A circular watch and a health device without a screen from Apple

Apple is considering radical changes in the future of its wearable devices, including developing the Apple Watch with a circular screen, along with a new health bracelet without a screen that focuses on tracking sleep, fitness, and health, in a move that may redraw the company’s strategy in the smart watch market.

Apple appears to be at a new crossroads in the market of watches and wearable devices, after reports revealed that the company is studying radically different designs for the Apple Watch, including a watch with a circular screen and a health bracelet that relies on sensors without a screen. Information indicates that these ideas are still in the early stages of development, and may not reach the markets before 2027 or 2028.

Apple has maintained the distinctive rectangular shape of its smart watch since the launch of the first generation about 12 years ago, at a time when competitors turned to circular designs and smaller devices that focus more on tracking health and fitness.

According to reports, Apple’s design teams are exploring a watch with a circular screen, along with a wearable device without a screen, in an attempt to expand the company’s options and compete with specialized products, such as: WHOOP bracelets and Fitbit.

But the circular design is still just an idea under study, as the watchOS system will need extensive redesign to deal with the circular screen, especially since the current interfaces, notifications, and applications were designed primarily for rectangular screens. Therefore, there are still no confirmed indications that the idea will move to the production stage.

On the other hand, the concept of a screen-free health bracelet seems more commercially realistic. This device targets users who want to track heart rate, sleep, stress, and other health data, without the need for a screen or apps and notifications on the wrist.

This design may give Apple an important advantage in extending battery life and reducing the weight of the device. Current smart watches need to be charged frequently, which is especially a problem for users who wear them to track sleep stages. In contrast, specialized bracelets such as WHOOP and Fitbit offer operating periods of several days.

In the near term, it does not seem that the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 will provide a revolution in design. The information indicates the continuation of the rectangular structure, with a focus on a new processor, improving battery efficiency, and developing health tracking capabilities.

The new devices are expected to arrive in September 2026, while the radical redesign of the watch may be delayed until 2027 or 2028. Apple is also studying other options, including new price levels and more luxurious versions, in addition to the possibility of reusing the ceramic body.