Apple Inc. is considering launching an Apple Watch with a rugged cover aimed at athletes, walkers and others who use the device in more remote environments, according to people familiar with the game. issue.
The California-based tech giant Cupertino has considered the interior of the introduction of such a Watch variant later in 2021 or 2022 at the earliest, folks said. ask not to be identified talking about private matters.
This is at least the second time Apple has augmented a rugged smartwatch. After launching the first version of the Apple Watch in 2015, the company focused on a new model to better appeal to major sports athletes. The current version remains popular with runners, walkers and swimmers, and Apple has added a number of sports and activity tracking features throughout its annual update cycle. However, Casio Computer Co. and other watchers have seen strong sales from more robust product designs with added protection.
If Apple goes ahead this time, the rugged version as an additional model would be similar to how Apple offers a lower-priced option called the Apple Watch SE and special editions co-branded by Nike Inc. and Hermes International. At times known within Apple’s “Explorer Edition”, the product would have the same functionality as a standard Apple Watch but with added protection and protection in the way of Casio’s G-Shock watches.
The latest Apple Watch models already stand up to 50 meters of water – at the high end for most smartwatches. But Apple could make a new device more “rough” by providing a rubberized exterior that would be useful for environments where the usual cases of aluminum, titanium and stainless steel could be prone to damage.
The development of the new Apple Watch variant could be delayed or delayed, those familiar with the matter said. An Apple spokesman declined to comment.
Apple is also working on new swim tracking features for the Apple Watch. The company usually launches new models in September. Last year, it replaced the Apple Watch SE at a lower price and added a faster processor and blood oxygen sensor with the Apple Watch Series 6.
The Apple Watch has become one of Apple’s most important products, although the company does not disclose what revenue it will bring in. The device is part of the company’s wearables, home and decor division, which in the latter generated sales of more than $ 30 billion. fiscal year. That made Apple’s most successful product division as well as the iPhone. Apple had 40% of the smartwatch market in the last quarter of 2020, according to a Counterpoint study.