{
  "id": 384475,
  "title": "Apple could be eyeing a round display as it plans smartwatch refresh",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/apple-could-be-eyeing-a-round-display-as-it-plans-smartwatch-refresh",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-09T15:07:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Digital Trends",
    "slug": "digital-trends",
    "url": "https://www.digitaltrends.com/wearables/apple-has-apparently-considered-a-round-display-as-it-plans-smartwatch-refresh/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple is reportedly considering a design overhaul for its smartwatch, potentially introducing a round display in the future. The Cupertino-based tech giant has been focusing on rectangular screens for its wearables, but Google's Wear OS ecosystem has seen brands experimenting with both circular and rectangular displays. Bloomberg reports that Apple is eyeing a reset of its wearable device efforts, exploring new devices with no displays and various screen sizes. While the shift to a round display is not a straightforward process, Apple's resources and the demand for a circular Apple Watch make it a plausible option. The biggest challenge lies in adapting the user interface and optimizing it for interactions on a round screen. Apple already holds a patent for a round smartwatch from 2018, and the company has been working on this idea for years. Some brands, like Samsung, have already started offering framed square screens atop round bodies, while Google's Pixel Watch 5 Special Edition will feature a more distinctive strap and a higher price point.",
  "summary": "Back in 2017, we came across an Apple patent for a smartwatch with a round display. It seems Apple is finally considering the design refresh.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}