{
  "id": 410995,
  "title": "Apple going circular could make the Watch better at being a watch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/apple-going-circular-could-make-the-watch-better-at-being-a-watch",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-09T21:59:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Digital Trends",
    "slug": "digital-trends",
    "url": "https://www.digitaltrends.com/wearables/apple-watch-round-display-design-pros-cons/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple's ongoing exploration of new designs for the Apple Watch could potentially result in a circular model, which could significantly alter its appearance and functionality. A circular design might make the device more fashionable, blending seamlessly with various outfits and traditional clothing, potentially attracting users who previously avoided the Watch due to its tech-savvy look. This shift could also make the Apple Watch feel less like a computer and more like a conventional timepiece, although it would require significant changes to the current watchOS interface, which is optimized for rectangular screens.\n\nOn the other hand, the current rectangular shape of the Apple Watch provides a practical advantage for developers, allowing them to arrange interface elements more easily. A circular design would limit usable space and might necessitate a redesign of the keyboard and other interface components, potentially making typing on the device more challenging. Moreover, the components inside the Watch are not circular, and fitting them into a circular case could create awkward dead spaces, potentially requiring thicker devices or redesigning internal components, which could increase manufacturing costs.\n\nApple has already experimented with circular watch designs, as seen with Samsung, Google, and Garmin, but the company is known for its focus on thinness and internal packaging. A circular Apple Watch could be appealing for users prioritizing health tracking and smart features while maintaining a more stylish appearance, but it would necessitate substantial changes to watchOS, app design, internal components, and potentially battery capacity. This scenario could lead to a new branch of the Apple Watch lineup, catering to users who prefer a more traditional timepiece appearance. However, these changes would require careful consideration and could pose challenges for developers and the overall user experience.",
  "summary": "Apple is reportedly considering a round display for future Apple Watch models. A circular design could make the Watch more stylish and appealing, but it could also create challenges for apps, watchOS, battery life, and hardware design.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "TechRadar",
        "title": "‘My Apple Watch is going to hate this’: Our wearables are making us anxious and obsessive — Here’s what we can all do about it",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/my-apple-watch-is-going-to-hate-this-our-wearables-are-making-us",
        "published": "2026-08-09T02:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "9to5Mac",
        "title": "Apple considers round screens and more radical designs for future Apple Watch revamp",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/apple-considers-round-screens-and-more-radical-designs-for-future",
        "published": "2026-08-09T14:20:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "AppleInsider",
        "title": "2026 Apple Watch upgrade will be dull, but a big redesign is in progress",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/2026-apple-watch-upgrade-will-be-dull-but-a-big-redesign-is-in",
        "published": "2026-08-09T14:41:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Digital Trends",
        "title": "The Apple Watch could get outrageouly expensive with new premium models planned",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/the-apple-watch-could-get-outrageouly-expensive-with-new-premium",
        "published": "2026-08-09T15:49:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}