Don't Expect a New Design, Apple Watch 2026 Focuses on Improving Performance

JAKARTA - Apple is rumored to not have made any major design changes to the Apple Watch line that is scheduled to launch in September 2026. Based on the latest reports, the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 are more focused on performance improvements through the use of new processors than display updates.

Bloomberg's report says that the Apple Watch Series 12 and the Apple Watch Ultra 4 will not bring visible design changes compared to the previous generation. Both devices are said to have entered the final testing stage ahead of launch.

Apple Watch Series 12 has the code name N237 for the Wi-Fi model and N238 for the cellular variant. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 uses the code name N240. The three models are said to be the only new Apple Watch that Apple will introduce in September 2026.

In addition to performance improvements thanks to the new chipset, Apple is also rumored to be preparing improvements to health and fitness features. However, the improvement is expected to come more from software updates because there is no indication of adding new sensors to the device.

This report reinforces previous rumors that the Apple Watch Series 12 will not bring significant hardware improvements compared to its predecessor.

On the other hand, Bloomberg said Apple is developing a new, larger design for the regular Apple Watch line. However, the overhaul is expected to only come in the next few years so it won't be seen in the models released this year.

The report also mentions that Apple has no plans to introduce the latest generation of the Apple Watch SE in September 2026. Until now, there has been no information regarding the launch schedule of the successor model of the affordable smart watch.

Meanwhile, old rumors about a new mechanism for attaching watch bands are back. Apple is said to still be considering a new mounting system, although similar information has been circulating for the past few years without ever being realized in a commercial product.

On the other hand, a different report that appeared in May 2026 had mentioned that the Apple Watch Ultra 4 could bring significant improvements to the sensor sector. Based on information from the supply chain, the model is rumored to be able to present a number of sensors up to twice as many as the previous generation.

However, all of this information is still rumor. Apple has not given official confirmation regarding the specifications and features that will be brought by the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 ahead of its launch in September 2026.