Apple’s next Apple Watch, which has previously been named as ‘Apple Watch X’ in celebration of the 10th-generation of the wearable, is set to feature a completely revamped band connector, making them incompatible with all existing bands, as revealed by post from Apple leaker and prototype collector “Kosutami.”
In a post on X, formally known as Twitter, the leaker says “Connectors of next generation of Watch has completely redesigned… Literally if you have old bands now, just sell itIt’s 100% accurate.”
While, of course, at this stage the rumor cannot be verified and should not be treated as accurate, Kosutami has previously provided accurate information about unreleased Apple accessories, such as the replacement of the leather Modern Buckle band with a FineWoven version earlier this year. Additionally, Kosutami was the first to provide real-world images of the FineWoven Apple Watch bands before their official unveiling.
The mechanism for connecting bands to the Apple Watch’s casing has remained consistent since its inception in 2014. The device features a slot along the top and bottom edges, allowing the band to be inserted and secured in place via a small spring. A button on the underside of the device releases the band when pressed. This system has been unchanged across all Apple Watch generations, facilitating users in freely collecting and swapping bands across different generations, provided the casing has the same width.
The proposed overhaul of this system is poised to be contentious, given that existing bands will become incompatible and, ultimately, obsolete.