Malcolm Owen
The long-rumored rugged Apple Watch Series 8 model could be given the "Pro" branding, a report claims, with Apple also potentially eliminating the "Edition" model to make room.
Repeated reports have speculated that Apple is working on a new Apple Watch model that has a larger display and a more protective case, intended at extreme sports and highly active users. Though rumors keep referring to it as a "rugged" Apple Watch, one now claims the model could borrow a suffix used by other Apple products.
In Sunday's "Power On" newsletter for Bloomberg, Mark Gurman believes that the Apple Watch will be given the name of the Apple Watch Pro, to go with its larger size and increased protection. The use of "Pro" will widen Apple's portfolio of products that includes Pro models, which could also give the model increased status.
"That smartwatch will be designed to appeal to extreme sports athletes and anyone who might otherwise buy a high-end Garmin sports watch for intense workouts," Gurman writes.
At the same time as introducing a Pro model, Gurman thinks it will also result in Apple pulling the Edition model from the roster. The Edition model, originally encased in gold, shifted to stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic enclosures later in life, and was always presented as the most premium option available.
The Apple Watch Pro, which could have a bigger screen and larger battery, an S8 chip, and a body temperature sensor, could have a price starting closer to $900. Gurman offers that the higher price could be justified by the larger display and use of more premium materials.
Gurman also speculates about the fate of the rumored low power mode of watchOS, which was thought to be shown off at WWDC but instead failed to appear. It is thought that the mode could still be announced at a later date.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
55 Comments
Actually the most premium version of the watch is the Apple Watch Hermès. Really hope that will continue, though suspect it will as it serves a different market and is a mutually beneficial partnership.
Apple has a strange understanding of “professionals”, apparently. I’m missing the white ceramic option despite the price, still love my AW 5 edition but it’s not even possible to get a white edition sport band as replacement any longer …discontinued was the short answer after 1,5 hours in phone calls with Apple support. :/
The only feature I’d pay double for is double the battery life.
S8 is rumour to be S6 with rebranding. If this is the case then the 900 dollars price tag isn't justified.
For a watch. Let that sink in…