{"id":673665,"date":"2026-07-04T16:29:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T16:29:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/673665\/"},"modified":"2026-07-04T16:29:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T16:29:14","slug":"leaked-apple-watch-12-design-change-is-the-opposite-of-an-upgrade-and-that-has-me-worried","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/673665\/","title":{"rendered":"Leaked Apple Watch 12 design change is the opposite of an upgrade \u2014 and that has me worried"},"content":{"rendered":"

Apple Watch<\/a> rumors are a dime a dozen, so getting bent out of shape about one in particular isn\u2019t advisable. Then again, the vast majority of Apple Watch leaks suggest positive improvements to Cupertino\u2019s range of wearables, not potentially negative changes.<\/p>\n

This is why one particular Apple Watch 12 rumor<\/a> has me a bit, shall we say, perturbed, particularly as someone who\u2019s invested heavily over the years in accessories for the best Apple Watch<\/a> models, namely, a large collection of Apple Watch straps.<\/p>\n

A new case design could mark the end of an era<\/p>\n

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(Image credit: Dan Bracaglia\/Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

Ever since the first Apple Watch launched over a decade ago, Apple has consistently used the same strap attachment system. Sure, it’s proprietary, and an old-fashioned spring bar works just as well, but now, nearly eleven years later, many of us have acquired a sizable array of compatible bands.<\/p>\n

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I know I have my favorite Apple Watch straps<\/a>, which I frequently shift between the Apple Watch Series 11<\/a>, SE 3<\/a> and Ultra 3<\/a>, depending on what I\u2019m testing\/writing about (I\u2019m quite partial to the Nike<\/a> Sport Loop).<\/p>\n

Well, if a recent report from the known leaker Instant Digital<\/a> proves to be true, Apple could be moving away from the strap attachment system we\u2019ve all come to know and, well, tolerate. Such a move would surely irritate Apple Watch owners everywhere, myself included.<\/p>\n

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Apple is already in hot water with some smartwatch owners<\/p>\n

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\"The\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Apple)<\/p>\n

With the recent debut of watchOS 27<\/a> beta, Cupertino has already thoroughly irked a wide swath of the Apple Watch faithful. Why? The next-gen operating system for the watch \u2014 which fully launches this fall \u2014 will only support the very latest Apple Watch models.<\/p>\n

That list includes the Series 11, Series 10, Series 9, Ultra 3, Ultra 2, and SE 3. Basically, unless you purchased your Apple Watch in the past two to three years, you\u2019re out of luck, software-wise.<\/p>\n

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.<\/p>\n

Now owners of the Series 8<\/a>, SE 2<\/a>, Ultra<\/a>, etc., have to decide whether to upgrade to a newer Apple Watch model or bail on the form-factor\/move to a competitor like Garmin<\/a>. What better way to convince them to stay than by making their existing collection of straps obsolete? Heck, Apple might as well introduce a newer charger while it’s at it (Dear Apple: Please, don’t).<\/p>\n

What are your thoughts on Apple potentially switching to a new band attachment system for the Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4<\/a>? Let me know in the comments below.<\/p>\n

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