Apple is preparing an Apple Watch without a screen, the change can make you shocked

Illustration of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. (photo: x @horleytech ·)

JAKARTA - Apple is rumored to be preparing a major overhaul of the Apple Watch line. After years of maintaining a relatively similar design and concept, Apple is said to be starting to explore a new generation of Apple Watches with different concepts, including a screenless device.

Bloomberg's report said Apple is evaluating various new directions for the Apple Watch in response to changes in the wearable device market. One of the concerns is the increasing popularity of screenless fitness devices and smart rings.

Apple Watch has been getting updates more gradually. However, the company is now said to want to make a bigger change to bring the device into a new era.

Apple Watch without screen is starting to be considered

One of the concepts that Apple is currently exploring is an Apple Watch device without a screen.

Apple is also said to be considering various types of screens and sizes. In fact, the design of a circular screen was discussed internally by the company, although the concept was considered not necessarily to enter the production stage.

In addition, Apple is said to be considering a new premium model above the Apple Watch Ultra and the Hermès variant. In the more affordable segment, the company is also exploring a concept that is cheaper than the current Apple Watch SE.

There is no final decision on the direction of the design. This means that the Apple Watch without a screen or any other new design is not necessarily actually marketed.

Apple Watch is still the best-selling smartwatch

The overhaul comes at a time when the Apple Watch's position is actually still very strong in the market.

According to data from Counterpoint Research cited by Bloomberg, Apple Watch sales increased 21% in the first quarter. In the same period, a number of competitors such as Samsung experienced a decline in sales.

Apple Watch has also evolved from just a smart watch to a health and fitness device.

The latest generation has offered a variety of features such as electrocardiograms or ECG, hypertension detection, sleep monitoring as well as cellular and satellite connectivity.

However, Apple faces competition from products with a different approach such as smart rings and fitness bands without a screen.

Apple Watch challenged by Whoop and Oura

Apple sees changing consumer behavior as one reason to reevaluate the Apple Watch.

Devices such as screenless fitness bands and smart rings offer a lighter form, cheaper prices, and a simpler experience for users who only need fitness and health features.

The competition comes from Whoop and Oura, among others. Apple is said to want to respond to these changes by expanding the choice of wearable devices offered to consumers.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 still launching

Even though Apple is preparing major changes for the future, the next generation of Apple Watch is said to still bring relatively conventional improvements.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 are rumored to get internal performance improvements. Both are also said to come with new color and strap options.

Apple is also said to be preparing the return of the ceramic casing option, which is likely to be introduced this year or next year. In addition, health and fitness feature updates are also being prepared.

Thus, radical changes to the Apple Watch are unlikely to come immediately in the near future.

Apple wants the Apple Watch to be smarter with AI

Artificial intelligence or AI is also part of Apple's long-term plan for the Apple Watch.

Apple is said to see an opportunity to make wearable devices more AI-oriented as it develops Siri and increasingly intelligent health monitoring features.

The company also has big plans to re-develop the Health app. This step is considered related to the increasing consumer interest in AI-based health and fitness services.

If the plan is realized, the future Apple Watch has the potential to no longer be just a "mini iPhone on the wrist", but to become a more independent health and AI device.

Apple prepares a big surprise September 2026

In addition to the Apple Watch, Apple is preparing a big agenda in September 2026. Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. The main products in the event are expected to be Apple's first foldable iPhone.

Apple is said to have involved its retail store employees in the preparation of the event, which is scheduled to take place in the first half of September.

September 9, 2026 is considered one of the most likely dates due to Apple's iPhone launch schedule pattern. However, Apple has not officially announced the date of the event.

Apple Watch could change like iPhone

The major changes that Apple is considering show that the company does not want the Apple Watch to only get a specification upgrade every year.

Since it was first introduced more than a decade ago, the Apple Watch concept has been relatively consistent. The company has mostly enlarged the screen, made the device thinner, added connectivity and expanded health features.

Now Apple is said to want to bring more fundamental changes. If the plan is really realized, the future Apple Watch could have many new forms, including the possibility of a screenless device.

However, Bloomberg insists that the process is still in the exploration stage and Apple has not set a final design. The major changes are also expected to take time before they actually arrive in the market.