Multiple outlets report a renewed rumor that the Apple Watch will undergo a major redesign in 2027, focused in part on a new way to attach watch bands. The claim is attributed to the Weibo leaker “Instant Digital,” who says the “Apple Watch X” idea from earlier speculation has resurfaced, including a redesign that would change the band connection method. The new attachment system would reportedly create internal space for a larger battery and would break compatibility with existing bands, making current accessories potentially obsolete for the redesigned model.
The reports also note that earlier, broader overhaul rumors—including expectations for a magnetic band system and other hardware changes—did not come to pass when Apple released the Apple Watch Series 10 and subsequent models. MacRumors further places the timing within Apple’s approximate multi-year design refresh patterns for the standard Apple Watch, suggesting a redesign around a “Series 13” timeframe in 2027. Separately, Apple Watch Series 12 (expected in 2026) is not expected to include a redesign, with sources saying it would continue the Series 10-style form factor and band system.
