Apple’s legacy of innovation traces back to 1976 when co-founder Steve Wozniak introduced the Apple I, aiming to make home computers accessible to average families. By 2007, the debut of the iPhone catapulted Apple’s value from $100 billion to over $3 trillion, driven by its sustained popularity over the following decade and a half.
Since its launch in April 2015, the Apple Watch has emerged as a pivotal device for Apple’s growth. According to Statista, Apple sold 8.3 million watches in its inaugural year and has unveiled a new model every September since. Sales have steadily risen, peaking at $53.9 million in 2022.
The latest iterations of the Apple Watch include the Apple Watch 9 and the robust Apple Watch Ultra 2, both introduced as scheduled last September but temporarily withdrawn from the market in December due to a patent dispute with Masimo, a medical device manufacturer. The disagreement primarily centered on the pulse oximetry technology integrated into the latest models.
We are likely to see a new Apple Watch this fall
It is likely, though not confirmed, that Apple will adhere to its regular upgrade schedule and introduce one or two new Apple Watch models this September. Following the naming convention of previous models, the next release will likely be named the Apple Watch 10. Additionally, there may be an update to the high-end Ultra line with an Ultra 3 version.
However, potential legal issues with Masimo could potentially disrupt this timeline. Apple recently updated how its watches measure blood oxygen levels to distinguish its technology from Masimo Health’s patented wearable pulse-ox devices. Masimo sells its W1 Sport smartwatch for $549, and any legal disputes could impact the release schedule.
As a result, there is speculation that the new Apple Watch models could be unveiled at Apple’s Fall event scheduled for late October.
