An unrecognizable Apple Watch in 2026? The first tracks

In early August, several clues found in the beta of iOS 26 confirmed the imminent arrival of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The high -end watch is expected during the September Keynote, alongside the iPhone 17. The Apple Watch Series 11 should also be there.

Among the most likely new features, there is a slightly larger and bright screen for Ultra 3, or satellite connectivity. For Series 11, we are talking about a more compact S11 chip, monitoring of blood pressure and a 5G redcap modem. Just a few weeks before the release, when we know almost everything about future models, New rumors already inform about the generation of 2026.

A project planned for 2026

According to a report of Digitimes relayed by Appleinsider, Apple would already prepare a overhaul for its 2026 models. The idea would be to integrate twice as many sensors on the rear part of the watch. Eight elements would be arranged in a circle, visible under an enlarged window.

On current models, this glass area already brings together heart and activity sensors. The future design would therefore extend it to form a complete and potentially more precise ring.

The report does not specify if it is the ultra range or the classic version. Some passages even suggest that it could be about Ultra 3, but it was released in September 2025, in just a few weeks. However, Digitimes explicitly evokes the 2026 horizon for this evolution.

It therefore seems much more logical to see a track for a future Apple Watch Series 12 with a complete ring ring, or for an ultra 4, rather than for the Ultra 3 which arrives very soon. A prototype appeared from last March, with a wide back and eight visible lines in a circle, seems to reinforce this hypothesis.

More sensors, new measures

To double the number of sensors would not be trivial. Apple could thus offer unique measures, beyond heart rate or sleep monitoring. Hypertension detection could be integrated from this overhaulwhile it is still uncertain for Series 11.

In parallel, Digitimes assures that Apple would also work on better energy efficiency in order to preserve the autonomydespite the addition of sensors.