Apple Watch X: Unveiling the Future of Wearables - Rumors, Leaks, and Your Wish List

Apple Watch updates have mostly been tweaks and improvements over the years. Sure, some features like GPS and a temperature sensor were exciting additions, but the overall design hasn't changed much. Every year, it's the same basic look: a rounded, rectangular case with bands you can swap and a special charger that only works with Apple Watches. The Series 7 did have a bigger screen, but it wasn't the dramatic design shift many people were hoping for.

But rumors say the upcoming X model might be the biggest design change in years. Leaks suggest Apple is working on completely new ways to attach Apple Watch bands. Instead of the current system where you slide the band in and lock it, they might use magnets. This would mean the band wouldn't stick out as much from the case, allowing Apple to make the watch itself thinner and have more space inside for things like a bigger battery.

The rumor mill is churning about the next Apple Watch, possibly called the X. Leaker Kosutami says new bands are coming, but it's unclear if they'll be for the X specifically. Don't toss your old bands just yet, though – Apple might make adapters so they still work.

Meanwhile, analyst Gurman predicts a slimmer watch and a fancy new microLED display. These super-sharp screens were originally thought to be for the next Apple Watch Ultra, but maybe the X will get them instead. MicroLED is a big upgrade over the current OLED, offering richer colors, sharper details, and a better view from any angle.

Here's where things get messy. Analyst Kuo throws cold water on the excitement, saying the 2024 Apple Watch won't be a huge leap forward. He claims no microLED, no blood sugar tracking – those features might have to wait another year. To make things even more confusing, another analyst, Chansin, says Apple might have scrapped the microLED project altogether! Apparently, they were planning it for the Apple Watch's 10th anniversary (the X?), but development was slow and they decided a delay would be too much trouble.

So, will the Apple Watch X have a big redesign with a skinny build and fancy new bands? Maybe. But the super-bright microLED display might be a dream for now.

There's bad news for fans of Apple's in-house MicroLED displays. According to Bloomberg, Apple scrapped the project in March because it was just too expensive and tricky to pull off. This could be the final blow for this technology at Apple.

On a brighter note, Apple might be bringing some exciting health features to the Apple Watch X. Reliable Apple insider Mark Gurman believes 2024 could be the year we see blood pressure monitoring on our wrists. This wouldn't give you exact readings, but it would warn you if your blood pressure seems to be going up and suggest keeping a log of these moments.

Gurman also hinted that the X might come with sleep apnea detection. This feature would track your breathing patterns to see if there are signs of the condition and then recommend talking to a doctor.

We should be hearing more rumors and leaks about the Apple Watch X in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates!

As for the price, it's anyone's guess. Every Apple Watch since Series 3 started at $399. But the new high-end Ultra model launched at a hefty $799. With all the rumored upgrades, Apple might charge more for the X. However, if they want the Ultra to stay their top-of-the-line option, they might keep the X priced similarly to past models.

Should you wait for the Apple Watch X?

Let's be honest, the Apple Watch Series 9 isn't a huge leap forward. Maybe the tech isn't there yet, or maybe Apple's saving the good stuff for a future Apple Watch X (the name isn't confirmed yet). Whatever the reason, the Series 9 might seem a bit boring compared to what's coming next.

If you've already got a Series 7 or 8, you're probably better off waiting for the X instead of upgrading to the 9. The same goes for folks with the Apple Watch Ultra or Ultra 2. Hold tight until we know more about how the X stacks up, especially when it comes to battery life.

Of course, if you're using an Android phone, you can forget about the Apple Watch X. Apple watches only work with iPhones, and that's unlikely to change. In the meantime, you might check out the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 or the Pixel Watch 2. If you're looking for a non-Wear OS smartwatch with serious fitness tracking features, the Garmin Venu 3 is a great option.

Better battery life