Rumor Claims Apple Watch 'Pro' Won't Be Compatible With Older Watch Bands [Updated]

A new rumor suggests that Apple's upcoming Apple Watch "Pro" will not be compatible with existing Apple Watch bands, meaning customers who opt for the new high-end Apple Watch will also be required to purchase new bands rather than using bands they may already have.

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Apple is widely expected to announce a new high-end Apple Watch "Pro" during its upcoming "Far Out" event on Wednesday, September 7. The new watch is rumored to feature a more rugged design, with a possible flat display and a redesigned case that features a larger display and measures somewhere between 47mm and 48mm.

According to a post on Weibo by the account "UnclePan," who has shared accurate information in the past, the Apple Watch "Pro," due to its more squared-off design, will not be compatible with older Apple Watch bands. While Apple has slowly increased the size of the Apple Watch over the years, it has maintained compatibility with older Apple Watch bands. The backward compatibility allows customers to upgrade their Apple Watch and continue using their existing watch bands without being forced to buy new ones.

The new Apple Watch "Pro" is expected to be targeted at athletes and customers who want a ruggedized and durable Apple Watch. Given this, Apple may opt to provide an entirely new line of Apple Watch bands explicitly designed for pro-athletes that work with the Apple Watch "Pro" and no other Apple Watch model.

The new Apple Watch "Pro" is just one addition to the Apple Watch lineup expected in a little over a week. Apple is also expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 8 and an updated second-generation Apple Watch SE. The Series 8 is expected to keep the same design as the Series 7 but could feature battery life improvements and a new body temperature sensor. Learn more about the upcoming Apple Watch lineup with our guide.

Update: Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has tweeted that he believes the Apple Watch "Pro" will remain compatible with older Apple Watch bands.

Related Forum: Apple Watch

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Top Rated Comments

oyqy Avatar
37 months ago
The Weibo post says COMPATIBLE, not INCOMPATIBLE. New bands will be a bit wider but old bands will still be compatible.
Source: I’m Chinese



Attachment Image
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DMG35 Avatar
37 months ago
Oh well, I'm still buying. No one could expect Apple to support the same bands forever.

Anyone want a bunch of bands I've collected over the years?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DMG35 Avatar
37 months ago

Absolutely, I want them! :)
You got it. As soon as I get the new one send me your address and I'll ship them out to you free of charge (except my Hermés band, will sell that one with the watch.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
37 months ago

? $1000 for iPhone and then $1000 for Watch.

I can’t afford everything
We're going to be doomed. Next month is going to be an extremely expensive month!
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
piatigorsky Avatar
37 months ago

The Weibo post says COMPATIBLE, not INCOMPATIBLE. New bands will be a bit wider but old bands will still be compatible.
Source: I’m Chinese


I'm Taiwanese. I haven't logged into this account for several years, but I simply had to log in just to confirm that yes, the weibo post does indeed say that old watch bands WILL BE COMPATIBLE. Macrumors really needs to get someone who can read and speak Mandarin Chinese on their staff. If I recall, this isn't the first time they've misreported stuff from the Chinese-language rumor mills.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sw1tcher Avatar
37 months ago
Makes sense.

Apple Watch --> Apple Watch Band
Apple Watch Pro --> Apple Watch Band Pro
Apple Watch Pro Max --> Apple Watch Band Pro Max

?‍♂️
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)