With rumors heating up ahead of the release of the next-generation Apple Watch, which is expected to be unveiled in September, DSCC’s Ross Young has suggested that Apple could up the screen size of this year’s new model by 5%, offering users a larger wearable with a display around 50mm, up from the 45mm Apple Watch Series 7.
In a tweet shared on Monday, Young says the new model will be 1.99-inch diagonally, suggesting we could see Apple once again increase the size of the Apple Watch’s display later this year with the release of the Apple Watch Series 8.
Apple currently offers the Apple Watch Series 7 in two screen sizes: 41mm and 45mm. It is unclear if Apple will offer a third size with the release of the Series 8, or if Apple could drop one of the current sizes and continue to offer two variations for customers to choose from.
It has already been reported that Apple’s next-generation Apple Watch SE 2 will likely keep the same screen size as the current model, however, rumors have suggested that Apple is also working on a new rugged Apple Watch model targeted towards athletes, hikers and others who would use the device in extreme sporting environments.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously reported that the device will offer 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.
It could be that the new 50mm Apple Watch could be linked to the rugged model expected to be announced in the fall, but for now, it looks like the Apple Watch Series 8 will offer users a larger display, body temperature monitoring, battery and performance improvements, and possibly a redesign.
