Apple will launch in 2022 a “rugged” version of its Apple Watch, aimed at athletes.
A tipter at Apple claims that the ruggedized watch could be tougher and less susceptible to scratches than rivals Garmin and Coros watches.
Apple could also reveal an updated version of the Apple Watch SE, the lower-cost model that was first revealed in autumn 2020.
The models will be available in the same market as Apple Watch Series 8, Apple’s most popular wearable.
According to an Apple tipter, Apple will release three smartwatches by 2022. Pictured is the Apple Watch Series 7 in various colours, released this year
Apple tipter Mark Gurman from Bloomberg has provided details about the rumored release. He wrote this in his latest Power On newsletter. MailOnline reached Apple to get comment.
Three of the Apple smartwatches from the 2022 series will most likely be launched in the fall, when is the expected announcement for the iPhone 14.
Gurman stated that the “Rugged Apple Watch” would be an extreme-sports version.
‘2021 was a modest year for Apple product updates, but I’d expect a wider-range of new products in 2022,’ he said.
Apple releases a new Apple Watch flagship every year starting in 2015. This year’s Apple Watch Series 7, supposedly its most durable to date, was released in autumn with up to 33 per cent faster charging and a bigger display, with prices starting from £369.
There is not yet much information available about Apple Watch Series 8. It will be out next autumn, as we expect, with the other two models.
Apple’s Series 7 smartwatch was released just recently, but there are rumours about the next generation of wearables.
Apple Watch Series 8 might have a flat-edged design. It will also likely include a temperature sensor.
As for the updated version of the Apple Watch SE, Gurman revealed fewer details in his newsletter.
SE is the name for Apple’s lower-price products – not just for smartwatches but iPhones too. Apple launched the iPhone SE 2 in 2020, four years later than its predecessor.
The £249 Apple Watch SE, released in September 2020, is a lower-price option for wearers, but it lacks features including an always-on display, a blood oxygen sensor and an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Gurman didn’t mention what upgrades will be included in the 2022 version – possibly called Apple Watch SE 2 – or whether it would be more expensive than the original.
Apple’s tipster has been described as respected and is able to accurately reveal the products of tech giants.
Apple Track, which monitors Apple Rumours and the Sources that They Are Published, gives him an accuracy rating currently at 87 percent.
It’s not the first time rumours of a rugged Apple Watch have surfaced from Gurman, however – in March, he reported the ‘Explorer Edition’ would have a more durable rubber frame and extra impact-resistance to hold up in ‘extreme environments.
Gurman stated in March that Apple will release the rumored Explorer Edition later this year, or as early as 2022. Photo: Apple Watch Series 6 (released 2020).
He said it would launch later this year or early 2022, but it appears his estimations for a release date have now been pushed back.
Apple considered a more rugged version of its Apple Watch when it first launched the wearable to much fanfare in 2015, but never released this product to consumers.
Apple may also unveil at least five additional Mac devices in 2022. This includes an updated iPad line and AirPods.
Gurman believes that Apple’s long-awaited AR headset will be released in the coming year.
This corroborates predictions from another respected leaker, Ming-Chi Kuo, who said the AR headset will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2022.