Apple Watch X: Will the Anniversary Edition Redesign Fit?

The Apple Watch is approaching a major milestone. Just as the iPhone X marked a dramatic shift in smartphone design in 2017, industry insiders expect the 10th anniversary of Apple’s wearable to bring the most significant overhaul in the device’s history. While the Series 9 was an iterative update, the rumored “Apple Watch X” or Series 10 promises structural changes that could redefine how the watch looks, feels, and functions.

The Magnetic Band Attachment System

The most controversial and significant rumor regarding the Apple Watch X concerns the mechanism for attaching watch bands. Since the original Apple Watch launched in 2015, the design has remained consistent. You slide the band into a groove on the chassis and it locks in place. This consistency allowed users to collect bands for a decade without worrying about compatibility.

According to reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to abandon the sliding mechanism in favor of a new magnetic attachment system.

Why Change the Mechanism?

Apple is not making this change purely for aesthetics. The current sliding mechanism requires a significant amount of internal space. The cutouts for the locking mechanism eat into the volume of the watch casing. By switching to a magnetic system, Apple engineers can reclaim that internal real estate.

This extra space is crucial for two reasons:

• Battery Density: It allows for a physically larger battery without increasing the overall bulk of the device.
• Thinness: It enables the chassis to be slimmed down significantly while maintaining current battery life standards.

The Compatibility Issue

The downside of this redesign is backward compatibility. If Apple moves forward with the magnetic system, millions of existing bands will likely become obsolete for the new model. For users who have invested hundreds of dollars in Hermès leather straps or Link Bracelets, this transition could be a major pain point.

A Thinner Chassis and Larger Display

The snippet you read mentions a “thinner chassis,” and this aligns with the goals of the magnetic band redesign. Current rumors suggest Apple is aiming to make the Series 10 the slimmest Apple Watch ever produced.

Screen Real Estate

Alongside a thinner body, the screen size is expected to increase. CAD renders and supply chain leaks indicate that Apple may introduce two new casing sizes, roughly roughly 45mm and 49mm. This would bring the standard Apple Watch display size much closer to that of the Apple Watch Ultra.

This increase isn’t just about making the watch bigger on your wrist. It is about reducing the bezels. By pushing the display further to the edge, Apple can offer a larger viewable area without making the physical footprint of the watch feel cumbersome.

Display Technology

While early rumors pointed toward a MicroLED display for the Series 10, recent supply chain disruptions suggest this technology has been delayed or cancelled for the immediate future. Instead, the Apple Watch X will likely utilize a more advanced OLED panel with low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology. This ensures the “Always On” display is more power-efficient than ever before, which helps balance the power draw of a larger screen.

New Health Sensors: Hypertension and Sleep Apnea

Hardware design is only half the story. The 10th anniversary edition is expected to introduce heavily requested health monitoring features that have been in development for years.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Samsung and other competitors have offered blood pressure monitoring for some time, but Apple’s approach is different. The Apple Watch X is expected to feature a sensor capable of detecting hypertension.

Unlike a traditional cuff that gives you precise systolic and diastolic numbers (e.g., ¹²⁰⁄₈₀), the Apple Watch implementation will likely focus on trends. It will alert the user if their blood pressure is trending upward or is consistently high, prompting them to take a formal reading with a medical-grade device. This “trend-based” approach avoids the regulatory hurdles and potential inaccuracies of trying to provide exact medical readings from a wrist-worn sensor.

Sleep Apnea Detection

The second major health addition is sleep apnea detection. The watch will use existing sensors and new algorithms to monitor a user’s breathing patterns and sleep history. If the device detects interruptions in breathing consistent with sleep apnea, it will suggest the user visit a doctor for a formal diagnosis. This feature leverages the improved battery efficiency, encouraging users to wear the device overnight.

Release Date and Pricing Expectations

Apple follows a strict release cycle. Based on historical data, the Apple Watch X (or Series 10) will be announced in September 2024, alongside the iPhone 16 lineup.

Pricing is expected to remain consistent with previous generations, despite the redesign.

• Aluminum Models: Likely starting around $399.
• Stainless Steel / Titanium Models: Likely starting around $699 to $799.

If the magnetic band system is implemented, Apple will likely launch a wide array of new accessories simultaneously to ensure early adopters have customization options on day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my old Apple Watch bands fit the Apple Watch X? If the rumors regarding the magnetic attachment system are true, your old bands will likely not fit the new Apple Watch X. The connection points would be physically incompatible.

Is the Apple Watch X the same as the Apple Watch Ultra 3? No. The Apple Watch X (Series 10) is the successor to the standard Series 9. The Ultra is a separate, more rugged product line. However, the Series 10 may adopt a screen size closer to the Ultra.

When will the Apple Watch X be released? Apple is expected to unveil the device in September 2024 during their annual fall hardware event.

Will the Apple Watch X measure blood sugar? No. Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring is still in the research and development phase at Apple. While it is a long-term goal, it is not expected to be ready for the 2024 release. The focus for this generation is blood pressure and sleep apnea.