The update to the design of Apple Watch, which many users had been expecting, has been postponed indefinitely. Leading industry experts, including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, confirm that no major design changes will take place in the coming year. This means the new Series 12 watches will be released in the already familiar body, and the large-scale redesign of the device has been pushed back to at least 2028.

The main reason for such a pause is said to be preparation for the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, which will be celebrated in 2027. Apple plans to direct the resources of all its designers and engineers toward redesigning the smartphones, so the watch lineup will remain visually unchanged for several more seasons. Rumors of a new "Apple Watch X" or a switch to magnetic strap attachment remain only plans for the future for now.

However, the absence of external changes does not make the 2026 watches "boring." The main focus will be on internal technologies: there is talk of introducing an under-display Touch ID fingerprint scanner, as well as new sensors for more accurate health monitoring. In addition, Apple is working to extend battery life, which always remains one of the most sought-after updates for users.

For owners of Series 7 or earlier models, upgrading to the new generations will provide a significant boost in speed and display quality. But for owners of Series 10 or 11, upgrading this year solely for the sake of design is not worthwhile — the appearance of the gadget will remain virtually unchanged.