumored flat sides." Instead, Gurman described the new design as being "an evolution of the current rectangular shape."

He added that it will have a casing made of "a more durable formulation of titanium to make it extra rugged." The device is also expected to feature longer battery life that could last multiple days on a single charge via a new Low Power Mode, according to Gurman.

The only new health feature expected for the Apple Watch Series 8 is still a body-temperature sensor, with blood-pressure monitoring not expected to arrive until 2025, and blood-glucose monitoring not set to be ready until "nearer to the end of the decade."

Gurman added that "the upcoming Apple Watch release is shaping up to be one of the company's more exciting product launches this year."

Related Forum: Apple Watch

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
Apple TV Color

Apple TV Announces 12 New Shows and Films Coming This Year

Wednesday February 4, 2026 12:29 pm PST by
Apple on Tuesday previewed 12 new shows and films that will be premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026. The new series: Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026 Margo's Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026 Widow's Bay — April 29, 2026 Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — May 20, 2026 Cape Fear — June 5, 2026 Lucky — July 15, 2026 The new films: Eternity — ...
iphone 16 pro colors 1

Apple Begins Selling Refurbished iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Models at Lower Prices

Wednesday February 4, 2026 7:44 am PST by
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to Apple's current or former pricing for the devices. Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024: iPhone 16: $799 iPhone 16 Plus: $899 iPhone 16 Pro:...

Top Rated Comments

Denzo Avatar
46 months ago
Forgive me.. but all we got is that it’s a little bigger, not much of a design change and potentially more battery. And mentions feature expected at the end of the decade?

Then the article ends with a comment "the upcoming Apple Watch release is shaping up to be one of the company's more exciting product launches this year."

Did I miss something?
Score: 118 Votes (Like | Disagree)
desmond2046 Avatar
46 months ago
I don’t care about the design. A blood pressure and blood glucose monitor would be the true game changer and will save millions of lifes.
Score: 48 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gpat Avatar
46 months ago

Forgive me.. but all we got is that it’s a little bigger, not much of a design change and potentially more battery. And mentions feature expected at the end of the decade?

Then the article ends with a comment "the upcoming Apple Watch release is shaping up to be one of the company's more exciting product launches this year."

Did I miss something?
This sentence, alone, is enough to summarize what a yawn-fest this 2022 is for Apple, and for consumer electronics in general.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Apple Knowledge Navigator Avatar
46 months ago
I’m starting to think the ‘flat-sided’ information was bait for potential leakers.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gsmornot Avatar
46 months ago
If a titanium body will be the only way to get a larger display I may not be able to get one with a larger display this year. Rumors at this point but my eyes want more screen, my budget does not.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Traverse Avatar
46 months ago
I understand that “pro” simply means the more expensive or higher-end model in Apple terms, but I thought that’s what the “edition” was?

I hope they find a better term. A “Pro” Apple Watch/user outside of a rugged outdoor watch doesn’t seem sensible to me.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)