Rumors about the 2024 Apple Watch, widely anticipated to bear the name Apple Watch X, suggest owners may face higher costs due to a likely change in how bands attach. According to MacRumors, citing an insider known as Kosutami, Apple might disable compatibility with straps designed for earlier generations. The reporting highlights that this shift could impact the accessory ecosystem that many users rely on, especially those who have collected a longstanding collection of bands.
Individuals involved in the watch’s development have told Insider that the existing band system takes up valuable space that could be better used for a larger battery or other internal components. This rationale appears to underpin the proposed move to a magnetic mounting system for the new model. Kosutami’s claims further assert that the old straps would not fit the upgraded mechanism, creating a potential split between current owners and new hardware.
One insider stated, If you have older bracelets, you can sell them. There is strong confidence that these will be incompatible with the new watch, underscoring the upcoming design shift and its practical implications for consumers who own multiple bands.
For context, the Apple Watch strap attachment method has remained consistent since the device debuted in 2014. The watch features slots along the top and bottom edges for the band, which is secured in place with a small release mechanism. Pressing the button near the bottom connector disengages the strap, allowing it to be removed with ease. Such a design has supported a vibrant third-party strap market and a broad range of customization options for users over the years.
In related news, a prior leak regarding upcoming processors for the iPhone 16 had circulated in the tech community, illustrating a period of heightened anticipation for Apple’s next-generation devices. While official details remain scarce, analysts and enthusiasts continue to monitor the situation closely as Apple executives prepare to unveil further specifications and compatibility information for both the Apple Watch lineup and iPhone family in the coming months. [CITATION: MacRumors reporting on Kosutami; corroborating commentary from Insider]