Apple ‘considering’ new Apple Watch with rugged casing, claims Bloomberg

Bloomberg has claimed that Apple is reportedly considering launching a new Apple Watch model geared specifically towards athletes, hikers and others who would use the device in extreme sporting environments, which could see the wearable get a new rugged rubberized casing option.

According to reporter Mark Gurman, Apple is said to be holding internal discussions ahead of a potential launch later this year or at some point during 2022 at the earliest. Dubbed the “Explorer Edition,” the device would add extra impact-resistance and protection, similar to Casio’s G-Shock watches.

Gurman notes that the “Explorer Edition” watch hasn’t been signed off yet, and may be subject to cancellation.

Image: Casio’s G-Shock

If Apple goes ahead this time, the rugged version would be an additional model similar to how Apple offers a lower-cost option called the Apple Watch SE and special editions co-branded with Nike Inc. and Hermes International. Sometimes dubbed the “Explorer Edition” inside Apple, the product would have the same functionality as a standard Apple Watch but with extra impact-resistance and protection in the vein of Casio’s G-Shock watches.

Additionally, the report claims that Apple is working on new swim tracking features for the Apple Watch, which will likely be released with the next-generation wearable this year.