Apple Watch X: Apple analyst shares new information about thinner and larger design with 3D printed components

Apple has not changed the design of its smartwatches much since the launch of the Series 7 (curr. $205 renewed on Amazon) in 2021. However, it did introduce a new design language in late 2022 with the Watch Ultra, which is likely to reach its third generation this autumn as the Watch Ultra 3. Allegedly, Apple will be bringing a new design to its cheaper and smaller smartwatches this year though, with the release of the so-called Watch X.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the successor to last year's Watch Series 9 will be offered in two sizes. With that being said, Apple is rumoured to have done away with its previous 41 mm or 45 mm options. Instead, the Watch X or Watch Series 10 is slated to arrive in 45 mm and 49 mm variants, albeit with a much thinner housing. Please note that the above image is only a concept based on current rumours rather than from a leaked CAD file or equivalent.

At any rate, the thinner case design is expected to make the Watch Series 10 incompatible with existing Apple Watch straps. Conversely, the Watch Ultra 3 will still support all previous watch straps, but only because its design will remain largely unchanged. Supposedly, the Watch Ultra will be available in a new black variant, but only if mass production goes as planned.

Moreover, Kuo adds that the Watch Series 10 will mark the first time when Apple uses 3D printed components in a smartwatch's construction. Theoretically, this should reduce production costs, although it remains to be seen whether the company will pass any associated savings onto consumers. For now, the Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 3 are expected to launch in late Q3 2024 alongside the iPhone 16 series.