9to5Mac Daily: August 10, 2026 – Apple Watch rumors, more
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Apple is reportedly exploring a redesign of the Apple Watch, with possibilities including a circular case design or even a screen-free model. According to Mark Gurman of Business Insider, as reported by Tom's Guide, the company is actively considering these concepts, although a screenless Apple Watch is unlikely in 2026.
The idea of a screen-free Apple fitness tracker has been discussed before, with Apple filing patents for a smart ring over the past decade. However, there is little evidence to suggest that such a product is a current priority. Tom's Guide notes that Garmin and Google have recently launched subscription-free fitness trackers, the Garmin Cirqa and Fitbit Air, which compete with the Whoop 5.0.
Apple's research and development team is apparently considering the concept of a screen-free fitness tracker, but it remains to be seen if this will come to fruition. Mark Gurman, via Tom's Guide, suggests that an Apple-built alternative to the Whoop fitness tracker is more likely than a smart ring competitor to Oura.
Brief written by urgent.news from 9to5Mac, Tom's Guide — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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