Apple to release all-new rugged Apple Watch next year, report suggests

Apple’s rumored new “Explorer Edition” Apple Watch is rumored to launch as soon as next year, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman who suggests the new wearable will also make an appearance alongside an updated Apple Watch SE.

The new rugged Apple Watch, dubbed the “Explorer Edition” is said to be targeted towards athletes, hikers and others who would use the device in extreme sporting environments.

Gurman suggested at the beginning of the year that Apple was considering a new “Explorer Edition” Apple Watch that would add extra impact-resistance and protection to appeal to users who want to wear an Apple Watch but fear to do so because of the environments they would wear it in, where it is important the device would be robust and durable enough to withstand daily use, similar to Casio’s G-Shock watches.

Image: Apple

At the time, the report said the plans for a new “Explorer Edition” Apple Watch were in the early stages and subject to cancellation however, those plans now appear to have firmed, with Gurman noting in his “Power On” newsletter at the beginning of the month that he expects the new device will launch in 2022, likely when Apple releases the Apple Watch Series 8 and the second Apple Watch SE.